We are not real big on taking a lot of supplements. We think the best way to achieve optimum health is through eating nutrient dense foods that are grown in a way to optimize nutrition (ie organic).
But there are some basic supplements that many people can benefit from:
Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is synthesized in the skin with exposure to sunlight. The amount of sun exposure needed depends on your skin pigmentation and your geography. A general rule of thumb is to get 20 minutes of full body exposure every day.
Vitamin D is found in some foods including fatty fish, and eggs, but most humans do not get adequate D from food alone.
Vitamin D provides humans with many benefits, here are three that are significantly important:
- Absorbs calcium from the body and transports it to the bone, therefore creating strong bones
- Is essential for a robust immune system
- Prevents cancer, in particular breast cancer
So supplementation may be appropriate for you. Get your vitamin D level tested. Optimum levels are 40-60 (this is higher than the lab’s normal value). If you want to find out about the best form of vitamin D to take, or advice on an appropriated dose, give us a call. Also see the link to our Natural Partners Store below.
Probiotic – not everyone needs a probiotic, but we often recommend one for the following:
- A robust immune system
- Problems with the skin such as acne, rosacea, eczema
- For those who have taken antibiotics
- When there are certain digestive complaints
There are many probiotics (and prebiotics) available on the market. It is important that the probiotic you take is from a trusted source, that it has adequate and appropriate microorganisms in sufficient quantity. Most often we recommend (and carry) Prescript Assist Probiotic.
Multivitamin or Greens Supplement – if you are not always able to eat a nutrient dense organic diet, consider a multi as your vitamin “insurance”. There are a gazillion products out there, most are garbage. An effective multi is made from a whole food source (not chemically synthesized in the lab). An alternative is to take a Greens Supplement such as Green Vibrance or Garden of Life Perfect Food. Some of these are available from our Store (see below)
Fish Oil (DHA + EPA) – you may consider taking a fish oil supplement to improve brain function, reduce inflammation or to balance your Omega 3 and Omega 6 intake. We only recommend Fish oil supplements that have been approved by the IFOS (Independent Fish Oil Standards). Check out the IFOS web site: IFOS. We have a Fish Oil from DaVinci in our Natural Partners store (see below).
Vitamin B12 – this supplement is most important for those who do not regularly eat red meat or whose lab values are less than 600. An impaired digestive system will prevent B-12 from being adequately absorbed which can result in low levels. B12 is important for many of the bodies functions, but is especially important for nerve health. Check out the B12 we recommend (it’s called Methyl Factors) in our Natural Partners store.
Our Natural Partners Store – Natural Partners is an on line professional supplement store with high quality product lines. Through our store, you have access to most of what Natural Partners has to offer at 20% off the retail price. This is a great deal, quality products at a discount. If you want to see what is in the store, use this link and the access code 432584 to set up your account Natural Partners Store
Please call us if you have any questions
Ann + Emily
