The Four Fundamentals of Nutritional Supplementation

“The human body is remarkable and truly wondrous, but most Americans are not feeding the body the high-quality fuel it deserves and needs. When a dynamic living organism does not receive the proper building blocks it needs for energy, maintenance, or repair, it is only a matter of time before it fails to run in an efficient manner. Stated another way, if the body is not fed the full range of nutrients it needs, how can it be expected to stay in a state of good health?”

-Dr. Michael Murray

There are a myriad of reasons why people use nutritional supplements, and by now I think I’ve heard just about every one in the book. The most common reasons would include disease prevention and management, correction of nutrient deficiencies, and achieving an optimal state of health. In an ideal world we would be eating a diet of whole, fresh, clean foods that are nutrient dense, prepared at home, and shared with friends and family. Our stress levels would be manageable and exercise would be part of our daily routine. Also, we would not be exposed to thousands of harmful chemical compounds in our environment that increase cancer risk and disrupt the endocrine system. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world, and this is why nutritional supplementation can be an important strategy to improve and maintain our health! (I, of course, am biased because I’ve spent the last 25 years studying nutritional therapeutics, and have seen the benefits of nutritional supplementation in my clients and customers).

Two questions I get asked all the time are “what supplements should I take; I’m really confused?” and “what do you take?” The reality is that there are people taking supplements they don’t need to take, or shouldn’t be taking because there could be interactions or contraindications. There are people taking supplements that aren’t doing anything for them because they’re inferior in quality and/or formulation. And lastly, there are people not taking supplements that could benefit from their therapeutic properties. If you’re confused about using supplements and need good direction I’m always available to give you an honest assessment.

If you’re generally healthy and want to use nutritional supplements to reach a greater state of health while improving energy levels and protecting the body in our polluted world, I recommend the four fundamentals:

1.High quality multivitamin/mineral supplement.

WHY?
-Cheap health insurance
-Prevent nutrient deficiencies
-Maintain good health

-Whole food or food complexed formulas are best.
-Nutrients should be in their most natural form
-Avoid synthetic vitamin E, colorings, and preservatives
and unnatural ingredients.
-No unnatural fillers

2.Broad-spectrum probiotic

WHY?
-Support immunity
-Improve digestion
-Prevent yeast and urinary tract infections
-Prevent proliferation of harmful bacteria

-Multiple strains, high potency.

3.Essential fatty acid supplement

WHY?
-Increase bone density, promote breast health.
-Reduce risk of heart disease.
-Improve neurological functioning including mood.
-Reduce inflammation.
-Improve immune function and joint mobility

-Omega 3 more important than omega 6.
-Cold pressed Salmon oil is a good choice.
-Test your fish oil!!
-Use a trusted source.

4.Powdered green foods blend with nutritional grasses, vegetables, fruit, and fiber.

WHY?
-Provides the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, carotenoids, and antioxidants.
-Cleansing, detoxifying, alkalizing.
-Rich in phytonutrients.