Supplements

Supplements are meant to be exactly what the name implies, a supplement, not a substitute for, the ideal diet (our first pillar)

Even with the perfect diet, supplements will be necessary. Modern farming methods have depleted the soil. It is very difficult for most of us to find fresh, locally grown produce without pesticides. Finding wild, non-contaminated fish, completely grass-fed beef or free-range poultry is also difficult.

Supplements can be grouped into several general categories and all are potentially important.

Vitamins both fat soluble and water soluble are essential to life. The “minimum daily requirements” (MDR) or “recommended daily allowance” (RDA) are set misleadingly low. They were set up to prevent known diseases (scurvy, rickets, etc.) not to help achieve optimal health. Vitamins should ideally be chosen in their natural form, containing all co-factors and components of the complete vitamin. Of course, a combination of good diet and quality vitamins can help to ensure this.

Minerals are also crucial to life and our needs are often oversimplified. How many of us are aware, for example, that magnesium is just as important for bone health as calcium? The proper balance of minerals, including tiny amounts of “true” minerals, is paramount.

Since life and modern toxins constantly bombard us with free radicals, antioxidants (including antioxidant vitamins), are also important supplements. For example, Co enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-carnitine, and others can improve the energy production in our cells and combat fatigue brought on by the stresses of modern life.

Essential fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3) are being increasingly recognized to play an important role in our health. The balance between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids (ideally 1:1 up to 2:1) determines the level of inflammation in our bodies. When the ratio goes too high, we develop internal inflammation leading to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and many other chronic conditions. Fish oil, for example, high in the omega 3 acids EPA and DHA has been shown to raise good cholesterol, lower triglycerides, stabilize arterial plaque (reducing heart attacks and sudden death), reduce abnormal heart rhythm and reduce certain cancer incidence, relieve arthritic joint pain, protect against dementia and these are just some of its benefits.

A physician skilled in nutritional therapy can help guide the patient in choosing the proper doses and combinations specific to that patient’s needs.