We live in a world of trade and science. These facets of living are the ‘new natural’. Unless we are farming our own food and manufacturing our own clothes and supplies, we make use of progress, transportation, and knowledge every day. In this understanding, we can see that we have choices in the foods we buy and eat and this is due to supply and demand. We each share in the collective weight of the economy.
Supplements are an exciting aspect of healthy living today.
What is currently available on the market? Do supplements actually do anything? How do I know one brand from the next? How safe are supplements? Can supplements harm me? How will taking supplements interact with medications? How much is too much? What do I do if I experience adverse effects from a supplement that I bought?
While many people think of supplementation as the natural way, others see it as a necessary expense, while others still see it as an opportunity to enhance health outcomes; the truth of that matter is that supplementation is the evolution of hard-earned research, tradition, needs and wants, along with economic advancements.
Lifestyle Naturopathy’s Nicole Reilkoff ND is an expert within the field of understanding the specific health needs of individuals (via testing and experience) as well as being acutely acquainted with the many brands available on the Canadian market and the governmental protocols in place to protect Canadians.
When it comes to knowing the various options, having clear and insightful input is essential in making the best decisions possible.
- Vitamins: A, Bs, C, D, E, K -bioavailable, synthetic, natural fat-soluble vs. water-soluble, vitamin pre-cursors, hormones.
- Minerals: bonding with amino acids, sources, absorption.
- Amino-acids: protein powders, individual amino acids.
- Anti-oxidants: ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). In-vitro vs In-vivo tests.
- Herbs/Phyto-chemicals: tinctures vs capsules vs tablets vs powders vs tisanes, etc.
- Glandulars: Sourcing and uses.
- Oils: Essential fatty acids (omega 3-6-9), fish vs plants.
- Formulas: tradition vs studies for conditions.
- Probiotics: strains, potencies, refrigeration.
- Stages of Life: Infants, kids, teens, women (fertility, perimenopause, menopause), athletes, men (fertility, hormonal changes).
- Specific needs: vegan, genetics, pathologies, medication and other allopathic treatments.
Expertise is needed to ensure proper dosages, utilization, compatibility, safety, and efficacy. While supplements are easily accessible, it is crucial to respect the physiological effects of supplements. Thankfully, ongoing global research has volumes and decades of peer-reviewed clinical studies to read and learn from. With the right counsel, you can be certain to be investing correctly in your health and longevity. Make your appointment today.
