Vitamins and Supplements: Eternal Frenemies
and a Million Myths
and a Million Myths
Remember when "vitamins" were the go-to solution for literally anything?
Feeling tired? Pop some vitamins! Feeling off? Vitamins again!
Back then, it seemed like there was no problem they couldn’t fix.
These days, we’re slightly wiser (hopefully) and know that “just take some vitamins” isn’t the answer to all life’s struggles. Oh, and it’s probably a good idea to figure out what you're putting in your body before treating it like a science experiment.
The Cliff Notes Version:
Vitamins = medicine.
Supplements = prevention.
Vitamins? Synthetic.
Supplements?
All-natural
(or at least, they try to be).
Supplements?
All-natural
(or at least, they try to be).
Vitamins vs. Supplements
Here’s the deal: vitamins, in their purest form, come from food, drinks, and even that rare thing called sunlight. Supplements, on the other hand, are like backup singers to this natural concert—they're there to fill in the gaps.
Here’s the deal: vitamins, in their purest form, come from food, drinks, and even that rare thing called sunlight. Supplements, on the other hand, are like backup singers to this natural concert—they're there to fill in the gaps.
But here's where the drama kicks in: people constantly compare them, even though they're not even in the same league. Let me break it down for you once and for all.
Vitamins
The vitamins you pick up at the pharmacy? Synthetic as a plastic Barbie. Sure, they can be lifesavers, but they’re also not something you want to mess around with.
Here’s the deal with vitamins:
One thing to remember? You wouldn’t just inject yourself with random meds without consulting a doctor, right? (At least, I hope not.) The same logic applies here. Even if the packaging says “for shiny hair and nails,” get some expert advice before self-prescribing.
Supplements
Supplements are like your BFF who always has your back (but also kinda takes their sweet time to show up). They’re natural compounds that act as reinforcements to your diet.
Think of it this way: you eat an apple but didn’t get your full daily dose of iron—bam, supplement to the rescue.
Key points about supplements:
My Personal Stack
Confession: I dabble in both, but I’m all about balance. Too much of anything? Not my vibe.
Here’s what I’m currently taking:
What I don’t take:
Final Thoughts
Be smart about what you put into your body. Everything in moderation, and always listen to your body—and maybe a doctor while you’re at it.
The vitamins you pick up at the pharmacy? Synthetic as a plastic Barbie. Sure, they can be lifesavers, but they’re also not something you want to mess around with.
Here’s the deal with vitamins:
- Purpose: Vitamins are for treating deficiencies or medical conditions caused by lack of certain nutrients.
- Synthetic content: Even if they slap "natural" on the label, there’s still some man-made stuff in there. And if you overdo it, synthetic vitamins can build up in your body and leave you in a not-so-fun situation.
- Strict rules: Dosage, timing, potential side effects—vitamins come with a user manual.
- Noticeable results: They kick in fast, but with great power comes great responsibility.
One thing to remember? You wouldn’t just inject yourself with random meds without consulting a doctor, right? (At least, I hope not.) The same logic applies here. Even if the packaging says “for shiny hair and nails,” get some expert advice before self-prescribing.
Supplements
Supplements are like your BFF who always has your back (but also kinda takes their sweet time to show up). They’re natural compounds that act as reinforcements to your diet.
Think of it this way: you eat an apple but didn’t get your full daily dose of iron—bam, supplement to the rescue.
Key points about supplements:
- Not medicine: Supplements are for prevention, not treatment.
- Broad benefits: They work on your whole body like a full-system upgrade, not a targeted fix.
- Long-term game: You might not feel the magic immediately, but once it kicks in, it sticks around.
- Zero drama: They’re easy on your system, with almost no side effects or restrictions.
- No miracles: Let’s be real—they’re not going to transform you overnight.
My Personal Stack
Confession: I dabble in both, but I’m all about balance. Too much of anything? Not my vibe.
Here’s what I’m currently taking:
- Collagen: I’m on the marine collagen train, and let me tell you—it’s a long-term commitment. After a few months, I started noticing stronger joints (essential for my active lifestyle). The skin benefits? Meh. But my knees are grateful.
- Hyaluronic acid: Works well with collagen for joint support. As for glowing skin? Don’t count on it.
- Vitamin D: A non-negotiable during the dark, sunless months.
- Iodine: For thyroid health (doctor-approved!).
- Glycine: This one’s a life-changer for my overthinking brain. It chills me out, improves sleep, and helps with mental focus. Bonus: it’s dirt cheap.
- Tyrosine: Helps with appetite control and keeps my thyroid and adrenal glands happy. I take it twice a year, like a mini reset.
- Magnesium and B vitamins: My go-to when life gets overwhelming and my body screams, “Help!” Oh, and if you’re into Botox, heads up—B vitamins might shorten its effects.
- Eye vitamins: Japanese supplements are my secret weapon against screen fatigue. Highly recommend.
What I don’t take:
- Omega-3: I just can’t stand the taste, no matter how they disguise it. I know I have to, but I can't.
Final Thoughts
Be smart about what you put into your body. Everything in moderation, and always listen to your body—and maybe a doctor while you’re at it.
Oh, and one last thing: don’t expect miracles. Even the fanciest supplements won’t fix a bad diet or unhealthy habits. They’re sidekicks, not superheroes.
