Supplement therapy

Supplement therapy refers to the use of dietary supplements as a form of treatment for specific health conditions or to address nutritional deficiencies. It involves taking additional vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients in the form of pills, powders, or other forms, either to treat a specific health problem or to support overall health and well-being. Supplement therapy should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.

Supplements can be used as a form of therapy to treat deficiencies or imbalances in the body, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. Some common uses of supplements as therapy include:

• Vitamin D for osteoporosis
• Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
• Calcium for bone health
• Probiotics for digestive health
• Vitamin B12 for anemia

It's important to note that supplements should not be used to replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The success rate of supplement therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the specific health condition being treated, the type of supplement being used, and individual differences in response. In some cases, supplement therapy has been shown to be effective in improving health outcomes, but in other cases, the evidence is not clear.

For example, supplement therapy with vitamin D and calcium has been shown to be effective in preventing osteoporosis and improving bone health. On the other hand, some studies have shown that taking vitamin E supplements may not have a significant impact on heart health.

Is one supplement enough then? 

One or two supplement is not enough to address the complex and interconnected systems of the body and the various health conditions that may affect it. The human body needs a variety of nutrients to function optimally, and relying on a single supplement to address all of these needs is unlikely to be effective.

Furthermore, supplements are not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, and the quality and purity of supplements can vary widely. Taking multiple supplements from different sources increases the risk of taking contaminated or counterfeit products.  For these reasons, it's important to work with a healthcare provider who are trained in their respective fields to develop a comprehensive approach to supplement therapy that considers the individual's overall health status, nutritional needs, and potential risks. This approach should be based on a balanced and healthy diet, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that can support overall health and well-being. Additionally, it's crucial to work with a healthcare provider to determine the right type and dosage of supplement therapy for "basic individual needs" (I occasionally cover this on my talks with D'ways). Some supplements can interact with each other, as well as with prescription medications, making it important to consider the potential for interactions when taking multiple supplements. The attending consultant will also be able to identofy the otder of priority necessary 

It's important to note that while supplements can play a role in improving health, they should not be used as a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that can support overall health and well-being. 

Quality supplements can be difficult to find. Determining the definition of quality itself can be a vast and wide topic.  As for myself,  my personal reommendation since 2022 is from Dways where they have a wide range of supplements where I can easily form my treatment protocol at my pain management practice especially HStasis and HL Span.  The whole range of supplements by them can fit in many protocols in addressing various diseases. 

For more information do hit me up there is only so much that we can say over a blogpost..  But needless to say, what I (as a Naturopathic Doctor) and Dways as a company are trying to do, is to provide an alternative avenue when al else have failed.  If you are interested in what Dways has to offer please do not hesitate to contact me (Number can be found here).  From time to time, I will write more on the viability of Supplement therapy.