Wellness Wake-up Call: The Truth Behind Supplements

Everyone is looking for a positive experience, but in the world of consumerism, there are those trying to steal your money away from you in an effort to pursue that. Advertisers will hone in on your struggles by promising “magic pills” that will cure your immunity, fix your hair, and make you fit. It is hard not to get enticed by a healthy supplement that promises wellness, but it is equally important to highlight the dangers. 

Dangers of Supplements

• Be wary of illegally marketed dietary supplements containing unregulated active drug ingredients, which are especially present in sexual enhancement, weight loss, and muscle-building supplements. A case of 200 sexual enhancement products was taken down by Health Canada for being laced with prescription drugs like sildenafil or tadalafil, posing serious risks of dizziness, vision problems, and heart issues. 

• Be wary of proprietary blends, which are supplement formulas that list multiple ingredients but do not disclose the specific amount of each ingredient. This can lead to a false idea of getting a higher dosage of an active ingredient than is included. 

• Be wary of health consequences from having greater than necessary intakes and contaminant ingredients. Unapproved or poorly regulated supplements can cause liver, kidney, or nervous system damage. Excessive consumption can cause vitamin or mineral toxicity and organ damage. 

• Be wary of ingredient sourcing such as ashwagandha, turmeric, or protein powders with high risks of contaminants in poor sourcing or artificial sweeteners like Sucralose or titanium dioxide.

It is important to be cautious of general claims like “hair, skin, and nail repairing” supplements without understanding the oversight and active ingredients within the pill. In 2016, the organization Truth in Advertising found and documented the majority of companies' (97%) illegal claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Foods Versus Supplements: When to take Caution

All foods are better as whole foods than as supplements, but some supplements are particularly ineffective compared to their whole-food counterparts.

1. Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements: New research suggests Omega-3 supplements did nothing to reduce heart attacks as opposed to their rich real counterpart found in fish and flax seeds.

2. Kava: Known for helping with general anxiety, an overuse and excessive amount of Kava can lead to health consequences such as liver damage.

3. Calcium Supplements: An access amount can settle in your arteries. Health consequences can arrive with a consumption over 2500mg for those 19-50, and over 2000mg for those 51 and above.

We recommend the importance of doing your research or consulting a health professional before starting a new supplement. Remember there is no supplement replacement for a healthy diet, but if needed to fight against deficiencies, there are still options available that are considerate of the possible consequences of taking supplements and how they can be inclusive in an appropriate manner.

Which Brands to use?

Luckily there are trustworthy brands that have high-quality ingredients with ethical sourcing, transparency, proper doses, and no unwanted artificial ingredients.

Can Prev

• Affordable 

• Local and based in Canada

• High-quality ingredients from Canadian suppliers 

• All supplement ingredient quantities listed 

• Categorical 

• Free from artificial ingredients and allergens 

• Vegan

Ritual

• Traceable sources

• All supplement ingredient quantities listed 

• Vetted any ingredients deemed at risk of human rights or environmental issues.

Where to Buy from?

Supplements are available locally at your health-conscious supermarkets.

Healthy Planet

• 39 local shops available all throughout the GTA with various supplement option 

• Affordable healthy options for wellness needs

• Healthy Planet Kitchen cafe for snacks and foods with enjoyment

In the pursuit of wellness, don’t fall for bold claims and hidden ingredients. Supplements should support your health, not gamble with it. Trust brands like CanPrev and Ritual that offer transparency, clean sourcing, and real integrity. Because when it comes to your body, smart choices matter most.