{"id":282,"date":"2021-04-05T19:31:57","date_gmt":"2021-04-05T19:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getvitaminlab.com\/cms\/blog\/?p=282"},"modified":"2023-07-06T19:22:27","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T19:22:27","slug":"5-things-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prod-practitioner.getvitaminlab.com\/cms\/blog\/health-tips\/5-things-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Should Know When Taking Supplements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We might be biased, but we wholeheartedly believe that one of the best feelings in the world is the feeling you get when you put your health first \u2014 the uplifting and energizing sensation that takes over when you know you\u2019ve done something right for yourself. Investing in supplements that will support our mental and physical well-being does just that! We also know that new protocols and supplements can sometimes feel overwhelming – what are the do\u2019s and don’ts when it comes to vitamins? Well, you’re in the right place and you\u2019re about to find out! Our in-house nutrition nerds curated a list of all the hot tips you need to get the most out of your supplement routine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. How do I build a routine?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019ve said it once, and we\u2019ll say it again (and probably again, and again), we love having a routine! No matter what it looks like we believe that giving yourself a routine provides you with a sense of accomplishment. And, let’s face it, whether you like to admit it or not, humans are creatures of habit – tuning into what feels right and making a morning and\/or evening ritual is one of the best things you can do to support your mental well-being.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always keep in mind that you\u2019re completely one of a kind, and your routine doesn’t need to mirror that of an influencer you saw on Instagram, or include anything beyond your means because that\u2019s what\u2019s \u201cin vogue\u201d. It just has to be something that benefits you and fits your schedule!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun Fact: did you know that a mere 5% of your thoughts are conscious? The other 95% are subconscious and formed habits. A habit is a routine behaviour, but at one point or another, it was something we had to learn. Think of it this way: at one point in your life, when you decided you’d become a coffee drinker, you made your first ever batch of coffee, this was a conscious thought. Now, rolling out of bed and tossing on a fresh pot is so habitual and routine that it becomes a subconscious thought. Start mixing in your supplements to another part of your routine, like after breakfast, and eventually, it will fall into that subconscious thought category.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What time of day should I take my vitamins?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timing is everything, some say. We say it’s ideal, but not mandatory. While we suggest taking your supplements at the same time every day, this is more to help you get into the habit and has very little to do with efficacy. That said, if one of your health goals is to support your energy levels and you have some stimulating vitamins and herbs in your formula, you\u2019re definitely better off taking it in the AM for that energy boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing to remember is if you forget it in the morning, don\u2019t write it off for the rest of the day! You still have lunch and dinner ahead of you. Setting an alarm, or programming it into a habit-tracking app is a great gentle reminder to take your supplements at the time that\u2019s most convenient for you!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Should I take my supplements with or without food?  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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That is the question. We pretty much always recommend taking your supplements with food. Since a custom formula is like taking all your supplements in one fell swoop, there\u2019s likely a good mix of vitamins and minerals in your formula that are either better absorbed with food, and some, specifically magnesium and iron, that may be hard on your stomach when taken without. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are also better absorbed when taken with fat. If you take your supplements at breakfast time, try adding in some hemp seeds to your smoothie, or almond butter to your oats to increase your fat intake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. How much of each vitamin do I need? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Call us nerds, but this part truly lights us up. We know that supplements are not a one-size-fits-all, that\u2019s why the dosages in your custom formula are specific to you<\/em> \u2014 so you get everything you need, and nothing you don\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few ways to determine your dosage. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n