Wednesday, March 06, 2024
Some of the most commonly asked questions I have from my clients are: “What about supplements? Should I take them? Which ones and how much?” “What are you taking and why?”
Supplements may not always be necessary, but when they are, they can make a huge difference in your healing journey.
it’s important to always check with your healthcare professional before getting on a supplement program. The best way to know whether you need to be on a supplement is to consult with a professional.
That being said, in functional nutrition we focus on meeting nutritional needs via real food first. This is what we call Tier 1.
There are many reasons why someone might need to supplement their diet: Functionally, there may be digestive issues, special needs regarding food sensitivities or a number of dysfunctional issues that may require a person to supplement their diet.
Supplementation is what we call Tier 2. In tier 1 the focus is getting the person to eat the most nutrient-dense food possible and making sure they’re digesting and absorbing it and metabolizing it properly.
So, let’s say that we have done that and we’re now ready to look at tier 2 and the possibility of supplementation. Where do we start?
In functional nutrition we need to recognize everyone is unique and our needs are all different, depending on our age, health, and many other factors like stress and disease conditions.
However, there are 5 supplements the majority of people can benefit from, at one time or another.
Please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement. This is for education purposes only. I’m not your nutritionist and I’m not able to give you medical advice.
It’s pretty much a given that our soils are depleted and our food is deficient in nutrients, even if your diet is pristine.
The supplements most of us can benefit from in our society, due to the poor soils and the widespread use of processed foods, combined with the low intake of organic vegetables and clean sources of food:
1. A high-quality multivitamin, without iron.
Iron can be toxic in large quantities, so I take a multivitamin without iron. If I were low in iron I would look for sources of iron in my diet, and if I needed a supplement I would look for an organ complex supplement first. This is a supplement that uses organ meats as the source of iron.
2. Magnesium.
Magnesium is a mineral used in over 400 chemical processes in the body. If you have constipation; if you can’t sleep or if you get leg cramps, you’re probably low in magnesium. I use magnesium glycinate, which is very well tolerated by my gut and it helps me relax at night.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
Our diet is high in omega-6, which is found in many processed foods. We need a higher ratio of omega 3: omega 6 in our bodies. The opposite is what we see in most people when measured. I chose an Omega 3 supplement that guarantees it’s clean from contaminants like mercury.
4. A high-quality probiotic.
Helps me balance my gut microbiome and supports my immune health. I look for one that is well-tested.
5. Liposomal Vitamin C.
Our environment is high in toxins that come in water, air, pesticides and personal care products. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and it helps us get rid of free radicals and toxins, which contribute to the aging process. Vitamin C is a must for most people and it supports immune health.
6. Vitamin D3 plus K2
I have my doctor check my vitamin D every six months. It’s crucial to know our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is a hormone and it affects not only bone health, but also immune health. Be sure to take vitamin D3 plus vitamin K. Check with your doctor if you take blood thinners. Everyone has different needs.
For people in my community, I always want to provide you with great value, so I’ve curated a group of supplements that I take and I want to share that with you. You will receive 10% off your purchase anytime you order supplements from my Fullscript dispensary.
I make sure I buy all my supplements from a reputable source; never from Amazon or the drug store.
If you want to take advantage of this offer CLICK HERE
Warmly,
Monica.
Certified Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner
I’m a Certified Nutritionist and a Functional Medicine Practitioner. My training as a dietitian with a Masters degree, who chose a career in nutrition and dietetics did not prepare me for my health journey ahead.
A stressful job, combined with hormonal imbalance and a history of blood sugar swings was the perfect storm for a health breakdown.
I found the help I needed by searching as a patient; not a clinician. When I found relief I knew I had to dedicate myself to guiding others toward restored health, through finding root causes. I found blood sugar regulation to be at the core of chronic illness.
I’m here to guide and support you and show you the way. I’m dedicated to sharing the tools I’ve acquired along the way. You can expect me to bring information to you about health topics that will help you find robust health!
Welcome home!