Natural Supplements

With the extensive list of natural supplements available, a good naturopathic practitioner or similarly knowledgeable person should be consulted to determine individual needs.

For daily supplementation in otherwise healthy individuals, there are many teas, vitamins, and antioxidants, which have excellent benefits to choose from.  Among popular natural supplements are vitamins a, c, e, b12, Echinacea, and lately, acai and similar exotic extracts.

Echinacea has been credited with having anti-tumor properties, depending on the species of flower it is derived from.  It is better known for its use as a defense against the common cold, however.  A University of Connecticut study concluded that taking this extract could prevent the catching of a cold, or reduce the duration of the cold in a sick person.  Similar benefits have been reported with other natural supplements as well.

In particular, vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as K and B vitamins are essential to biological functions.  Which of these vitamins is necessary for the individual depends on their circumstances, but obtaining a daily dose of all the major vitamins through a healthy diet and supplementation where necessary is recommended.  Special situations may require additional doses.

For example, women who are pregnant require additional iron in the diet, which can better be absorbed with a combination of vitamin C taken as a supplement or in food.  It is also recommended that older adults, especially women, take a calcium supplement and eat nutrient rich foods to prevent osteoporosis.  In older adults with dark skin, or people with insufficient sunlight exposure, a natural vitamin D dose is a good idea.

Antioxidants have received a lot of attention for their ability to prevent cancer and reduce the effects of aging.  These natural supplements occur in green foods like broccoli and leafy greens, or can be added to the diet through supplemental form.  No matter what a person takes, a healthy balance of nutrients in the body is the best defense against disease and sickness.

Read more in one of our natural supplement articles: