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Welcome back to the Endo Belly Girl Podcast! Today I dive into understanding supplements for endometriosis with my friend and mentor Kate Mahoney, a functional practitioner dietary supplement expert. Kate and I share a passion for bio-individuality, and educating people that not all supplements are created equally.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Quality is crucial because many supplement nutrients originate from sources like corn, soy, and grains, and are often genetically modified. Since these ingredients can trigger sensitivities in most people, opting for higher-quality supplements is essential.
-Excipients, the inactive ingredients in supplements, can also contain ingredients we don’t want in our bodies.
-The quality of Omega 3s and fatty acids hinges on their sourcing and processing. Exposure to heat, oxygen, and light can cause them to go rancid, worsening inflammation instead of reducing it. A simple test for high quality is if it tastes bad when you bite into it, it’s likely not good quality.
-Supplements need to be bio-available for the body to absorb and use them.
-Supplements offer temporary relief for symptoms, like hormone imbalances, but often don’t tackle the root cause. Consulting a functional practitioner for a personalized protocol is more beneficial than relying solely on advice from others, as it considers your unique bio-individuality and addresses the underlying issue.
-Therapeutic protocols are temporary and not lifelong solutions.
-When evaluating supplements, be wary of marketing claims that boast them as the best or number one. Look for detailed information on ingredient sourcing and ensure there’s documentation to support it; transparency is key!
-If the ingredient list isn’t clear, it’s best to avoid buying the supplement. Check if excipient ingredients are listed, and if so, see if you recognize them.
Understanding supplement quality can be overwhelming, but these basics will help you make informed choices for your body. If you need further guidance, I offer one-off sessions to review your current supplements and determine what’s beneficial for you.
Connect w/ Kate:
https://www.thesupplementacademy.com
www.instagram.com/katemahoneyntp
Book a supplement review call w/ Alyssa
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
Episode transcription and info
Navigating the Complex World of Supplements for Endometriosis
In today’s episode, I sit down with Kate Mahoney, a functional nutrition practitioner and a renowned dietary supplement expert. We dive deep into the intricacies of dietary supplements for endometriosis — a topic that’s critical yet often overlooked. This comprehensive discussion sheds light on the importance of supplement quality, individual nutritional needs, and red flags to watch for when selecting supplements.
Kate Mahoney’s Journey into Dietary Supplements
The conversation kicks off with Kate sharing her accidental yet fascinating journey into the world of dietary supplements. Launching the Supplement Academy in 2020, she aimed to fill the gaping need for unbiased, evidence-based education in this field. Her narrative is not just inspiring but a call to action to prioritize knowledge before making health-related decisions.
The Importance of Quality in Dietary Supplements for Endometriosis
Not all supplements are created equal. Common issues in the supplement world include mishandling of omega-3 fatty acids in many products, which can lead to rancidity and decreased effectiveness. The concept of “chewing” on fatty acid supplements to test for freshness might seem unusual, but it’s an effective, direct method to assess quality.
Bioindividuality and Personalized Supplementation
Every individual’s body has unique needs, making personalized supplementation vital. This includes considerations like the complexities of selecting the right multi-mineral supplements, taking into account factors like balanced ratios and bioavailability.
The Realities of Hormonal Imbalance and Endometriosis
Natural herbs and supplements used in managing hormonal imbalances, particularly in conditions like endometriosis, is a topic that absolutely needs attention. There is a huge misconception of treating hormonal imbalance as the root problem rather than a symptom of underlying health issues.
Understanding Supplement Labels and Marketing Practices
It is important to understand the misleading nature of many supplement labels and marketing techniques. Transparency in supplement labels is key and as is learning how to discern reputable companies from those less trustworthy.
Red Flags in Supplement Selection
Kate gives actionable advice on identifying red flags in supplements, such as non-transparent labeling and the use of unsupported marketing claims. This is particularly useful for listeners who may feel overwhelmed by the myriad of choices available in the market. The approach of a “two-step quality check,” proposed by Kate, offers a practical method for evaluating supplement integrity.
Cultivating a Responsible Approach to Supplements for Endometriosis
One key takeaway from today’s episode is practicing responsible supplement usage. There are risks involved with long-term dependency on certain herbs and supplements, which is why seeking professional guidance can be very beneficial. Just like medications, supplements shouldn’t be used as “band-aid” solutions instead of addressing the root cause of health issues.
Being well-informed consumers is the real solution here and education is the key to empowering individuals to make the best choices for their health.
