My 3 Favourite Supplements as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Bailey Fitzgerald R.H.N

Welcome to my blog where I’ll be sharing with you my favourite supplements as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. As a Nutritionist, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the right supplements can have on overall health and wellbeing. While a balanced diet should always be the foundation of any healthy lifestyle, sometimes it can be difficult to get all the nutrients we need from food alone. That’s where supplements come in – they can fill in the gaps and help support optimal health.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you my top 3 supplement recommendations for various health concerns and goals, based on personal experience and insight gained while working with clients. Whether you are looking to improve your overall health or targeting specific issues, these recommendations may be helpful. Whether you’re looking to support your immune system, improve your gut health, or maintain healthy aging, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the amazing benefits that these supplements can offer!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in a wide range of bodily functions. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth, and plays a role in immune system function, neuromuscular health, and cell growth and development. Did you know that an estimated 32% of Canadians have lower than recommended vitamin D levels? It can be especially important to supplement in the winter months since we aren’t getting as much natural vitamin D from the sun.

Here are some of the many benefits of vitamin D:

Stronger bones: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D, the body may struggle to absorb enough calcium, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.

Improved immune function: Vitamin D plays a key role in immune system function, helping to activate immune cells and fight off infections. Studies have shown that people with lower levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to infections and may have a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.

Improved mood: Vitamin D has been shown to have an impact on mood, with some studies suggesting that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of depression. Getting enough vitamin D may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Better muscle function: Vitamin D is important for neuromuscular health, and low levels of vitamin D have been linked to muscle weakness and poor muscle function. Getting enough vitamin D may help improve muscle strength and function, particularly in older adults.

Improved cognition: Some studies have suggested that vitamin D may play a role in cognitive function, with higher levels of vitamin D linked to better memory and cognitive performance. More research is needed in this area, but the early findings are promising.

Reduced inflammation: Vitamin D has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases.

Overall, getting enough vitamin D is essential for good health. While the body can produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, many people may not get enough from sunlight alone and may need to supplement with vitamin D or get it through foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide a range of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, as well as in dietary supplements.

Here are some of the many benefits of probiotics:

Improved digestion: Probiotics can help improve digestion by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help alleviate symptoms of digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

Stronger immune system: Probiotics have been shown to support immune system function by increasing the number of immune cells and improving their function. This can help reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.

Reduced inflammation: Probiotics may help reduce inflammation in the body by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory substances. This can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

Improved mental health: The gut-brain connection is a growing area of research, and some studies have shown that probiotics can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Better skin health: Probiotics may help improve skin health by reducing inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and increasing the production of certain substances that can help protect against UV damage.

Reduced risk of allergies: Probiotics may help reduce the risk of allergies by supporting immune system function and promoting the development of a healthy gut microbiome.

Improved vaginal health: Probiotics may help improve vaginal health by restoring the balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, reducing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Overall, probiotics are a valuable addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Look for probiotics that contain a variety of strains and are backed by scientific research to get the most benefit.

Omega-3        

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are essential for good health. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to provide a range of health benefits.

Here are some of the many benefits of Omega-3:

Improved heart health: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels, reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function. Studies have also shown that omega-3 supplements may reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Better brain function: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health, and studies have shown that they may help improve cognitive function, memory, and mood. Omega-3 supplements may also help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Reduced inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. They can also help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Better skin health: Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health by reducing inflammation, improving hydration, and supporting the skin barrier. They may also help reduce the risk of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Reduced risk of depression: Some studies have suggested that omega-3 supplements may help reduce the risk of depression and improve symptoms in people with depression.

Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are an important nutrient for good health. While they can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, many people may not get enough from their diet alone and may need to supplement with omega-3 supplements.