Supplement Program
Below you will find a list of our recommended supplements and quality brands. These supplements are the most effective and recommended by doctors and scientists.
Supplementation is very important and every person requires different supplements. If you are looking for direction as to which supplements to take, please consult with one of our Health Coaches to guide you in the right path for the proper supplementation. We highly recommend that you check with your doctor regarding any supplementation, especially if you are taking any prescription medications.
MULTIVITAMINS:
Multivitamins are a great form of health assurance because you’re giving your body the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that it needs for optimal health.
Food is the ideal source of those nutrients, but there’s no way to know for sure that you’re consistently fueling your body with everything it needs. In fact, studies show that you can eat a healthy diet and still be on average 57% short of crucial nutrients.
Another study proved that nutrient deficiency could be a possible reason obesity is on the rise, in addition to other serious health conditions such as insulin resistance and premature aging.
How to Choose Multivitamins:
When looking for a multivitamin, make sure that it includes a trifecta of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Vitamins and minerals help strengthen your bones, heal wounds, and boost your immune system. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radical damage, which destroys cells, DNA, and precious collagen.
Remember, these amazing benefits CANNOT be found in a one-a-day vitamin, so make sure you get a good quality multivitamin (see list of recommended brands below).
OMEGA-3s
Omega-3s protect your brain, as well as healing brain trauma, boosting your mood, and improving overall brain function.It’s been said that inflammation is at the root of all disease, and omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful ally in the fight. They’ve been proven to lower inflammation, which can alleviate chronic pain, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disease, and even fight cancer!
Struggling with high cholesterol? It’s omega-3s to the rescue! This daily essential can help lower harmful triglycerides and LDL and increase levels of HDL, the good cholesterol that keeps your arteries clean. There are so many reasons to be sure you add omega-3s to your daily supplements!
How to Choose Omega-3s
The most effective way to get omega-3s is from fish oil or plant-based. Quality is especially important with this supplement!
Make sure the source of your fish oil is 100% certified sustainable, non-GMO, and processed within hours of harvesting, so you know it will give your brain and body the TLC and protection it deserves!
Type of omega-3: Many omega-3 supplements often contain little, if any, EPA and DHA — the most important types of omega-3s. Make sure your supplement contains these.
Amount of omega-3: A supplement may say on the front that it contains 1,000 mg of fish oil per capsule. However, on the back you’ll read that EPA and DHA are only 320 mg.
PROBIOTICS
The living organisms in your gut (also known as your gut microbiome) are essential – they’re your first line of defense against inflammation and infection.The key to keeping your gut healthy is to increase the amount of healthy bacteria, while lowering the harmful bacteria. That’s where probiotics come in!
The healthy bacteria from probiotics protect you from stomach upset, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, allergies, and autoimmune disease. This helpful flora can also eliminate toxins and dispose of potentially harmful waste.Another important reason to keep the microbiome healthy is that the gut flora affects the chemicals that determine your mood, appetite, sleep quality, and even your sex drive!
You know your gut is in trouble if you have leaky gut, gas and bloating, joint pain, fatigue, headaches, or trouble losing weight or keeping it off.If you’re constantly fighting infections, taking antibiotics, or under lots of stress, taking a high-quality, daily probiotic will protect your immune system and heal your gut, while keeping you well-rested and happy.
How to Choose Probiotics
When choosing a good probiotic, it’s ideal to get one that includes prebiotics as well. Prebiotics are fuel for the healthy bacteria that can help them thrive.
The types and amounts of bacteria in your probiotic are also important because a healthy gut microbiome requires multiple types of bacteria so get a probiotic with billions of flora that includes a variety of strains.
It’s important to note that not all probiotic labels will be accurate. There’s no regulation regarding the count of bacteria in each capsule, and most companies use the count before shipping. There’s almost zero chance all those bacteria will arrive alive and healthy on your doorstep!
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D deficiency is super common, so much so that it’s now considered an epidemic associated with several serious diseases.Although vitamin D is called a vitamin, it is actually a hormone! It has an impressive list of important functions in your body, including keeping your bones and teeth healthy and strong, boosting your immune system to fight infection and autoimmune issues, protecting your heart, and supporting muscle function.
Research also shows that vitamin D can even help improve the symptoms of depression and may also boost weight loss by improving your mood and controlling your appetite.20 minutes of unprotected natural sunlight stimulates your body’s production of vitamin D, but many of us don’t get enough sunlight, especially in the winter. And that deficiency during colder months can negatively affect your health all year round.
If you live in a seasonal climate or a desk job keeps you from getting enough time in the sun, supplementing with vitamin D can make a huge difference to your overall health. (Remember, sun exposure while you’re wearing sunscreen will not help you produce more vitamin D.)If you’re experiencing symptoms of vitamin D deficiency like fatigue, frequent viral illness and infections, aches and pains, or bone and muscle weakness, it’s time to visit your doctor to get tested and start supplementing!
How to Choose Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 is the most absorbable form of this crucial hormone. Your vitamin D supplement should also contain vitamins K1 and the MK-7 form of K2, which are essential for the proper absorption of D. Also, this is a fat-soluble vitamin so be sure to take it with a healthy source of fat.
DOSAGE: While dozens of studies have shown beneficial effects of vitamin D on overall health and mortality, there’s still some controversy around the ideal dosage. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM; recently renamed as the Health and Medicine Division of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) updated its recommendation to 600 IU per day for adults. However, some research suggests that’s not enough. In one study, even a daily dose of 2,000 IU failed to maintain proper blood levels. The IOM also increased its “upper level intake” to 4,000 IU per day. However, John Jacob Cannell, MD, executive director of the Vitamin D Council, suggests it’s safe to take more than 4,000 IU per day without exceeding the IOM’s NOAEL (no observed adverse effects level) of 10,000 IU.
POTENCY & PURITY: Some research shows vitamin D potency varies widely from the amount on the label; in one study, actual vitamin D content ranged from 9 to 146% of the expected dose. Additionally, many softgels use soybean oil or corn oil – which may contain GMOs – as carriers. Look for USP-verified supplements to ensure potency, and choose softgels made with extra-virgin olive oil or organic palm oil.
VITAMIN B12
This vitamin is critical for your nervous system and the production of DNA and RNA, which are the building blocks for all the cells in your body. That means a B12 deficiency can cause serious health problems, including exhaustion, memory trouble, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, gut issues, and more.
Studies also show that low B12 causes an increase in risk for cardiovascular disease and even affects your mental wellbeing. In fact, B12 deficiency has been linked to depression and anxiety disorders, as well as increased symptoms in autism, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.
You can only get B12 from eating meat so vegetarians and people who have problems with digestion must supplement with B12.
Anyone suffering from gut issues, taking antacids/reflux medication, or over the age of 50 almost always needs more B12 in their diet.
Studies also show that regular consumption of alcohol stops your body from absorbing the B12 in your diet so regular alcohol drinkers should supplement B12 as well.
How to Choose Vitamin B12
The best way to take a B12 supplement is sublingually or by injection. (“Sublingual” means under your tongue.) If regular visits to a doctor’s office or giving yourself shots isn’t an option, sublingual drops or lozenges are your best bet.
Taking your vitamin B12 sublingually is helpful because it allows for easy absorption through your gums and mouth tissue. Sublingual use is especially important if you have any digestive problems, as your gut won’t absorb B12 in capsule form.
Make sure you find a dosage that is suitable for your needs. Most of the products you find in stores are between 500 mcg and 10,000 mcg. The most common dosages are between 1,000 and 5,000 mcg. As with most other supplements, it is better to start low and work up to a dosage that is effective. Also, make sure to include your physician. They may be able to suggest a dose that is appropriate for your specific malady.
Bonus Supplement: DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
You’ve heard that saying “You are what you eat,” but the truth is you are what you absorb!
Digestive enzymes in your stomach help your body convert the food you eat into nutrition and energy. These enzymes are the first step in proper digestion. However, if you’re over 35, experience chronic stress, or have any kind of gut issues, chances are strong that your digestive enzyme production has declined. You’ll know because of telltale gas and bloating after meals, especially anything high-protein like a steak dinner!
Supplementing with a high-quality digestive enzyme 30 minutes before each meal will help you avoid uncomfortable digestive upset and the ability to better absorb healthy nutrients from your food and other supplements.
Designs for Health
Thorne
Douglas Laboratories
Nordic Naturals
Jarrow Formulas
Ortho Molecular Products
Metagenics
Pure Encapsulations
Biotics Research
Klaire Labs
Vital Nutrients
Gaia
Traditional Medicinals
Wildflower (CBD)
Lakewood Organic
Nature’s Answer
Vimergy