
Adding in vitamins, supplements and different health products can be really confusing and there is a lot on the market to navigate. Understanding what your body specifically needs based on your health status should not be done on your own. I have patients who have self-prescribed their own supplement routine or others who have been recommended products to them by their friends or family. I cannot emphasize enough, that our health needs are INDIVIDUAL, what you need is most likely different than your partner, mother, friend or coworker. Working with a Naturopathic Doctor to help navigate and build an individualized plan, whether supplements are indicated or not, is the most effective and safest way to tackle your health goals. Here are some reasons why seeing a Naturopathic Doctor for a prescription of health products is essential:
INDICATION
What is the reasons for taking particular health products, do you know? Do you know the intended effects certain supplements should have physiologically in your body in order to improve your symptoms or have a specific impact on your health? How long should you be taking this health product for... everyday for the rest of your life, next 3 months or on an as needed basis? I cannot stress enough that taking health products for an intended purpose that has been specifically PRESCRIBED to you by your Naturopathic Doctor is essential. Supplements are to be used for medicinal purposes, you should understand WHY you are taking them and to be monitored for changes with your health.
DOSE
Dose Matters. How much you are taking of something impacts the effectiveness of the product. It can mean the different between supporting your health concerns and improving your overall being vs. staying in the same place you currently are, but just wasting money on supplements that are doing nothing for you. Health products are expensive, I get it, but knowing WHY you are taking them and having a THERAPEUTIC DOSE is integral for tackling your health goals.
QUALITY
We do our best to improve the quality of our life on a daily basis. We try to invest in quality relationships, food, experiences… why would we not invest in quality health products? Not all supplements are made equal and understanding the specific ingredients, potential additives and sourcing of our health products is important. For instance fish oils are a supplement you don’t want to mess with when it comes to quality, it could be fishy, pun intended. Working with your Naturopathic Doctor to make sure you get the best quality products matters and something that should not be overlooked.
FORM
What do I mean by form? Well, Magnesiums has multiple different forms or types that you can purchase in store. They offer bis-glycinate, malate, orotate, citrate, etc… each of them have their benefits and specific instances of when they are used. Is it more beneficial to take Vitamin D in capsule for or liquid? Should I be taking a Vitamin B12 capsule, sublingual or intramuscular shot? Navigating the form of health products can be confusing and working with someone who will help you get the most appropriate form is key.
FINAL WORD
It is important to note that your supplements are vetted by a Naturopathic Doctor. Health products can greatly interact with many medications, other health products and can be detrimental to your health with certain conditions. It is therefore important to discuss your health history and concerns with your ND so that you can build a health plan that works for you, whether that indicates for specific supplements or not. Interested in building your health plan and doing a VITAMIN AUDIT? Book your Appointment Here
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