When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Can’t remember? We’ve all been there. Supplements don’t last forever, so use this time to spring clean your medicine cabinet and restock on all your favorite dietary supplements.

Vitamins don’t technically “expire”

However, they do become less potent over time. The FDA does not even require supplement companies to provide consumers with a best-by date, so it’s a good idea to keep in mind how long you’ve had your vitamins. If you store your vitamins in a cool, dry place, they can last for a few years. A good rule of thumb is to ditch any supplements that have changed color, smell, or taste. Use the spring weather to do some spring cleaning of your supplements and chunk those that are no longer good, and technically out of date according to the package. 

Our Favorite Popular Supplements

If you feel like your supplement cabinet is missing something, consider one of our favorites, after checking with your doctor and routine blood work of course! These are supplements that are popular for a good reason! First, a good quality multivitamin can help you maintain your health in addition to a nutritious diet! Due to western diet, many lifestyle choices are lacking the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, so it’s a good idea to have a good quality multivitamin in your supplement routine. Another favorite is collagen powder, which has really become popular within the last couple of years. Collagen powder may help maintain skin elasticity as well as aid in hair and nail growth! Next, probiotics should not be overlooked! Probiotics may help you increase or maintain your gut health, which can lead to other benefits like improving the skin! The gut is intricately connected to many different body systems, so maintaining gut health is important for maintaining overall bodily health. Finally, magnesium is an important supplement! You may not know it, but magnesium is one of the most popular supplements, even above others like fish oil and protein powder. Nearly half of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium helps maintain nerve, muscle, and bone health. It may also help improve sleep quality! Make sure to look for a chelated form because it will be better absorbed by the body.

Alternative Supplements

There are a lot more options other than the traditional mainstream supplements. Herbs, adaptogenic mushrooms, and nootropics are just a few options for people who want to branch out their supplement routine. Of course, talk with your doctor first and make sure nothing interferes with your current medications, supplements or health history. There are many different herbs out there that have beneficial effects on the body. Herbs like ginkgo biloba, dandelion, ashwagandha, and turmeric are all examples of herbs that have some researched benefits. Adaptogenic mushrooms are used to decrease the body’s stress response, which can help promote recovery and homeostasis in the body. Adaptogenic mushrooms can be consumed in many different ways! You can mix them into coffee, water, tea, or even food in order to get their beneficial effects. Finally, nootropics are a supplement that is rising in popularity. Nootropics are considered anything that helps improve mental performance in healthy people. You might already be taking a nootropic and not even know it! Caffeine is a commonly used substance that is technically a nootropic! However, there are specific nootropic supplements available that also contain b-vitamin complexes, rhodiola, and other substances that can help increase brain functioning, focus, and productivity.   

(Disclaimer: please always discuss with your physician before beginning any new supplement regimen).