The basic supplements
If you just want to supplement your diet with the absolute basics, this article is for you. Most Americans do not meet their basic micronutrient needs from food alone. Supplements become necessary to fill this void.

When it comes to supplementation, there is what I call the “Hierarchy of Needs.” This hierarchy begins with the basic nutrient base and then continues with advanced or hybrid supplements. Think of the hierarchy as a pyramid, with the wide base as the foundation.

Essential supplements
What are the basic supplements of the foundation?
There are two daily supplements that I like to call base products. It is a high quality multivitamin and fish oil capsule. Let me explain why I chose these two.

Multivitamins
The micronutrients found in a multivitamin are necessary to meet the demand that is lacking in a normal whole food diet. Most people do not consume enough vegetables and fruits for optimal nutrition. At the same time, keep in mind that it is not possible to correct a poor diet with supplements.

But simply taking any brand or type of multivitamin is not the solution. When it comes to supplements, most of the time, “you get what you pay for.” A common mistake consumers make is choosing to buy a cheaper, larger bottle online or at a department store. They are usually a hard type heat pressed and the absorption rate in the body is quite low. When buying a multivitamin, look for a high-quality encapsulated brand. You may also want to choose a gender specific one. A male has different nutrient needs than a female.

A good multivitamin provides the basic nutrient needs on which all the others are based. Just because you don’t notice a change in energy or some health issues doesn’t mean you’re not helping. Remember, a solid foundation may not get all the praise of a luxury home, but it is the foundation of beauty. You are only as strong as your base.

Fish oil
Fish oil, also known as Omega-3, is my other option for building a strong, healthy foundation.

Omega-3s have very good anti-inflammatory properties. In today’s world, our diets are rich in Omega-6, which causes inflammation. If you choose to get the recommended dose of Omega-3 only through diet, you will need to eat fatty fish at least 3-5 times a week. As you can see, this is not the easiest way to do it!

As a multivitamin, fish oil is also sold at a discount in big box stores. But, these are rarely of high quality. A good fish oil supplement contains a high EPA / DHA ratio. With the highest ratio, the need to take numerous tablets is not necessary.

conclusion
As I said earlier, these two supplements are the foundation of any good supplementation with a healthy diet. Without a good multivitamin and fish oil, you are building on shaky ground. Do yourself a favor and get a high-quality multi and omega-3s today. Visit us on Facebook for more healthy tips.

To your health,

Greg Gruba DC