HEALTH + WELLNESS
American diet . Not only are they nutrient poor , they also can strip the body of its ability to process and absorb vitamins and minerals . Our food supply also seems to be less nutrient-dense because of poor soil quality , GMO practices and mass production . Stressors in the environment and in our daily lives also play a role in reducing our bodies ’ abilities to optimize nutrients . Given these many factors , more and more progressive practitioners are recommending that patients supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals . Of course , patients should make every attempt to eat well , minimize toxins in their environment and manage stress , but supplements offer additional support and benefits . In addition , there is no value in over-supplementation . Some Functional Medicine and Integrative practitioners can run specific tests to help identify deficiencies and recommend specific formulations where needed , but most individuals would benefit from the following basic supplements daily :
1 . A GOOD MULTIVITAMIN , preferably in a gel or capsule form , with at least the minimum RDA levels of essential vitamins and minerals . In most cases , it is best to find a multivitamin that is iron-free as this can cause GI upset .
2 . AN ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENT totaling 1,200 mg of DHA EPA ( omega-3 and 6 in a 3:1 ratio ). The source must be free of toxins , especially mercury . ( Make sure this is stated on the bottle .)
3 . VITAMIN D3 ( 1,000 – 2,000 IU daily )
Your practitioner may recommend additional supplements based on your personal health profile or disease state or if nutritional testing uncovers deficiencies or risks . Until then it would be beneficial to implement the basic supplements listed above .
When buying supplements , patients are encouraged to buy nutraceuticals that are third-party tested , inspected and certified . The supplements must be marked free of artificial binders , fillers , colors or additives . They need to be free of sugars , fructose or artificial sweeteners , and should come from organic sources when possible . They must be free of heavy metals and toxins , especially mercury . If a supplement does not meet these standards , patients should not consume it . Many over-the-counter supplements do not meet the minimum standards , and patients must be diligent in researching these products and avoiding those that lack these basic requirements . n
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