Do you find that your body responds more favorably to natural remedies? If so, you are not alone as our bodies are always seeking balance. When we don’t get the needed nutrients from our food, the addition of more natural alternatives can help our bodies achieve this. For many, some synthetic medications may not agree with them and can create more discomfort and possible complications when we have an adverse reaction to them. Although much needed at times, when we can create a healthier balance with food and other natural alternatives, we may be able to minimize the amount needed when illness strikes or recovery is needed. So how can we be prepared with more natural remedies on hand to help create that balance?
One way is through supplementation… When our bodies are healing they require an increased amount of certain macronutrients and micronutrients to aid in the healing process. When this is not possible through diet alone, it may be a time to consider “supplementing” your diet. The length of time needed will depend on your diet and health circumstances.
One thing to remember when stocking up on supplements; quality is key to aiding the healing and balance process. Many supplements contain fillers, artificial coloring, gluten, and other added ingredients that can add to one’s inflammation creating increased pain and slower healing. So choosing your supplements from a reputable manufacturer is critical to ensuring that you get what you paid for! Since the FDA does not closely monitor supplement manufacturer’s, looking for companies that have the “GMP” Good Manufacturing Process seal help to ensure they have been tested by a 3rd party to ensure their quality (*see my supplement resource reference below at end of article).
Deciding on supplementation is very individual, depending on your diet and lifestyle (how active you are, sleep patterns, and more). Gaining nutrients through food is always optimal for our bodies to absorb and utilize them. This is the reason I chose the following three (3) of my top supplements for everyday as well as when I was planning for my surgery that can be important to maintaining health during the healing process. You’ll see by the research mentions how they can play a critical role in everyday immune and cellular support, as well as promoting healing when needed.
Please remember if you choose to get these or any others in supplement form, it’s always a good idea to check with your Health Care Provider, especially prior to surgery, to ensure these or any supplements you may be taking will not interfere with your surgery or prescriptions you are taking.
Vitamin D3 – plays a crucial role in our health. Research has shown that it is needed to strengthen the immune system and may help provide protection against infection (critical when undergoing surgery). It also plays an important part of bone health.
- It’s important to remember that vitamin D levels build over time, so this is not a “quick fix” if your levels are low. A simple blood test can be done with your health care provider to determine your levels to help in adjusting supplement intake, if needed.
- Where do we find it naturally? The sun is our best source, but as we increase in age as well as other factors, our bodies’ ability to absorb the Ultraviolet B rays from the sun, needed for the body to produce vitamin D3, typically decreases. There are some foods that are fortified with small amounts of vitamin D, so this can be taken into consideration when deciding on the amount to supplement.
Fish Oil – (Omega 3) has many proven benefits, with several key ones that benefit healing and pain. As mentioned in my previous article, you can also obtain this by adding wild caught fatty fish to your diet two times/week. If supplementing, be sure to purchase a brand that uses quality fish and the amount of mercury and other toxins naturally found in some fish, have been removed. Here are some benefits to healing and pain…
- Reduce inflammation in the body which typically helps in reducing both chronic pain and pain caused by inflammation (arthritis, some surgeries)
- Studies show it can aid in immune function and in brain health
Magnesium – Since Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including blood pressure control, muscle and nerve function, protein production and many others, it is essential to our health and recovery. The great news is that it’s found in many foods like nuts, avocado, yogurt, potatoes, brown rice, chicken, and salmon. If you need to supplement with magnesium, choosing a form that is most absorbable to the body will give the best results. These would be magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate (best for promoting restful sleep), and magnesium malate.
Vitamin C – This is critical for healing as it is needed for protein to re-build and repair the body during the healing process. It is a cofactor in the formation of collagen, necessary for repairing and creating new connective tissues in the body. Vitamin C sources are not exclusive to citrus fruits. In fact, many dark leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and berries are also rich in this essential nutrient. So be sure to fill your smoothies, snacks, and meals with these items especially when healing is needed.
Depending on your individual needs, there are other nutrients that are important to healing. Assessing your health condition, health and healing needs, and current diet, can help you create a plan. If you would like to learn more about purchasing quality supplements, here is a link to my favorite supplement resource. Please contact me with any questions you have, I’d be happy to help answer any questions I can.
Stay tuned next week for “Part III” as I discuss the essentials for sleep where we’ll delve into sleep habits along with essential oils, practices, and other tips essential to a restful sleep!
Resources used for article:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/
http://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/vitamin-d-and-your-health
