Do We Really Need Supplements?

Do We Really Need Supplements?

As we experience the natural transitions from perimenopause to postmenopause, the body’s nutrient needs evolve. While a well-balanced and varied diet should always be our first line of defense in maintaining health, as recommended by official dietary guidelines in Australia, focusing on a range of foods is essential to meet our nutritional needs.

Various factors such as stress, environmental influences, and the natural aging process can make it harder for some women to obtain all the necessary nutrients from foods alone. Where dietary intake is inadequate, nutritional supplements may help.

Why it's hard to get enough nutrients from diet alone

1. Depleted soil and nutrient gaps

There is ongoing discussion about whether modern farming practices have reduced the vitamin and mineral content of some fruits and vegetables. To help address these gaps, fortified foods have been developed and are increasingly popular in the food industry; however, they may not fully compensate for the loss of natural nutrients. If you're concerned your diet isn't meeting your needs, especially during menopause, your health professional can help you check.

2. Stress and nutrient depletion

Stress, which often goes hand in hand with midlife and the menopause transition, can affect how your body uses nutrients like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamins C and A, which play roles in energy, mood, immune function, and skin health, to name a few. When the body is already undergoing hormonal shifts, you may notice changes such as feeling on edge, tiredness, brain fog, and skin changes. Where your diet falls short, supplementing with these nutrients may help support your overall wellbeing.

3. Decline in nutrient absorption

As we age, the body becomes less efficient at absorbing key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and iron, affecting everything from bone density to skin health. Hormonal changes during menopause further compound this issue.

Adaptogens can also play a part. Astragalus and Licorice Root are traditionally used in Western herbal and Chinese medicine, and Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine, to help the body adapt to stress.

4. Hormonal fluctuations and their effects 

Menopause is marked by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, along with a gradual decline in testosterone. These hormonal changes lead to a wide range of symptoms, including mood swings, hot flushes, disrupted sleep, brain fog, and low energy.

The right plant actives can support the body during this transition. Nootropics like Ginkgo Biloba and Bacopa Monnieri are found in our Focus formula, and Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help improve memory and cognition. If brain fog is part of your picture, Focus supports mental concentration, focus and clarity.

Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Shatavari, key ingredients in our Libido complex, are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body adapt to stress and relieve symptoms of menopause. Libido also helps support healthy female hormonal balance during menopause.

Additionally, essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C and D each play a role in energy, mood, and bone health, so it's worth checking your diet provides enough of them during this stage of life.

How supplements can help support hormonal balance during menopause

Hormonal balance during menopause can feel hard to find as estrogen and progesterone levels decline, and many women notice mood changes, low libido, and sleep disturbances. Supplements rich in plant-based actives, such as Black Cohosh and Peony Root, may help ease symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats associated with menopause.

In addition to phytoestrogens, nutrients like zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 play a role in nervous system health and mood balance during menopause.

Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body adapt to stress. Practitioners, such as dietitians and healthcare professionals, can help tailor supplement recommendations, including amino acids, to individual needs.

Supporting whole-body health

Beyond hormonal balance, supplements can support overall well-being during menopause. Magnesium may help support refreshing sleep and muscle relaxation,

while St. John's Wort and Saffron may help relieve symptoms of mild anxiety and support healthy emotional balance. Supplements, when carefully chosen, can be a helpful extra layer of support alongside a healthy lifestyle.

Why quality matters

Not all supplements are created equal. It's worth checking the label for the active ingredients and their amounts, so you know exactly what you're taking. 

The next best thing to food

Many women search for answers to questions like "What supplements are best for menopause?" The reality is, many of us face challenges during this transition—from hormonal changes come a wide range of symptoms that can be hard to manage.

That's why we've developed a range of supplements specifically designed for women going through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Whether it's adaptogens to help the body adapt to stress, nootropics to support mental clarity, or ingredients that support healthy female hormonal balance during menopause, our formulas are here to support your body through every stage and help you feel your best.

Explore to find solutions that can be mixed and matched to your body's specific health needs, with guidance from your health professional.

Discover our range of supplements, developed with mind and body nutrients to support you through the most common symptoms and support your body and your needs before, during, and after this transitionary life stage.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. 

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