Supplements
Sources:
has shared extensive knowledge on the subject of supplements, emphasizing that supplements can be efficacious for various purposes such as enhancing sleep, hormone function, or focus. Not all compounds categorized as supplements are derived from food, and many cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities through diet alone. He also mentions that the safety and benefits of supplements depend on factors like dosage and sourcing 1.
Moreover, describes foundational supplements as necessary to ensure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals needed for basic levels of mental health, physical health, and performance. This type of supplement can act as an insurance policy against any deficiencies that might exist within your diet 2 3.
Regarding vitamin supplements, he advises considering the cost and if your diet already provides all necessary vitamins and minerals. Vitamin and mineral supplements should ideally be taken with food early in the day to avoid stomach upset and ensure proper absorption. Dr. Huberman also cautions against taking high doses which can lead to an accumulation of fat-soluble vitamins and may reduce focus on optimizing nutrition 4.
In another discussion on eye health, whether nutrition and supplementation play a significant role in maintaining eye health was a topic of interest. Certain supplements have been shown through randomized trials to slow down the progression of dry macular degeneration 5.
For maximum benefit, he supports a broad spectrum supplement approach that includes vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogens. Athletic Greens or other comprehensive formulas are suggested options depending on one's budget 6.
Lastly, supplements and medications are both viewed as tools to reach a specific end goal. While in certain cases supplementation is important, especially for athletes or those seeking cognitive performance, obtaining benefits from food should also be considered given that food can be medicine 7.
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