There are many reasons to take supplements these days. Eating a nutritious diet is first and foremost, but that may not always be enough due to the declining nutrients in our soil that yield less than optimal produce. Quality supplements should contain stamps like the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) or National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). These are third party organizations that verify the quality of the product.  However, not all supplements are created equal. Many manufacturers of supplements include fillers and other unnecessary ingredients that can cause less absorption of the primary, most useful active ingredient. Nutraceuticals such as Xymogen and Designs for Health are great examples of quality supplements prescribed by Integrative doctors in place of pharmaceuticals that can often have negative adverse side effects.

Four of the most common health issues include:

 

1. Decreased Immunity

Maintaining an optimal immune system is very important in the current time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The immune system has a vital role to protect the body from harmful substances, germs, and changes in cells that can make you ill.

Helpful supplements to boost immunity:

• Vitamin D is shown to have anti-viral properties. Studies have shown that maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels is crucial in not only with disease prevention, but also with COVID-19 recovery. A recent study shows that Vitamin D plays an important role in COVID-19 mortality rates. Limited sun exposure can also play a role in decreased Vitamin D levels, thus making it important to supplement. Our nurse practitioner recommends the below Vitamin D supplement from Designs for Health with no fillers:

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/vitamin-d-synergy-240-caps

• Vitamin C is also a tried and true immune booster. Unfortunately, your drugstore vitamin C tablets are most likely not being fully absorbed by your cells and are being excreted in your urine. Most oral vitamin C tablets are destroyed in the digestive system with only a 20 percent absorption rate. Liposomal Vitamin C has been shown to offer greater benefits by being wrapped in essential phospholipids creating absorption similar to dietary fats. It is absorbed by the lymphatic system with an estimated 98% efficiency. Once there, it moves from the lymphatic system into your bloodstream. In one recent study, liposomal vitamin C was able to raise vitamin C levels 50% higher than standard vitamin C at the same dose. Most liposomal vitamin C products are made with an ingredient called choline, which is also used to help liver and brain health. Our nurse practitioner recommends this liposomal vitamin C from Designs for Health:

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/liposomal-vitamin-c

 

2. Poor Sleep

Current national data shows that as many as 25 percent of Americans have trouble sleeping. This is due to a number of reasons such as stress, hormonal imbalance, aging, diet, and too much exposure to blue light from screens such as television and cell phones.  There are a lot of factors that play into a good night’s rest and supplements can help.

• Magnesium Glycinate is often referred to nature’s Xanax and can aid the process of sleep by regulating neurotransmitters and ultimately calming the nervous system in readiness for sleep. Magnesium Glycinate is most ideal for sleep issues since it crosses the blood brain barrier. Below is a recommended magnesium glycinate supplement from our nurse practitioner:

https://www.xymogen.com/formulas/products/6131

https://www.wholescripts.com/register/ivitamin-gavin

• There are also some great botanical supplement blends that support nervous system function with Gaba, L-theanine, melatonin, and 5HTP. As always, it is important to consult your physician before taking any supplements. Taking 5HTP with anti-depressants can have a negative side effect such as Serotonin Syndrome, this is happens when too much serotonin is excreted in the system. Our nurse practitioner recommends Designs for Health Insomnitol which helps promote the body’s natural ability to fall asleep and stay asleep while supporting the nervous system.

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/insomnitol-60-capsules

 

3. Inflammation

There is significant research and information out there that points to inflammation as the root of all disease. Inflammation refers to the body’s process of warding off things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. Here are a few of the clinic’s top picks to help alleviate inflammation:

• Glutathione has numerous benefits, and helping decrease inflammation is one of them. This “master” antioxidant protects the human body and has been shown to help with a number of health issues including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. Separate from its antioxidant properties, Glutathione regulates inflammation as needed by instructing and influencing our immune white cells. Rebalancing glutathione levels can help reduce chronic inflammation and restore immune function. Below is a link to our top selling Glutathione at the clinic. It is in Liposomal form for better absorption:

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/liposomal-glutathione

• Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically abundant in fatty fish oils, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. Omega-3s help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation associated with heart disease. In one study of 250 people with pain from degenerative disc disease, 59 percent of participants were able to substitute fish oil for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/omegavail-1000tg-60-softgels

• Curcumin, which is an active ingredient in turmeric, is a plant that is part of the ginger family. Animal studies have supported that it may help reduce inflammation to speed up wound healing and even reduce cancer risk. Curcumin can provide antioxidants and support the health of our bodies my modulating the production of cytokines and other signaling molecules. Curcumin can also support brain/neuronal health and healthy mood. Our patients at the clinic use Design’s for Health Curcumin Complex for aches and pains in their joints and muscles.

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/c3-curcumin-complex-60-vegetarian-caps

 

4. Gut Issues

Stomach disturbances such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut. There are many causes of GI issues, such as high sugar diet, food intolerances, constant fatigue, and auto-immune conditions. Supplements have been found to alleviate symptoms of gut issues and target the root of the cause.

• Probiotics can help with gut issues, as they are a certain type of friendly bacteria that provide health benefits when ingested. It is important to choose a high-quality probiotic, because a lot of the drugstore brands contain probiotic strains that are not effective due to burning up in the digestive track. Quality probiotic supplements are good for colonizing the gut with health-boosting micro-organisms. An unbalanced gut-flora is linked to many diseases that include type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer’s, and depression. Below is a probiotic that our nurse practitioner recommends:

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/probiotic-synergy-30-spheres

• Collagen can also play an important role in building and maintaining healthy connective tissue throughout the digestive track. Maintaining a robust digestive tract and stomach lining is important to prevent the condition known as “leaky gut syndrome.” Leaky gut is what happens when the barrier lining of the intestine is damaged. This can allow for undesirable particles to pass through the leaky gut lining into the bloodstream, causing inflammation in all areas of the body. Our bodies also use the amino acids in collagen to build hair proteins and strengthen the skin. The clinic loves the Design’s for Health collagen below for gut well-being, glowing skin, strong nails, and healthy hair:

https://ivitaminatx.ehealthpro.com/products/whole-body-collagen

 

Please note that you should always consult with your physician first before taking any of these supplements. Our nurse practitioner at the clinic can further assist clients with their health goals with a free supplement consultation.

 

References:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200507121353.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3011108/