There is a myriad of reasons why people use nutritional supplements, and by now I think I’ve heard just about everyone 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 therefore nutritional supplementation can be an important strategy to improve and maintain our health! (I, of course, am biased because I’ve spent the last 30 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, preservatives, and unnatural ingredients.
-No unnatural fillers
2. Broad-spectrum probiotic
WHY?
- Support immunity
- Improve digestion
- Prevent yeast and urinary tract infections
- Prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria
-Multiple strains, high potency.
3. Essential fatty acid supplement
WHY?
- Increase bone density, promote breast health.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Improve neurological functioning including mood.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Improve immune function and joint mobility
-Omega 3 is 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.
Michael Chase, MS, NTP
Nutrition Science and Dietetics
