Complimenting Chiropractic Care with Dietary Supplements

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that uses a variety of techniques to treat various conditions and alleviate pain. Among the reasons why people seek chiropractic care is that traditional drugs may not bring desired effects. 

Similarly, dietary supplements may be beneficial for you. Today we will take a closer look at some of the reasons why you may want to add supplements to your diet. 

What Are Dietary Supplements?

According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, dietary supplements are products designed to complement one's diet. These supplements come in various forms, such as pills, capsules, tablets, or liquids, and are meant to be ingested orally. 

They typically contain one or more dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, or other substances. Dietary supplements serve to enhance nutritional intake and support overall well-being.

Reasons to Add Dietary Supplements

There are a wide range of reasons why people consider adding dietary supplements:

Our Bodies Change with Age

As we age, the importance of incorporating dietary supplements into our routine becomes increasingly vital. Aging brings about physiological changes that can heighten the risk of nutritional deficiencies. 

For instance, decreased stomach acid production can impede the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron. Additionally, our bodies' efficiency in absorbing nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium diminishes over time. 

Furthermore, age-related declines in appetite can lead to reduced food intake. Hence, dietary supplements play an important role in bridging nutritional gaps and supporting our overall health and well-being as we navigate the aging process.

Aging is also associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which can cause damage to cells and tissues. Free radicals, unstable molecules with unpaired electrons, are byproducts of metabolic processes. When the production of free radicals outweighs the body's antioxidant defenses, oxidative stress ensues, posing a risk to overall health and well-being.

Considering the pivotal role of antioxidants in preventing oxidative stress, incorporating supplements into one's diet may be instrumental. While our bodies naturally produce certain antioxidants, obtaining sufficient amounts might be challenging. If your diet is low in fruits and vegetables, you may consider supplementing it with antioxidants.

Do You Follow a Well-Rounded Diet?

Supplements become important when our diet lacks essential nutrients due to certain dietary choices or restrictions. For example, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet low in eggs or dairy, you may require vitamin B12 supplements since this vitamin is predominantly found in animal products. Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and depression, underscoring the importance of maintaining adequate levels. 

Similarly, if you have lactose intolerance, you may struggle to obtain sufficient calcium and vitamin D, vital for bone health, teeth strength, and your immune function. 

Those on a gluten-free diet may face deficiencies in nutrients such as folate, zinc, and magnesium. 

If you aren’t meeting your fruit and vegetable intake, you may want to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C through supplementation. Vitamin C supports heart health, reduces the risk of heart disease, and enhances iron absorption.

Stress

Stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in our bodies, leading to hormonal imbalances. When our bodies perceive stress, they trigger the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, activating the "fight or flight" response. Chronic stress can result in prolonged elevation of these stress hormones, disrupting the normal secretion patterns of other hormones.

While it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before taking supplements to treat a hormonal imbalance, incorporating them into your diet may help prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can either impair nutrient absorption or increase nutrient requirements. Individuals with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease often struggle to absorb nutrients efficiently and may require supplements to maintain their health. Similarly, some cancer patients may benefit from supplementation, although it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine your individual needs. 

Considerations for People Assigned Female at Birth

People assigned female at birth may find it beneficial to incorporate supplements into their routine for various reasons. Firstly, they have a potential risk of anemia due to menstruation. Adequate iron intake becomes especially important to replenish the iron lost during menstrual cycles. 

Additionally, for pregnant individuals, supplementation with nutrients like folic acid and vitamin D may be highly recommended to support the healthy growth and development of the baby. Folic acid plays a vital role in preventing neural tube defects, while vitamin D aids in bone health and immune function for both the mother and the baby.

People assigned female at birth experiencing menopause may find it beneficial to incorporate supplements into their daily regimen to support their health and well-being during this transitional phase. Menopause is marked by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen levels. This can lead to various symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and bone density loss. 

Supplementing with nutrients can help alleviate these symptoms and promote overall health. For example, calcium and vitamin D supplementation can support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which becomes more prevalent after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels. 

Choosing the Right Supplements

Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. It is important to choose the right levels and make sure the supplements do not interfere with your medications. For example, vitamins like A and D can be toxic in large amounts. Another example is St. John’s Wort, a popular supplement to treat depression. It can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb oral contraceptives.

At Sycamore Chiropractic & Nutrition, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about the dietary supplements that we offer. Contact us today!