Words Dr. Marita Schauch, ND, Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre
A Naturopath Weighs In
In a consumer world, health has become more about the next “thing” – the next hack, the next trend or the next miracle supplement.
But long before health became an industry, we had good old-fashioned solid nutrition. That being said, our modern diet is a far cry from the way even our grandparents ate, and despite food being more convenient than ever before, we are faced with unique food problems. We have shelves upon shelves of “food” that actually serves no nutritional purpose; we have depleted soil that produces less nutrient-rich food; we have busy on the go lifestyles that forgo the traditions of mealtimes.
So, do we really need supplements? I’m here today, as an ND that is passionate about my patients thriving in their health, to explore that question!
A Healthy Diet Comes First
How can we ensure we’re getting everything that we need from our diet? It’s not as complex as you might think: eat real food.
• Fill half your plate with colourful vegetables
• Eat protein with every meal
• Choose whole grains
• Seek healthy fats
• Enjoy fruit every day
• Don’t forget your ferments for probiotics
Where Diet Falls Short
For many Canadians, we simply don’t get enough sunlight in the winter months to make adequate vitamin D, so most of us would benefit from a supplement.
For vegetarians, getting enough B12 and iron can be challenging, so a quality supplement can go a long way in making sure you are getting everything you need.
Picky eaters, a multivitamin is your friend. If you aren’t going to eat the rainbow, at least chew your flintstones.
People with gut issues may experience problems with absorption of certain vitamins and minerals like iron or B12 as well. While the issues causing the absorption should be addressed, supplements can help replenish the body’s stores quicker.
Where Health Can Be Optimized
We all have different nutritional needs, and our lifestyle can mean we have higher needs in certain areas that can be difficult to make up with food. We can also target and optimize different aspects of our health with supplementation in our toolbox.
For example, body builders can target certain amino acids. Or stressed mamas may need some extra magnesium or B vitamins. It’s not about supplementing your way out of a healthy diet, but giving yourself that extra boost to thrive.
Quality Matters, and You Shouldn’t go in Blind
The quality of the supplement you are taking makes a difference. There are plenty of gimmicks, and certifiable nutritional garbage on the market that is just going to drain your wallet and do no favours for your health and wellness. There is also no “one size fits all” for nutrition!
I encourage people to discuss any nutritional gaps with their healthcare providers and find what is right for them, and get quality recommendations.
Dr. Marita’s Verdict
Do we need supplements? In my professional opinion, the answer is most often yes.
A good diet is the most important thing, but most Canadians would benefit from some basic supplementation such as D3, Magnesium, Omegas and B Vitamins as a helpful tool to fill gaps, and boost and optimize an already healthy lifestyle.
