Isn't there a supplement for that?

The possibility of supplementing your way through a busy or stressful period in life is something that many people consider.

"Isn't there a supplement I can take for that?"

I am often asked if there is a general multivitamin or probiotic to support an overly busy schedule for a short period of time.

Even I myself am known to strategically place a bottle of my favourite ubiquinol to get through the Christmas madness or L-theanine for its calming effects (who likes public speaking really?) when trying to juggle performance anxiety.

However, the ongoing use of supplementation needs to be measured and specific. Supplementation in NO WAY replaces or cancels out poor diet choices like a get-out-of-jail-free card.

A missing link…

In fact, if I were regularly parking patients on multivitamins for long periods I would consider this to be missing an important link.

This link is diet…followed closely by absorption.

The real solution

When a patient says to me they are looking for the “cover all bases” supplement – my answer is to eat more vegetables (organic vegetables are even better).

There is just no replacing those nutrients and the fibres that nature dishes up. It is a “win-win” for you and your gut microbiota because you are feeding yourself much-needed nutrients in the most absorbable form. Just the way nature intended and you are also feeding your bacteria the much-needed variety of fibres these foods contain.

Instead of looking for loopholes…

When a patient is constantly looking for loopholes for how to get around diet guidelines, I know that great results are going to be a long time coming. You see there are no corners that can be cut when it comes to your health.

Diet is essential

Diet is especially essential in a gut protocol because this is how we:

1. Heal the gut lining – particularly when leaky gut (along with allergies, skin issues, or other health concerns) are present
2. Provide the correct surface in the gut for the right bacteria to adhere
3. Colonise the right bacteria
4. Keep the correct environment in the gut lumen for the opportunity to grow more and more varieties of beneficial bacteria
5. Feed the good bacteria (prebiotics, especially the kind you get from eating veggies)

Rethinking health and medicine

You see, you are your medicine; you and your relationship with your gut.

But you are your poison too – so stop eating crap!

Switch your thinking away from the idea that you can get away with eating unhealthy foods simply by taking the ‘right’ supplements.

You need a wide variety of nutrients in all the right amounts.

The solution you need always involves finding the sweet spot for your unique health needs and maintaining the balance within.

Health is a gift we give ourselves

You are the gardener of your own internal oasis. We all reap what we sow, so make wise food choices each day by eating a rainbow of fresh veggies.

Feed your body right and the rewards are great health, vibrancy, energy, great mood, restful sleep and an awesome poo every single day.