Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 6, 2025

“Do supplements really work?”

Hopeful Skeptic

Hi Hopeful,

That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology.

Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function.

For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own. We must get them from our diet. It’s just how we’re built!

Vitamins and minerals aren’t optional extras—they’re the essential building blocks of life. However, our modern lifestyle has created some barriers that make meeting those nutrient demands challenging—and leave you running on empty:

• Modern farming practices have stripped our soil of nutrients
• Extended storage and shipping times mean nutrients break down before reaching us
• Processed foods are practically stripped bare of natural nutrients
• Our busy lifestyles often mean we’re not eating as well as we should
• The stress and toxins of modern life increase our nutrient needs

So, while getting vitamins and minerals from our diet is ideal (and don’t let anyone tell you different!), it’s becoming increasingly difficult to do in our modern world. Quality supplements can help fill those nutritional gaps.

But here’s where it gets tricky—supplement quality varies wildly. Some supplements are about as useful as eating sawdust, while others can be genuine game-changers for your health.

The key is choosing quality products from reputable manufacturers who genuinely care. Look for indicators like GMP certification, non-GMO ingredients, a money-back guarantee, or third-party testing to help you decide.

When I first started studying natural medicine, supplement research was pretty primitive. I remember one early study that tried to test St. John’s Wort for depression by giving it to fish.

Fish aren’t known for being great communicators, so I’m still wondering how they determined whether they were feeling better or not!

But times have changed dramatically. Instead of studying depressed fish, we now have clinical trials, genetic research, and sophisticated testing methods that show us exactly how these nutrients work in the human body.

So, robust research confirms that supplements can support health in meaningful ways. For example, vitamin D supplementation has been extensively studied and shown to improve bone health by enhancing calcium absorption. This is especially important for those with limited sun exposure.

Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have demonstrated consistent benefits for heart health in numerous clinical trials, reducing inflammation and supporting healthy cholesterol levels.

Think of supplements like a backup generator for your body. They aren’t meant to replace your main power supply (a healthy diet), but are incredibly valuable when your regular systems need extra support.

Just ensure you’re getting the good stuff from a manufacturer you trust. The right supplements, chosen thoughtfully and used appropriately, can be powerful tools in your journey toward optimal health and wellness.

As always, check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your health routine.

P.S. Seven signs you should take a multivitamin

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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