Pills 💊 vs Plants 🌿: Do You Need One, Both, or Neither?

When it comes to your health, the choices can feel overwhelming especially when you are trying to be "healthy." Do you:

👉Take a prescription?

👉Try a vitamin first?

👉Do both?

👉Or nothing at all?

There are a lot of opinions out there, with people advocating for one thing or the other. What's often missing is the fact that everyone is different. We have to meet people where they are and accepting that different choices may be best for different people.

And here is something I want to make clear, whatever choice is made, it's not "right" or "wrong." Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and no matter what, health always requires effort and work. Health in any form is HARD WORK!💪

For many people, medications and supplements feel like two separate worlds, just like holistic health and conventional medicine. Some believe holistic means anti-medications, while others believe supplements are unnecessary if you are on medications.

🌟 The truth? Both views can hold some truth and even be best for some people. But medications, supplements, and holistic practices can also exist together. Understanding how they work empowers you to make the best decision for your body.

✅What Medications Do Well

Medications are designed for specific, targeted results:

• They can save lives in emergencies

• They manage conditions that lifestyle changes alone may not be able to control

• They are studied in large clinical trials and regulated to ensure safety and effectiveness

⚠️The draw back? Medications dont usually address the root cause. When you stop taking them the condition, may still be there or return. They always come with side effects and can deplete nutrients over time.

🌿What Supplements & Vitamins Do Well

Supplements are designed to support your body's natural processes:

• They can fill nutrient gaps from diet or lifestyle

• They often focus on prevention and maintenance

• They can gently support energy, mood, digestion, sleep, and more

⚠️The draw back? Supplements aren't always as strong or fast-working as medications. Not all are created equal due to regulation standards and lack of research.

⚖️ When They Work Together

Here is where the magic happens: it's not always one or the other. Sometimes, medications and supplements can work together.

• Statins + CoQ10→ Statins lower cholesterol but can deplete CoQ10. Supporting with CoQ10 can help reduce fatigue and muscle aches

• Metformin + B12→ Metformin helps regulate blood sugar, but it can lower B12 levels. B12 could protect energy and nerve health.

• PPIs + Magnesium→ Long-term use of PPIs may lower magnesium levels, so monitoring and support can be important.

🥦 When Neither Is Needed

Yes, we also need to talk about when neither may be necessary. Not every problem requires a pill bottle, prescription or supplement. Sometimes, the most powerful "medicine" is taking your health into your own hands through lifestyle changes:

• A nutrient-dense diet 🥗

• Regular movement 🏋️‍♀️

• Quality sleep 😴

• Stress management 🧘

💙 The Holistically Trained Approach

At Holistically Trained, I believe in showing all sides of health.

• Medications can save lives

• Supplements can support you body

• Lifestyle is always the foundation of health

It is not about choosing one over the other. It is about asking:

• What does my body need right now?

• What is the bigger picture of my health?

• How can I support myself to feel my best?

• What is actually realistic for me?

The answer will and can be different for everyone. It's about the beauty of holistic helath and meeting your body wehre you are. Build a plan the works for your unique body and goals.

✨ Final Takeaway

It's not medication vs. supplements it's about understanding when to use each, when to combine them, and when neither is needed.

Your health isn't either/or. It's about balance, awareness, and informed choices that support your whole body. 🌿💊💙

REFERENCES:

1. Marcoff L, Thompson PD. The role of coenzyme Q10 in statin-associated myopathy: A systematic review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49(23):2231-2237. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2007.02.049

2. Aroda VR, Edelstein SL, Goldberg RB, et al. Long-term metformin use and vitamin B12 deficiency in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(4):1754-1761. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-3754

3. Hess MW, Hoenderop JGJ, Bindels RJM, Drenth JPH. Systematic review: Hypomagnesaemia induced by proton pump inhibition. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36(5):405-413. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05201.x

   
   

   DISCLAIMER:

   This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. Holistically Trained does not offer medical advice or replace professional care.