Should I Take Supplements???

 

Answer the 6 questions below to find out:

 

• Do you make poor dietary choices (alcohol, caffeine, sugar, processed foods…)?

• Do you eat frozen or canned fruits and veggies rather than fresh organic produce?

• Are you chronically stressed?

• Do you have chronic symptoms and/or health conditions?

• Do you have family members with chronic illnesses?

• Have you ever been exposed to environmental toxins?

 

If you answered yes to any of the questions, chances are you will benefit from nutritional and/or herbal supplementation.

 

Poor dietary choices: Most people indulge in caffeine, alcohol, sugar or processed foods on a regular basis.  These substances create a greater need for certain nutrients such as essential B vitamins.

 

Frozen or canned fruits and veggies: Even if you only buy organic produce, you probably eat out at restaurants that do not use 100% organic.  Even still, considering modernized farming practices and nutrient depleted soil, most produce (even organic) can have low nutrient levels.  “Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone….it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements.”  JAMA, June 19, 2002, Vol. 287, No. 23, 3127-3129.

 

Chronic stress and chronic illness: Most of us are stressed on a regular basis and have health concerns such as hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, fatigue, insomnia, and back pain.  If you have difficulty managing stress or are chronically ill, you may have a nutritional deficiency.  Also, there is growing research today showing clinical nutrition can help treat many acute and chronic diseases.  “Supplementation with a multivitamin formulated at about 100% DV can decrease the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin status in adults and improve their micronutrient status…” J. of American College of Nutrition, Vol. 19, No. 5, 613-621 (2000)

 

Family members: Genetic predispositions to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer indicate you may have a greater need for certain nutrients to help protect you against these conditions.

 

Environmental toxins: Even if you said “no” to all of the other questions above, we are ALL exposed to environmental toxins.  Even the most pristine places on earth have toxins in the water, soil and food supply.  Antioxidant and liver supportive supplements can help counteract damage from exposure to environmental toxins.

 

Nutritional Supplements can help:

 

• Compensate for inadequate intake of essential nutrients through diet

• Enhance systems in our body to function at their maximum potential

• Compensate for genetic vulnerabilities

• Provide vitamins needed as cofactors and coenzymes for proper functioning of metabolic reactions in the body

• Supply essential antioxidants and liver support to counteract oxidative damage

 

Now that you know the importance and benefits of taking supplements, keep in mind that it is essential that you get the highest quality supplements available.  I am very picky about the supplements I choose to carry in my practice.  Not only do I research the companies of the supplements I carry, but I also stay on top of the latest research on the safest and most effective forms of nutrients and herbs.  This will require another blog at a later date, but for now, remember to only select the best, and do some research or see a naturopathic physician before starting any supplements.  And, keep in mind, not all supplements are safe and some interact with prescription medications.

 

Schedule an appointment to discuss your individual supplement needs by calling, #435-647-5555.