53: Stop Guessing, Start Testing: What to Know Before Taking Another Supplement

If you've ever stood in the supplement aisle wondering if this will finally be the thing that fixes your fatigue, mood swings, or painful periods... this episode is for you. Vanda breaks down why guessing with supplements is keeping you stuck and how functional testing can take the mystery out of your symptoms. Whether you're feeling ready to test or you're still working on the basics, you'll walk away from this episode with clear next steps—and a better understanding of what your body actually needs to feel good.

What You'll Learn:

• Why random supplements often don’t work (and might make things worse)
• The difference between symptom-chasing and strategic healing
• What HTMA and DUTCH tests actually reveal
• What to do before testing if you’re not ready yet
• How to choose the right support path based on where you're at

Sign up for Mama's Mini Spark
Enroll in Mama's Power-Up
Work with me one-on-one in Super Mom
Download my FREE Minerals for Mamas Guide
Follow me on IG @wellness.with.vanda

Transcript

Hey, hey, welcome back to the podcast. I'm so excited to be here with you this week. We're going to talk about a topic that is super common—a question I get all the time in my DMs, email replies, and conversations: supplements. I want to dive into it and provide you with some solid advice.

Before we get started, quick heads up: my allergies are in full force this week. If you hear any sniffles or a cough, just bear with me. I'm in Kentucky, aka the allergy capital of the world, and everything is blooming right now.

Okay, let's get into it. If you're someone interested in health and wellness (which I assume you are if you're here), I bet you've found yourself standing in the supplement aisle at Target or scrolling online, wondering:

• Which of these supplements will actually help me?
• Should I try that greens powder I saw someone post on Instagram?
• Will it taste awful?
• Will it work?

It's incredibly common for clients to come to me taking a whole list of supplements. One of the first things I ask is: How did you decide to take this? Why are you taking it? And what have you noticed since you started?

And often... they don’t know. We hear from a friend, a podcast, or a social media post that something is great and think, "Yes! That sounds easy. I can totally add that to my morning routine if it’s going to fix my energy or help my period."

Here’s the thing I want you to take away from this episode: choosing random supplements or following a cookie-cutter "everyone-needs-this" plan is NOT serving you. It’s likely keeping you stuck. You're putting a band-aid on a problem without knowing why the problem exists in the first place.

Many moms come to me exhausted, overwhelmed, moody, bloated, and feeling tapped out. They’ve bought the supplements, tried the detox teas, done the three-month hormone reset, and yet... at the end of the bottle or program, they still feel the same (or worse).

They've wasted money, energy, and time.

This is why I love functional testing so much. Yes, we can make great progress with foundations like food, sleep, movement, and stress management. But to really take it further and customize the process? That's where testing comes in.

HTMA and DUTCH are the two main tests I use with my clients. Every client gets HTMA testing, but not everyone needs DUTCH. Here’s the quick rundown:

• HTMA looks at your mineral levels and how your body is handling stress.
• DUTCH is a deep look at your hormones: estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and how your body is metabolizing them.

A lot of people come to me thinking they need something specific—like a DIM supplement because they assume they have estrogen dominance. But I say, "Let’s pause. Let’s get the data." We do the testing, and guess what? Sometimes they DO need DIM... but a lot of the time, they don’t. The testing shows us exactly what your body needs.

This is how you get happier periods, better energy, better moods. Customized support = better results.

Now, if you’re not in a place to invest in testing right now, that’s okay. I still want you to focus on the foundations:

• Are you eating enough?
• Are you prioritizing protein and fiber?
• Are you hydrating with mineral-rich drinks (not just plain water)?
• Are you managing your stress?

Don’t buy another supplement without thinking through those basics first. Otherwise, you risk taking the wrong thing and wasting your resources.

If you are ready to stop guessing, here are three ways I can support you:

1. Mama’s Mini Spark — HTMA test + personalized plan + 5 days of support.
2. Mama’s Power Up — A 4-week program with testing, a custom plan, and weekly support.
3. Supermom — My highest-touch offer. You get HTMA + DUTCH testing, a full custom plan, and 12 weeks of support from me.

Links to all three are in the show notes. And if you’re unsure where to start, send me a DM on Instagram (@wellnesswithvanda). Just say, "Hey Vanda, I want to work with you but I’m not sure which offer is best."

I'll ask you some questions and guide you honestly. I'm not going to push you into something just because it costs more. If you’re not a good fit for any of these, I’ll refer you to someone I trust.

Last thing before we go: If you're new to me, make sure you download my Minerals for Mamas guide. It’s the best first step. You’ll learn why minerals matter and how to start incorporating them into your daily routine. It has recipes, pantry staples, and tips to boost your energy and hormone health.

Grab the link in the show notes.

Alright, I’m going to leave you there for the week. Thanks for sticking with me through the allergy voice. Talk soon!