A National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study found that 80% of chiropractors practicing in New York state offer nutritional counseling. Because chiropractors treat such a wide variety of chronic disorders that arise from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, they are well- positioned to tailor their nutritional supplementation recommendations to the patient. But year after year, there are 5 supplements that chiropractors recommend to support overall better health. These most recommended nutritional supplements form the basic foundation to support well-being.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the production of hormones at healthy and balanced levels. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long-chain polyunsaturated fats that occur naturally in fish, shellfish, and some algae. These fats are essential to building almost every cell in the human body. In addition, they are important for proper joint lubrication and serve as powerful antioxidants to scavenge harmful free radicals.
In addition, Omega 3 fatty acids offer nutritional support to the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system. Supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids can support healthy triglyceride levels and curb stiffness. According to Rutgers, the EPA and DHA found in Omega 3 supplements can also boost the effectiveness of inflammation-fighting prescription drugs. Other researchers studying cultures that eat a diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids note those populations have a lower incidence of depression.
Supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids just makes sense. While eating a daily diet high in fish might provide enough EPA and DHA it, unfortunately, comes with the risk of ingesting too much mercury. Mackerel, wild swordfish, tilefish, shark, orange roughy, and bigeye tuna are great sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, but they are also a great source of mercury and PCBs.
Probiotics
The good bacteria and yeasts in the gut are essential for good digestive health. Collectively referred to as probiotics, these beneficial organisms can be destroyed by illness, antibiotics and other medications, and consuming processed foods.
Chiropractors recommend probiotic supplements to restore the microbiome in the gut and support health in the digestive system and the immune system. Probiotics can help patients look good (by supporting healthy skin) and feel good (by enhancing serotonin).
An NIH meta-study of rodent models found that probiotics had a positive impact on GABA levels, insulin levels, cognitive function, and much more.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium are naturally found in yogurt, dairy, and fermented foods. Getting enough probiotics is difficult when patients avoid dairy due to problems with lactic acid and a diet high in probiotic-rich fermented foods can put tooth enamel at risk.
To maintain steady levels of probiotics, chiropractors recommend dietary supplementation with probiotics for both men and women.
Vitamin D
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the American public to the importance of maintaining the proper levels of Vitamin D for a healthy immune system.
But Vitamin D has been one of the most recommended supplements for years. Chiropractors recognized early on that Vitamin D was more than a nutrient our patients ate, but it was also a hormone their bodies made under ideal conditions.
According to Harvard, Vitamin D holds the possibility to reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation. Every human cell has receptors for Vitamin D, and the possibilities for better health through Vitamin D have only been partially explored.
Very few foods naturally contain Vitamin D and foods fortified with Vitamin D have often been highly processed, something chiropractors recommend their patients avoid. Vitamin D can be produced on the skin upon exposure to sunlight, but not everyone gets adequate sunlight exposure, especially when days are short.
Through provider-recommended Vitamin D supplementation, patients receive nutritional support for every cell and system in the body.
Adrenal and Stress Support
Modern life can be extremely stressful. While humans are incredibly suited to adapt to changes, sometimes change comes so fast it creates added stress. In these stressful times, the adrenal glands need all the support they can get.
The adrenals produce hormones to regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress, and other essential functions. To help patients cope with stress, chiropractors frequently recommend supplements like DSF (a stress-fighting formula) to provide nutritional support for the nervous system and the adrenal glands.
This proprietary formula brings together glandulars, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals to synergistically support the various energy-producing systems of the body. For vegetarian patients, a formula without glandulars is also available. By combining these essentials in one capsule, dosing is much easier to make compliance more likely.
Multi-Vitamins
When it comes to making nutritional supplementation easy, nothing does the job like a multi-vitamin. It’s no wonder that a general multi-vitamin is one of the most common chiropractor-recommended supplements.
Even if they don’t recommend individual supplements, many chiropractors recommend a basic synergistic multi-vitamin like Core Level Health Reserve for nutritional support.
Ideally, these multi-formula supplements will bring together vitamins, minerals, plant constituents, amino acids, and fiber to support overall health and vigor.
Recommending Supplements to Patients
Chiropractors provide a valuable benefit to their patients when they combine traditional chiropractic services with nutritional counseling and supplementation.
If you aren’t sure what supplements you should recommend or aren’t sure where to start, Nutri-West of New York can help. We are chiropractors that have seen for ourselves the power of supplements to enhance health. Contact us today for a free consultation.