Episode Overview

Podcast: The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast
Episode: Please, Are Supplements Worth The Hype?? Ask The Expert - Vince Pitstick
Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Candace Cameron Bure
Guest: Vince Pitstick – Functional Health Coach, Founder of NuEthix

Candace Cameron Bure closes out Season 11 ("Body and Soul") with a deep-dive into nutrition and supplements alongside functional health expert Vince Pitstick. The discussion explores whether supplements are worth the hype, how to evaluate quality, which ones might benefit certain age groups (especially women in their 40s and 50s), and how they fit into an overall wellness strategy. Vince shares his personal health journey, breaks down supplement industry secrets, and offers practical, evidence-based advice for listeners feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Vince Pitstick’s Health Journey & Functional Approach

• [06:05] Vince shares a moving story of childhood illness triggered by chemical exposure and infections, leading to years of psychological and physical health struggles. He credits holistic interventions, faith, and supplements for his recovery.
  • "God showed up in a major powerful way. So at six years old...I got a rash of strep infections... it led to what we now know as PANDAS. At the time we had no...understanding." (Vince, 06:05)
• The main insight: Modern medicine can be too specialized and fragmented. True healing often requires connecting multiple aspects – nutrition, mental health, environment, and functional supplements.

Pharmaceuticals vs. Supplements vs. Herbs

• [12:18] Vince clarifies:
  • Pharmaceuticals often mimic natural substances but are synthesized and concentrated for patenting.
  • Supplements use more natural forms but the industry is split between over-the-counter (OTC) and medical-grade (practitioner-focused) products.
  • The FDA lightly oversees supplements, so buyer education is crucial.
  • "People are cutting corners left and right to keep costs as low as possible. It's so important to be an educated buyer." (Vince, 14:09)

How to Choose Quality Supplements

• [14:35] Recommendations for sourcing:
  • Trust medical-grade, practitioner-recommended brands with clear quality control (QC) and third-party testing.
  • Brand loyalty can serve as a shortcut (e.g., Metagenics, Biotics, Pure, NuEthix).
  • Amazon is improving, but buying direct ensures better temperature control for product storage.
  • "Look for brands with internal quality control, no proprietary blends, and GMP (good manufacturing practices).” (Vince, 16:25)

Red Flags in Supplements

• [18:24]
  1. Wild claims on the label (e.g., “Lose 10 lbs instantly!”)
  2. Use of proprietary blends (hides actual ingredient amounts)
  3. Lack of transparency about manufacturing practices

Foundations for Women 40+ – Must-Have Supplements

• [21:45] Vince targets the needs of women in perimenopause and menopause:
  • Adaptogens (for nervous system & stress): e.g., Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Cordyceps, Asian ginseng.
    "Adaptogens help our body adapt to stress and regulate and jump between parasympathetic and sympathetic." (Vince, 22:09)
  • Phosphatidylserine (reduces cortisol/aldosterone water retention): found in blends like Cordys.
  • Magnesium (top 5 essential): multiple types for different effects (citrate for bowel, glycinate for absorption, chelate for overall function). "Magnesium is involved in almost every cellular function in the body." (Vince, 28:56)

How Diet & Supplements Interact

• [25:22] Emphasizes diet variety, phytonutrients, seasonal eating. While supplements help fill gaps (especially if you’re eating habitually), they can’t fully compensate for a poor diet.
  • "If you're gonna eat bad, you should definitely take supplements because you’re gonna get nutrient deficiencies." (Vince, 26:00)

Cycling Supplements

• [27:50] Take a break from supplements a couple of months per year to maintain body sensitivity.

Electrolytes, Sodium, & Hydration

• [29:50] Many people feel bad due to accidental dehydration (stress, caffeine, low sodium). Electrolyte supplements (with proper sodium-potassium ratios) are impactful, especially for active people or those who avoid salt.
  • "If you're staying active, you actually need more sodium, and it actually can help balance blood pressure with the right potassium." (Vince, 36:01)
• "Electrolytes is something that everyone can benefit from... Consult your doctor if you've got heart conditions.” (Vince, 54:56)

Product Quality Caveats

• [38:16] Many retail “electrolytes” are mostly sugar (often hidden as maltodextrin). Brand selection and label literacy are vital.

Addressing Brain Fog & Hormone Support

• [41:01] Brain fog is common; Vince recommends addressing hormone balance and supporting neurological function:
  • DHEA (neurological precursor, often depleted by caffeine; women can try 10-15mg)
  • Hormone-supporting formulas (e.g., phytoestrogens, zinc, selenium, boron, Asian yam)
  • "There are formulas...that help with both the production and detoxification of hormones.” (Vince, 44:20)
  • Dopamine boosters for brain fog: Lion’s mane, Alpha GPC, Asian ginseng.

Peptides – What’s the Buzz?

• [45:30] Peptides are chains of amino acids and act as messengers (like hormones, but different chemistry).
  • Distinction: "Peptides are made from amino acids, hormones from cholesterol... I prefer peptides because there’s less contraindication." (Vince, 46:26)
  • Collagen peptides are superior to collagen protein for absorption and effect.
  • Emerging peptides (e.g., BPC-157, TB-500) can aid healing, vitality, muscle retention in midlife and beyond.

The GLP-1 Debate (e.g., Semaglutide)

• [50:04] GLP-1 peptides (some prescription weight-loss drugs) mimic body hormones regulating blood sugar and metabolism.
  • Caution: Use under professional supervision alongside good nutrition, not as a shortcut.

Listener Q&A

Are colostrum, peptides, collagen, greens, electrolytes worth the hype?

• [52:42] Vince:
  • Colostrum: Yes, for immune support (due to immunoglobulins).
  • Collagen peptides: Yes; avoid regular collagen protein.
  • Greens powders: Sometimes, in rotation, but don’t rely on them year-round.
  • Electrolytes: Yes, for most people (see above for caveats).
  • Genetic testing now allows tailoring supplement regimens for maximal benefit.

Strength Training Q: Do you recommend heavy lifting for women?

• [55:50] Vince’s nuanced answer:
  • Walking maintains most muscle; walking + protein can preserve body composition.
  • Weight training is great – but there’s no direct correlation between more weightlifting and longevity.
  • Periodize training: Walk and get lean first, then focus on muscle-building.
  • "The best way...does not start with building muscle. You want to bring your body weight down without losing muscle through walking, fast feasting… then build the muscle." (Vince, 58:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 06:05 | Vince | "God showed up in a major powerful way. So at six years old...I got a rash of strep infections... it led to what we now know as PANDAS." | | 14:09 | Vince | "People are cutting corners left and right to keep costs as low as possible. It's so important to be an educated buyer." | | 16:25 | Vince | "Look for brands with internal quality control, no proprietary blends, and GMP (good manufacturing practices).” | | 21:45 | Vince | “Let’s start with adaptogens. So, nervous system.” | | 28:56 | Vince | "Magnesium is involved in almost every cellular function in the body." | | 27:50 | Vince | “It’s a really good idea to take a break from supplements for two months out of the year.” | | 36:01 | Vince | "If you're staying active, you actually need more sodium, and it actually can help balance blood pressure with the right potassium." | | 41:01 | Candace | “Let’s talk about brain fog, because I do feel like I have brain fog at times, and that’s a big symptom.” | | 46:26 | Vince | "Peptides are made from amino acids, hormones from cholesterol... I prefer peptides because there’s less contraindication." | | 52:54 | Vince | "Colostrum has immunoglobulins in it that support your immune system. Anything that supports your immune system is worth investing in as we get older." | | 58:24 | Vince | "The best way for you to ever build the body of your dreams does not start with building muscle. You want to bring your body weight down without losing muscle through walking, fast feasting..." |

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [06:05] — Vince’s story & the role of supplements in his health
• [12:18] — Differences between pharmaceuticals, supplements, herbs
• [14:35] — How to choose quality supplements (brands, labels, QC)
• [18:24] — Supplement industry red flags
• [21:45] — Key supplements for perimenopausal/menopausal women
• [25:22] — The role of dietary variety & habits
• [27:50] — When and how to cycle/rotate supplements
• [29:50] — The power of hydration, sodium, and electrolytes
• [41:01] — Addressing brain fog with supplements
• [45:30] — What are peptides? Why do they matter?
• [52:42] — Lightning Q&A: colostrum, peptides, greens, electrolytes, etc.
• [55:50] — Should women lift heavy? Latest research and best practices

Takeaways

• Supplements can play a substantial role, but quality, brand, and appropriate selection are essential.
• Focus on adaptogens, magnesium, electrolytes, and targeted hormone support (like DHEA) for women in their 40s and 50s.
• Peptides are the “next frontier” — research is exploding, but proceed wisely.
• Trustworthy brands with rigorous quality control are non-negotiable.
• Walking and nutrition (with strategic supplement support) are the unsung heroes for longevity and body composition.
• It’s a great time to age well — the science and options have never been better!