Our Guide To Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are key to the proper growth and development of cells in the body. They are imperative for proper metabolism, immunity and digestion. They are also central to fighting disease, converting your food into energy, wound healing and bone health.

We are often asked what supplements are best to take to support overall health.

While we certainly believe that it is possible to get all of the vitamins and minerals needed by eating a varied and nutritious diet, most of us would benefit from taking a few daily supplements.

Because we live in a world where we are exposed to daily toxins, live increasingly stressful lives, and often turn to processed foods for fuel, our bodies could use the extra support of vitamin and mineral supplements. Here are our top three picks for almost everybody. A high-quality multi-vitamin. Think of it as an insurance policy against pitfalls in your diet and the food system.

Food based multi-vitamins are better absorbed and more easily digested than traditional, synthetic vitamins.

  • Probiotics to support gut health. Stress, diet, pollution and antibiotics can all deplete the good bacteria that support digestion. A daily probiotic can help to rebuild the healthy bacteria in your gut to improve digestion and support immunity! Probiotics can also be found in foods like yogurt and fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and kefir.

  • Vitamin D (if levels are low). Vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin and plays an essential role in fighting disease and protecting bone health. Typically, about 2,000-6,000 international units daily are needed to support maintenance, but you may need more if you are deficient.

  • Choose supplements that are free of artificial colors, preservatives, fillers/binders and the top allergens (dairy, soy and gluten). Your first line of defense to fighting and preventing disease should always be WHOLE FOODS.

Eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids like those found in deeply colored fruits and vegetables and cold-water fish, flax seeds and walnuts.

And always check with your medical provider or Registered Dietitian before taking vitamin or mineral supplements.