About this Video

• Video Title: These Mistakes Are Super Unhealthy!
• Channel: Dr. Eric Berg DC
• Speakers: Dr. Eric Berg
• Duration: 00:11:55

Introduction

This video discusses eleven common mistakes people make when taking supplements. Dr. Berg emphasizes the importance of proper timing, dosage, and selection of supplements, highlighting potential risks associated with improper usage.

Key Takeaways

1. Supplement Timing: Taking most supplements in the morning is recommended for increased energy. Electrolytes should be avoided before bed. Vitamin D timing may vary based on individual responses, with some finding it beneficial for sleep. Calcium should not be taken immediately before meals to avoid hindering digestion.

2. Avoiding Excess: Taking too many supplements at once can be dangerous. It's crucial to introduce new supplements one at a time to monitor for adverse effects.

3. Diet's Importance: Supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet. A poor diet will negate the benefits of supplements.

4. Quality over Price: Cheap supplements may contain low-quality ingredients or fillers, potentially posing health risks. The speaker warns against low-cost options, citing examples of inexpensive calcium sources similar to cement.

5. Drug Interactions: Consult a physician before combining supplements with medications to avoid adverse effects. Synergistic or antagonistic interactions can negatively impact health. The video suggests working with doctors to possibly reduce medication dosage if a supplement provides similar benefits.

6. Informed Advice: Seek supplement advice from knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

7. Dosage: Many people don't take high enough doses of certain supplements to achieve therapeutic effects, especially with vitamin D. The speaker mentions genetic factors and the paracrine autocrine system as impacting Vitamin D absorption and suggests a higher daily intake of vitamin D.

8. Vegan Considerations: Vegans should supplement with B12, D3, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, and calcium due to dietary restrictions.

9. Stomach Acidity: Insufficient stomach acid can impair nutrient absorption. Consider using betaine hydrochloride to address this issue.

The video details eleven mistakes people make when taking supplements:

1. Assuming supplements are unnecessary: Believing a good diet eliminates the need for supplements.
2. Poor timing: Taking supplements at the wrong time of day (e.g., electrolytes before bed, calcium before meals).
3. Taking too many at once: Swallowing a large number of supplements simultaneously.
4. Neglecting diet: Expecting supplements to compensate for a poor diet.
5. Choosing cheap supplements: Opting for low-quality, potentially harmful supplements.
6. Ignoring drug interactions: Combining supplements with medications without consulting a doctor.
7. Following unreliable advice: Taking supplement advice from unqualified sources.
8. Insufficient dosage: Not taking high enough doses of certain vitamins or minerals to achieve a therapeutic effect.
9. Ignoring vegan nutritional needs: Vegans not supplementing for nutrients absent from plant-based diets.
10. Inappropriate dosing frequency: Not taking daily doses of supplements, particularly vitamin D, leading to deficiency.
11. Ignoring mineral interactions: Taking only one mineral without considering its interaction with other minerals.

Dr. Berg offers the following advice regarding supplement use:

1. Timing: Take most supplements in the morning for increased energy. Avoid electrolytes before bed. Vitamin D timing may vary; experiment to see what works best. Don't take calcium right before meals.

2. Quantity: Introduce new supplements one at a time to determine their effects and avoid adverse reactions. Don't take too many at once.

3. Quality: Choose high-quality supplements; avoid the cheapest options, as these may contain low-quality ingredients or fillers.

4. Interaction with Medication: Consult your doctor before combining supplements with medications to avoid negative interactions. If a supplement provides similar benefits to medication, work with your doctor to potentially reduce your medication dosage.

5. Source of Advice: Seek advice from experienced and qualified health professionals.

6. Dosage: Take sufficiently high doses of certain vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin D, B1) to achieve therapeutic effects, potentially exceeding recommended daily allowances (RDAs). Consider individual genetic factors that may impact absorption.

7. Vegan Considerations: Vegans need to supplement B12, D3, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, and calcium.

8. Stomach Acidity: If you have low stomach acid, consider taking betaine hydrochloride to improve nutrient absorption.

9. Mineral Balance: Take minerals in blends to prevent deficiencies and avoid imbalances created by taking high doses of a single mineral.

10. Probiotics with Antibiotics: Always take a probiotic when using antibiotics to maintain gut health.