The vitamin aisle is crowded, confusing, and overwhelming in its promises. Some of these are empty, and some are too powerful to be tested without guidance. After all, what is L-Theanine? Do I need it? And, at what dose?
Many of my patients come in with the jumbo size plastic bottles from a big box retailers because they read somewhere that it might be good for them and before you know it they have 10 giant bottles in the pantry and they still have symptoms… many of these supplements are not bioavailable and are made in a factory. So buyer beware.
Nutritionist Judith DeCava puts it best: “Separating the group of compounds (in a vitamin complex) converts it from a physiological, biochemical, active micronutrient into a disabled, debilitated chemical of little or no value to living cells. The synergy is gone.”
If you are going to buy supplements, make sure they are very good quality whole food based and start with the basics listed below.
We often hear that if you eat well, you shouldn’t need supplements. Is that right?
A: “Supplements are essential health-boosters that can help fill in nutritional gaps and protect your body against the occasional diet slip-up. While I recommend everyone eat whole, preferably organic foods, I also believe that high-quality supplements are important as well. While they won’t make up for a bad diet, think of them as your nutritional pit crew, standing at the ready to make those quick adjustments, tweaks and fixes to your internal engines to get you back out on the road.”
Here are my Top Fab Five:
1. A Probiotic:
To help support healthy gut flora, maintain a healthy gut environment and improve nutrient digestion and absorption. Supports GI immune health and is a good adjunct to antibiotic therapy which has been over prescribed for years. Probiotic’s are best taken at night as this is why your digestive system does it’s work.
2. Omega 3 fatty Acids.
A good source of DHA and EPS essential fatty acids. These are the GOOD Fats.
Acts as an anti- inflammatory, supports optimal cardiovascular function as well as brain health.
3. B Vitamin Complex:
Improves nerve conductivity, supports blood sugar imbalances, hypotension, drug and alcohol use and depression and anxiety. This is a must have if you are a vegan or vegetarioan
4. A Mineral Supplement:
For most of us, that would be best as a calcium, magnesium vitamin D 3 combo. In some cases Zinc would be beneficial.
5. Digestive Enzymes:
For most of us that is usually a combo of pepsin and hydrochloric acid (HCL). Stress reduces the production of HCL and therefore we often suffer from digestive issues due to the bodies inability to break down food.
Helps with indigestion, gas, bloating, anemia and poor calcium and iron absorption. Also helps with sour breath.
If you have questions please reach out and we will do our best to answer and it is always prudent to check in with your health and wellness doctor for your unique needs.
