A Franklin TN Acupuncturist’s Perspective on Supplementation:
The world of supplements can be a confusing one with so many choices not only in health food stores but Costco and grocery stores. It is not surprising as an Acupuncturist to see a laundry list of supplements that people are on. Individuals always have good intentions because they hear that one supplement benefits the heart, while another helps the brain, while another is good for detoxing the liver, etc. However, all supplements are not equal in quality, absorption, and potency.
As an Acupuncturist, who has studied nutrition quite extensively, one of our jobs is to sort through the multitude of prescription drugs, herbs and vitamins that people are taking to come up with the best possible treatment plan, taking only what is necessary and beneficial. By law, if a patient is prescribed medication by their MD, they must abide by these directives without making any changes unless the MD or primary care practitioner has been consulted on such changes. The reason for this is that medications changes can cause severe bodily reactions if not done properly. Certain medications may be needed for short term balancing of bodily needs. True Holistic medicine and integrative medicine does not discount or disregard western medicine. We work in conjunction with western doctors to ensure the best possible results with the fewest side effects, while helping the patient to get to a state of health as quickly as possible. If your doctor has prescribed you medication it is important to take that.
As far as supplementation because there are so many, it is best to speak to an Acupuncturist, or other natural health care provider to coach you on what is best. When patients ask what supplements to take there are a few that are really crucial. Some good standards for supplementation would be the following:
1. Take only ‘whole food supplements’. This does not mean that they come from Whole Foods Market. It means that the ingredients in the supplement come from food products. For example, vitamin A would be derived from carrot seed extract versus Retinyl Palmitate. The reason for this is, synthetic vitamins cannot be used or recognized by the body in the same way that natural substances can. Natural substances easily go through the digestive tract and are digested as food. Anything ‘foreign’ that may mimic a drug has to be metabolized by the liver. This puts further stress and strain on the body. If you are going to put something in your body, you want it to have an additive effect versus a negative effect.
2. Probiotics- These are very important to take because we have so many lingering pathogens in our environment. Not only are bacteria strains getting stronger, but viral strains are also very serious these days. In addition, vital DNA can land on bacteria DNA and inject itself into the bacteria so we are now seeing these super-strains of bugs that are becoming resistant to our drugs. Our own immune system can have a tough time fighting these off. Probiotics consist of ‘good bacteria’ that our body already possesses, but it also can use some help, especially at TNu season. I like PB8 Probiotics. I have found them to be a good bang for the buck and they are also very effective.
3. B Complex- Our world is so stressed out right now and this nutrition packed supplement can help us keep our car running like a good machine. These help the nervous system and the brain, the B’s promote calm, reduce anxiety and depression, sustain energy levels, help memory, help prevent migraines, etc. The B’s are great!
4. Fish Oil-Fish oil helps to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease, helps ADHD, joint pain, arthritis, eczema, healthy skin, and brain function. Omega oils are abundant in cell membranes in the brain which helps to facilitate cellular communication. I like this Nordic Naturals brand because it has a lemon TNavor so you don’t burp up a fish taste!
5. Vitamin C- this is so important this time of year with the TNu lurking around. Vitamin C helps the development and repair of all body tissues. It helps to for collagen, absorb iron, wound healing, boosts the immune system and helps to maintain cartilage, bones and teeth. This C Complex is great!
This is a great place to start for daily supplementation. You also don’t want to give the body too much or it will have too many mixed messages. One of the best things you can do is to feed your body a lot of vegetables that contain the vital nutrients that you need. A healthy diet and exercise is your best form of medicine.
Do you have further questions about vitamins and supplementation. Our Acupuncturist in Franklin TN is happy to chat with you about your nutritional needs!
Acupuncturist in Franklin Tennessee-Amy L. Suplee
Amy L. Suplee-Licensed Acupuncturist in Franklin, TN
Amy is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified by the NCCAOM, the governing body for Acupuncturists in the United States. She received her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, California and is a graduate of University of Colorado. Amy is the Founder and CEO of the International Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association.
Amy specializes in Women’s Health, Fertility, Pain Management and Chronic Illness. She has been trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Classical Chinese Medicine and 5 Element Emotional Balancing and Acupuncture. She has a long history in Western Medicine so she has the ability to integrate an Eastern and Western approach.
Amy is passionate about her work and enjoys seeing results in her patients. As an Acupuncturist and resident of Franklin, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their health goals. She has taken on some of the most difficult cases, and treated patients who have seen multiple doctors who had not previously had relief from their ailments.
