Are Supplements Really Helping You?
It's a common quest - the pursuit of enhanced performance, neatly packaged in a bottle. But do supplements genuinely deliver what they promise? That's the question raised by this insightful piece titled "Most Supplements Don’t Work. But That’s Not the Worst Part"1 penned by the Sweat Science columnist for Outside Interactive, Inc.
The blog dives into the heart of the matter, questioning the scientific backing behind Andrew Huberman's $370 supplement stack. It might sound impressive, but does it hold up under scrutiny?
One of the critical issues highlighted is the overwhelming amount of supplement research that can be considered weak or biased. This means that many claims about their benefits lack solid evidence to back them up. And even if there were some benefits, they're unlikely to make a significant difference in most people's lives.
Elite athletes may see some gains from supplements, but it's important to remember that responses to these substances can vary greatly from person to person. What works for one may not work for another.
The most compelling argument made in the blog is the risk of losing sight of the basics. In the quest for a quick fix, we tend to overlook the fundamentals: proper training, good recovery, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep.
A study from Taiwan further illustrates this point. It showed that people who believed they were taking a multivitamin supplement started making less healthy choices, a phenomenon known as licensing. Essentially, they felt that taking a supplement gave them a license to indulge in behaviors that contradicted their health goals.
The blog encourages readers to embrace an internal locus of control rather than relying on external aids like supplements. It's about believing in your own abilities and putting in the effort to achieve your goals.
So before you reach for that bottle of pills or powders, remember to focus on the basics. Empower yourself with the knowledge that you have the ability to improve your performance without the need for supplements.
The blog concludes with a powerful message: the power lies within you, and life is full of uncertainties. Embrace them and find your own path to success.
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