With so many supplement brands competing for your attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key is finding products that truly nourish your body and support your overall health. Let’s explore how to choose a supplement brand that aligns with your wellness goals and values.

Prioritize Quality Standards

Look for brands that hold themselves to the highest quality standards. Seek out certifications and labels that indicate:

• Organic: This ensures that the ingredients are grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
• Vegan: These supplements are free from animal products- for more information on why to avoid animal products in supplements, see below in Ingredients to Avoid.
• Non-GMO: Non-genetically modified ingredients preserve the natural integrity of the supplement.
• Gluten-Free: Essential if you have sensitivities or celiac disease. Choosing supplements with these qualities ensures a high level of purity, allowing your body to fully absorb and benefit from them and support your overall well-being.

Ingredients to Avoid

Even brands that appear clean might include ingredients that undermine your health. Here are a few to steer clear of:

1. Citric Acid Despite its name, citric acid isn’t derived from citrus fruit. It’s a synthetic preservative made from GMO corn that can harm your immune system, gut health, and stomach lining. Avoid supplements containing this additive to prioritize long-term wellness.
2. Alcohol Many herbal tinctures use alcohol as a preservative. Alcohol diminishes the benefits of herbs, impedes absorption and is primarily derived from GMO corn. Grape alcohol, while a step up, is still alcohol and will hinder effectiveness. Instead, look for alcohol-free tinctures or those preserved with glycerin.
3. Natural Flavors This is simply another name for MSG, which can negatively impact the body. Steer clear of anything labeled “natural flavor,” “natural flavors,” or “natural flavoring”—it might appear as something like “natural vanilla flavor.” Genuine vanilla extract, however, is perfectly fine.
4. Animal Derivatives Many supplements sourced from animal products contain heavy metals, hormones, and other harmful substances, even from seemingly reputable brands. Choose plant-based or synthetic alternatives to avoid these contaminants.
5. Whey Protein A popular supplement in the fitness world, whey protein is often touted as “clean.” However, its processing creates glutamic acid, a form of MSG that can disrupt your health.
6. Preservatives Some brands list over 20 additives under the “other ingredients” section, including preservatives and potentially harmful substances. Choose supplements with clean, minimal ingredients and steer clear of those with long lists of unnecessary additives.

Additional Tips for Choosing a Brand

• Transparency: A trustworthy brand provides detailed information about its sourcing, manufacturing, and testing processes.
• Simplicity: The best supplements have minimal ingredients, with no fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• Reputation: Look into the brand’s background and read customer reviews to assess its reliability and effectiveness. Trust Your Gut. Your wellness journey is uniquely yours, and your intuition is a valuable guide. If a brand or product doesn’t resonate with you, trust yourself and explore other options. The goal is to nurture your body in a way that feels aligned and naturally supportive.