Should I be taking vitamins?

Why? No matter how diligent we are in eating whole, natural, non-processed, non-toxic, healthy foods, we are incapable of getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals our bodies require for optimal health. Environmental factors and food/farming practices deplete our bodies of vital nutrients that we must make up for in supplementation. There is a gap between “adequate” and “optimal” nutrition - which accounts for Americans being 80% nutrient-deficient. This is where high-quality supplementation assists. 
Optimal vitamin supplementation can do the following:

Enhance Immune System

Reduce free radicals

Support healthy brain function

Protect cardiovascular system

Lessen joint pain and enhance health of your bones and joints

Promote radiant skin and prevent wrinkling

Increase metabolism and help stabilize blood sugar

Not all vitamins are created equal. The rule of thumb ~ cheap vitamins = cheap vitamins.  You will get what yoy pay for.  You don’t have do go broke, but you do have to do your homework. Below is a list of suggested pharmaceutical-grade vitamin companies (Note: these are not the ONLY high-quality companies on the market. You may do your own research and fine ones you prefer. These are just suggestions).

USANA (www.usana.com)

Emerson Ecologics (www.emersonecologics.com)

Dr. Andrew Weil - Vitamin Advisor (www.drweil.com)

Dr. Julian Whitaker (www.drwhitaker.com)

Nordic Naturals - available at Super Supplements

Country Life - available at Super Supplements

The primary supplements recommended (per the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, a world renowned research center on the science of micronutrients), we should be supplementing our diet with:

Vitamin D - 2000 IU per day

EPA and DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1 g

Pharmaceutical Grade Multi-Vitamin which includes:

Biotin - 30 mcg

Folic Acid - 400 mcg

Niacin20 mg

Pantothenic Acid - 5 mg

Riboflavin - 1.7 mg

Thiamine - 1.5 mg

Vit A - 2,500 IU

Vit B6 - 2 mg

Copper - 900 mcg

Iron - 18 mg

Magnesium - 320 mg (women) 420 mg (men)

Vit B12 - 30 mcg

Vit C - 400 mg

Vit D - 2, 000 IU

Vit E - 200 IU

Vit K - 10 - 20 mcg

Zinc - 15 mg

Selenium - 70 mcg

Chromium - 60 - 120 mcg

Potassium - 4.7 g

Calcium - 1,000 - 1,200 mg


**As always, you should check with your physician or healthcare provider before taking some vitamins that may interact with certain medications.**


Bottom line - - - with proper diet that is supported by quality vitamins and minerals, we should feel confident we're doing all we can to guide our health and walk closer toward Optimal Wellness.