This blog post is sponsored by Mastel’s Health Foods, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to help you understand some important things to consider before starting a new supplement.
Adaptogens, superfoods, and antioxidants, oh my! It seems like there’s constantly a new supplement out there that’s getting buzz and attention, and it’s hard to know what’s worth adding to your routine, and what’s something you should pass on.
Add to that all the social media influencers out there giving health advice, and it’s easy to get swept up in a trend without thinking it through.
For example, there’s been a recent trend on TikTok of “dry scooping” or taking pre-workout supplements without water, yikes! (Please don’t try this, it’s been linked to heart attacks and hospitalization).
Bottom line? Before adding a new supplement to your routine, you need to ask yourself three important questions:
What evidence supports this supplement?
Are there multiple studies that demonstrate the benefits of using this supplement? If someone shares a tip on social media, make sure you do at least a quick search to validate whether the evidence supports the claim.
Not sure how to research this stuff? Mastel’s has been helping people with this for years. Before the internet, they had a library of over 1,000 books on health, nutrition, supplements, and herbs for the public to access and do their own research, right in the store. Now they have digital access to a library of resources and their staff are happy to help you research any supplements you’re curious about.
They’ll spend the time with you to help you think through the questions to ask and what to consider. And for a lot of the popular supplements they’ve likely already researched or been trained on what the evidence is.
They’re like your nerdy friend who’s already done most of the homework and can point you in the right direction.
Why will this be beneficial to me?
Just because there’s evidence of health benefits for a supplement, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. What are your health concerns or priorities? What else are you taking? Does this new supplement have any known interactions with supplements you’re already using?
The staff at Mastel’s can help you research any potential interactions with other supplements and help you compare and contrast different supplements in a comfortable and no-pressure environment. They can share general feedback they’ve heard about different products, and this can help you make the right decision for yourself.
What are the purity and quality standards of this product?
What’s this company’s reputation? What third party testing or certifications do they hold? If organic or non-GMO products are important to you, look for those certifications on the label. Look at the language and claims they make around ingredient safety and their supply chain or testing standards.
It’s also important to think about how the distributor or retailer is handling this product. Has it been kept at the proper temperature range during storage? Buying from a 3rd party seller on Amazon, for example, can be risky because the product may not be stored or shipped properly.
The team at Mastel’s is well trained and immersed in this industry, so they can give you guidance on what to look for in quality and purity standards, and they can help you compare and contrast different supplements as you make a decision. And if you’re having trouble finding a specific supplement locally, they can place special orders for you.
When it comes to new superfoods and supplements, avoid jumping on the TikTok bandwagon and make sure you’re thinking through any changes to your supplement routine. And of course, talk with your doctor if you have major concerns or specific questions. The team at Mastel’s will not diagnose or offer treatment plans or medical advice.
Visit our friends at Mastel’s Health Foods in St Paul at 1526 St Clair Ave. Or give them a call at 651-690-1692 to talk through some of your questions ahead of time. They love to spend time with customers and help them find the right supplements.
