1. Melatonin
Many people rely on melatonin to get some rest every night. However, Andrews cautions against this popular sleep supplement. "Melatonin supplements actually disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle, and they can even lead to dependency," she warns. Instead of reaching for pills, she recommends focusing on sleep hygiene and natural ways to improve rest. Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene and find the rest you deserve each night.
2. Turmeric Pills
Turmeric is a fantastic anti-inflammatory spice. But while turmeric is often praised for its cancer-fighting properties, Andrews clarifies that these benefits come from using turmeric as a culinary spice—not in pill form. "Turmeric reduces cancer risk; however, it’s in culinary spice form, not pill form. Avoid these," she advises of the supplements.
3. Vitamin C Supplements
Since vitamin C is such a crucial vitamin to help your body thrive, using a supplement to boost your daily intak may seem like a good idea. However, it may be a waste of money. Andrews emphasizes that it’s unnecessary for most people. "A single serving of fruits and vegetables is going to give you enough vitamin C for the day," she explains, pointing out that whole foods are a better source of this vital nutrient.
4. Stress-Reducing Supplements
Stress management supplements often promise quick fixes, but Andrews remains skeptical. "Stress-reducing supplements often lack a lot of scientific evidence and actually do not address underlying stressors effectively at all," she says. Instead, addressing stress through mindfulness, therapy, or lifestyle changes may be more effective.
5. Skin, Hair, and Nail Gummies
Who wouldn't take a magic pill to boost their beauty efforts? These colorful, sweet-tasting gummies are popular, but Andrews warns they’re no substitute for a balanced diet. "Skin, hair, and nail gummies lack the comprehensive nutrients found in whole foods," she explains. "Just focus on a well-balanced diet to support the health of these." Got it!
6. Mushroom Powders
Functional mushrooms are all the rage these days. Mushroom powders, in particular, have gained traction as superfoods, but Andrews advises caution due to quality control issues. "They lack consistent quality control, they contain harmful contaminants, and there’s little evidence to show they actually help you," she notes.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements
Lastly, Andrews debunks the benefits of apple cider vinegar supplements, which she says are "inherently flawed." "They strip away the crucial components found in actual apples," she explains. Instead, enjoying whole apples provides the fiber and nutrients often missing in supplement form.