The Balance of Nature Whole Health System
Balance of Nature offers a Whole Health System comprising three main products: Fruits, Veggies, and Fiber & Spice. The Fruits and Veggies supplements are a convenient way to increase your intake of whole food-based nutrients, while the Fiber & Spice blend is designed to support digestive health. Understanding the purpose and format of each product is the first step to proper usage.
Fruits & Veggies Capsules
These are the flagship products, providing capsules derived from 16 different whole fruits and 15 different whole vegetables, respectively. The recommended daily dosage is a total of six capsules: three from the Fruits bottle and three from the Veggies bottle. Both bottles contain 90 capsules, equating to a 30-day supply when following the recommended daily dosage.
Fiber & Spice Powder
This is a separate supplement featuring a powder blend of four fibers and 12 spices, including psyllium husk, flax seed, apple, and turmeric. The standard recommendation is to mix two scoops of this powder into at least 16 ounces of liquid daily.
How to Take Your Balance of Nature Supplements
Balance of Nature offers flexibility in how you consume your supplements, especially the Fruits and Veggies capsules. Here are the common methods:
- Swallow with water: The most direct and common method is to simply swallow the capsules with a glass of water. The capsules are made from vegetable cellulose (hypromellose) and begin to dissolve upon contact with liquid.
- Chew the capsules: If you have difficulty swallowing pills, the Fruits and Veggies capsules can be chewed. Some users enjoy the taste of the fruit capsules when chewed.
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Open and mix with food or drinks: You can twist open the capsules to release the powdered contents. The Fruit powder can be mixed into:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
The Veggie powder can be added to savory foods like:
- Salads
- Soups
- Salsas
- Cottage cheese.
- Mixing the Fiber & Spice powder: This powder should be mixed into a drink. The company recommends at least 16 ounces of water, but some customers mix it with diluted apple juice to create a spiced cider flavor. User reviews indicate that the taste can be off-putting, so experimentation may be necessary to find a palatable combination.
Establishing a Daily Routine
Consistency is the most important factor when taking Balance of Nature. Here are some routine suggestions:
- Splitting the dose: Some customers prefer to take their three Fruits capsules in the morning and their three Veggies capsules in the afternoon.
- Taking all at once: It is also acceptable to take all six capsules at the same time if that's more convenient for your schedule.
- Timing the Fiber & Spice: The Fiber & Spice powder can be taken at any time of day, but consistency is key for digestive regularity.
- With or without food: Since the ingredients are whole foods, you can take them with or without a meal. Taking them with food may help mitigate any potential mild stomach upset.
Understanding the Product and Managing Expectations
It's crucial to understand what Balance of Nature is and isn't. It is a supplement, not a replacement for a healthy diet rich in fresh produce. Critiques, such as those published in Good Housekeeping, highlight the disparity between the potent claims and the actual nutritional content, noting that the capsules do not contain the same level of vitamins and minerals as whole, fresh food.
Potential Side Effects
Some users have reported side effects, which are important to be aware of:
- Digestive issues: Bloating, nausea, constipation, or acid reflux are reported by some individuals.
- Allergic reactions: The Veggies supplement contains soy, which is a common allergen. Always review the ingredient list if you have allergies.
- Inconsistent results: Customer reviews are mixed, with some reporting increased energy and overall well-being, while others notice no significant changes.
Balance of Nature vs. Alternatives
When deciding on a fruit and vegetable supplement, it can be helpful to compare Balance of Nature with other options on the market. Considerations include transparency, cost, and third-party certifications. An alternative mentioned in search results, such as Live it Up Super Greens, offers a different profile.
| Feature | Balance of Nature | Live it Up Super Greens (Example) | Evaluation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | High ($89.95 for Fruits & Veggies, more for Whole Health System) | Competitive, with subscriptions | High | Price is a common complaint among reviewers. |
| Ingredient Transparency | Lists ingredients, but not specific nutrient amounts. | Discloses supplement facts panel with nutrient details. | Limited | Makes it difficult to assess effectiveness or compare nutrient intake. |
| Product Format | Capsules (Fruits & Veggies) and powder (Fiber & Spice). | Powder mixed into drinks. | Mixed | Offers choice, but Fiber & Spice taste is an issue for some. |
| Third-Party Testing | Claimed, but past FDA issues raise concerns. | Claimed and certified (GMP-compliant). | Questionable | Previous non-compliance with FDA guidelines is a red flag. |
| Effectiveness Claims | Company states supplements provide whole food ingredients for health maintenance. | Aligned with standard supplement benefits (e.g., gut health, immunity). | Misleading (past) | The brand has faced litigation over exaggerated health claims. |
Conclusion: Making Balance of Nature Work for You
To effectively use Balance of Nature, you must follow the recommended daily dosage of three Fruits and three Veggies capsules. You can swallow, chew, or mix the capsules into food for maximum convenience. Remember to incorporate the Fiber & Spice powder by mixing two scoops into at least 16 ounces of liquid daily. Most importantly, maintain consistent daily use. While some users report positive effects like increased energy and improved digestion, managing expectations is key. View these products as a supplement to, not a substitute for, a healthy, whole-foods diet. If you experience negative side effects or are concerned about the product's value, it may be worth exploring alternatives with greater nutritional transparency and a more affordable price point. For more detailed information on supplement effectiveness, consider consulting resources like the Good Housekeeping review of the product.
