Curious About Supplements?

In our office, we recommend numerous different supplements to help balance body chemistry and physiology based on the need of the individual.  But since this column is about promoting wellness, what supplements could we all benefit from to enhance overall health?  Most sources I’ve encountered agree on a fairly short list. 

Unless you’re always eating the 5-13 servings of fresh fruits/vegetables recommended daily, a quality multivitamin is in order.  Everyone could benefit from an Omega 3 source such as fish oil.  A probiotic to normalize the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and boost the immune system is a good idea.  And Vitamin D should be supplemented at least in the winter months when sun exposure is low.  We regularly stock all of these CORE 4 supplements from Metagenics in our office.

I recently came across an article reminding me about a supplement that I used to take and need to add back to my regimen.  Chlorella comes from green algae and is known for its ability to detoxify heavy metals, including mercury, from your system.  Heavy metal toxicity is not found in standard lab tests but is thought to be a contributing factor to everything from allergies, to Alzheimer’s and M.S., to cancer.  Exposure to these toxic metals comes from many different environmental sources including the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. 

In addition to eliminating these toxins, Chlorella is known to repair nerves, enhance immune function, reduce cancer risk, improve digestion, reduce acidity, increase energy and concentration and it can even help normalize blood pressure and blood sugar.   For the best results, look for a Chlorella that has “broken cell walls” and is combined with another green algae known as Spirulina.  Research for a quality brand and try this supplement for a month and let me know how you do!