Supplements and Nutraceuticals

In Functional Medicine, the use of supplements and nutraceuticals plays a significant role in supporting overall health and addressing specific health concerns. Here are some key aspects of their use:

Targeted Nutrition

Supplements and nutraceuticals are used to provide targeted nutrition, filling gaps in the diet and supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Individualized Approach

Functional Medicine practitioners take an individualized approach, recommending supplements based on each patient's unique needs, health history and goals.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Supplements are used to address nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to health issues, such as vitamin D deficiency or iron deficiency anemia.

Supporting Healing

Nutraceuticals can support the body's natural healing processes, such as reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, or promoting gut health.

Quality and Purity

Functional Medicine emphasizes the importance of using high-quality supplements that are pure, free from contaminants and have been tested for efficacy.

Complementary to Lifestyle Changes

While supplements can be beneficial, they are often used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Functional Medicine practitioners monitor the effects of supplements and nutraceuticals over time, adjusting dosages as needed to achieve the desired results.

What's the difference between the terms nutraceuticals, supplements and vitamins?

The terms "nutraceuticals," "supplements," and "vitamins" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different things:

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and metabolic processes in the body. They are classified as either water-soluble (e.g., vitamin C, B vitamins) or fat-soluble (e.g., vitamins A, D, E, K). Vitamins are often included in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are products that contain one or more dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or other botanicals. They are intended to supplement the diet and are available in various forms, including pills, capsules, powders and liquids.

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are products that are derived from food sources and are purported to provide health benefits beyond basic nutritional functions. They may be used to promote general health and well-being, prevent or treat specific health conditions, or enhance performance. Nutraceuticals may contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other bioactive compounds.

In summary, while all nutraceuticals are supplements, not all supplements are nutraceuticals. Vitamins are a type of nutrient that can be found in both supplements and nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals often contain vitamins, but they may also contain other bioactive compounds that are not classified as vitamins.

How will I know which supplements I need?

Determining which supplements you need is a process that typically involves working with a healthcare practitioner, such as a Functional Medicine physician or a nutritionist. Dr. Speller believes that there are basic supplements that everyone should take, such as Vit D3/K2, mulitvitamin, fish oil and probiotics.  Here are some steps that may be involved in identifying any additional supplements that are right for you:

Health Assessment

Your healthcare practitioner will conduct a thorough health assessment, which may include reviewing your medical history, current symptoms, and any existing health conditions.

Lab Testing

Depending on your health concerns, your practitioner may recommend specific lab tests to assess your nutrient levels, hormone levels, and other markers of health.

Dietary Analysis

Your practitioner may ask you to keep a food diary or undergo a dietary analysis to identify any nutrient deficiencies in your diet.

Symptom Evaluation

Your symptoms can provide valuable clues about potential nutrient deficiencies or imbalances that may be addressed with supplements.

Personalized Recommendations

Based on the information gathered from your health assessment, lab tests, and dietary analysis, your practitioner will develop a personalized supplement plan tailored to your specific needs and health goals.

Where should I purchase supplements?

When purchasing supplements, it's important to choose reputable sources to ensure that you are getting high-quality products that are safe and effective. Here are some tips for where to purchase supplements:

Healthcare Practitioner's Office**

Many Functional Medicine practitioners sell supplements in their office or through their website. Purchasing supplements through your healthcare practitioner ensures that you are getting products that are recommended specifically for you. 

Pharmacies 

Some pharmacies carry a selection of high-quality supplements. Look for pharmacies that have a reputation for carrying reputable brands.

Health Food Stores

Health food stores often carry a wide variety of supplements. Look for stores that have knowledgeable staff who can help you select the right products.

Avoid Unauthorized Sellers

Be cautious when purchasing supplements from unauthorized sellers, such as online marketplaces or discount retailers. These sellers may offer counterfeit or expired products that can be harmful to your health.

Check for Third-Party Certification

Look for supplements that have been third-party tested for quality and purity. Certifications from organizations like NSF International, USP, or ConsumerLab.com can provide assurance that the product meets high standards.

**We understand that choosing reputable brands and exactly which supplements to buy can be overwhelming! For that reason, Glendale Whole Health has an extensive selection of carefully curated supplements available for purchase in the office.  For your convenience, we are also happy to mail them to you.**

Is there any place I can safely purchase supplements online?

Fullscript.com is a popular online platform that offers a wide range of high-quality supplements and nutraceuticals. Fullscript.com is often used by healthcare practitioners, including Functional Medicine physicians, who can provide personalized recommendations for supplements based on your individual health needs.

Nutrafol offers a line of supplements and nutraceuticals specifically geared toward hair regrowth.

Would you like to know what supplements are best for you?  Come in for a comprehensive evaluation.

Click here to book your appointment now or call (818) 551-0464!