Which Supplements Are Best for You?
- Created in Herbal and Nutritional Therapies, Functional Medicine, Acupuncture Therapy, Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
A healthy diet should ideally include all of the vitamins and minerals and other substances your body needs. Unfortunately, sometimes, the foods you eat just don't provide enough of these important nutrients. Supplements help you stay healthy and may also enhance the results of your acupuncture treatment. Take a look at six supplements you'll want to add to your medicine cabinet.
Magnesium
Your body uses magnesium to produce energy, improve your mood, nourish your muscles, strengthen your bones and maintain your heartbeat. If you have a magnesium deficiency, you may experience muscle spasms, fatigue, depression, memory problems or a rapid heartbeat. Taking a magnesium supplement can help you avoid these unpleasant conditions and may reduce muscular pain.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that stops dangerous molecules called free radicals from damaging your cells. If you don't get enough Coenzyme Q10 in your diet, you'll increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and gum disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that preliminary studies indicate that Coenzyme Q10 may help prevent migraines, improve Parkinson's disease symptoms and bolster the immune system in people who have AIDs or HIV.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
If you have a painful inflammatory condition, you'll want to add Omega-3 fatty acids to your list of must-have supplements. The acids not only decrease inflammation, but may also reduce your chance of developing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nut oils, salmon and other fatty fish. If you don't eat enough of these foods or don't take Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, you may notice that you tire easily, suffer from mood swings and dry skin, and have trouble with your memory.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that's found in curry powder, offers several important health benefits. The capsules can reduce joint pain, improve osteoarthritis symptoms in your knees, reduce painful swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis, and lower your risk of developing some types of cancers.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D work together to keep your bones healthy. Fatigue, brittle nails, muscle aches and spasms, and tingling in your hands and feet can occur if your levels are too low. The combination of calcium and electroacupuncture may even help you avoid osteoporosis. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion, osteoporosis patients who took calcium and vitamin D and received injections of Calcitonin-Salmon, in addition to electroacupuncture and herbal medicine, had better bone density than those who didn't receive acupuncture and herbs.
B Vitamins
B vitamins help keep your nervous system running smoothly, are essential for healthy brain development in fetuses and normal neurological function in children and adults. Taking a B complex vitamin offers a simple way to enjoy the benefits provided by vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.
Are you concerned that your pain or other symptoms may be caused by a nutritional deficiency? We offer nutritional counseling and acupuncture treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of many illnesses and conditions. Call us to schedule your appointment.
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center: Co-Enzyme Q10
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/coenzyme-q10
University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids
Cleveland Clinic: 9 Diet Tips to Help You Fight Inflammation
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/07/9-diet-tips-to-help-you-fight-inflammation/
Healthcare Medicine Institute: Acupuncture and Herbs Relieve Osteoporosis, Ups Bone Density
Acufinder: Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Treating+Thyroid+Problems+with+Acupuncture