“Is This a Good Supplement?”

“Is this a good supplement?”

If I could have a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one…💸

Seriously, so many people come to me with a bag of supplements they’ve accumulated because their best friend, aunt, or favorite podcast host recommended them. 🙃

Most are a waste of money.

This post isn’t to sell you supplements or to recommend anything specific. (We reserve that service for our clients.)

What this post IS for is to educate you on supplement quality and what to look for on labels.

1️⃣Look for third-party certifications.

Check for labels like NSF Certified or USP Verified, which ensure the product has been tested for purity and potency. These certifications mean what’s on the label is actually in the bottle—something you cannot always count on with all supplements!

2️⃣ Choose bioavailable forms.

Every vitamin and mineral has specific forms listed on the label. The better forms are easier for your body to absorb and use.

✨For vitamin B12, look for methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin).

✨For folate, look for methylfolate (rather than the synthetic folic acid).

✨Chelated minerals (like magnesium glycinate) are typically better absorbed than mineral salts.

3️⃣ Avoid fillers, dyes, and additives.

The shorter the list of “other ingredients” the better.

But most important?

Just because a supplement helped your friend or neighbor does not mean it will help you.

Your nutrient needs are unique to you.

👉🏽 We can help you figure out what your body truly needs and create a tailored plan that delivers the most benefits with the fewest pills.

Schedule an initial visit with Dr. Cantrell to get started with your personalized healthcare protocol! 🔗

#elementnatmed #supplements #naturalmedicine #functionalmedicine #plantbasedsupplements #customhealthcare #naturopath #naturopathicmedicine

Insider Immune Hack

Immune hack most people never try 💥

Ever noticed that you’re more likely to get sick when you’re burning the candle at both ends and pushing the limits of your stress?

That’s because stress triggers cortisol.

While cortisol suppresses inflammation in the short term, over time it weakens the immune system to be less effective at fighting off invaders.

That’s where adaptogens come in!

Adaptogens are herbs that strengthen the body’s resilience on many levels—from stress to hormones to immune function.

You may have heard of…

🌱 Tulsi (Holy Basil)

🌱 Ashwagandha

🌱 Rhodiola

🌱 Reishi

Sometimes adaptogens can interact with medications or health conditions, so please consult with a practitioner knowledgeable about herbs before taking supplements or even teas.

This is what we do best in functional medicine!

Making Sense of Melatonin

Confused by all the different options for melatonin supplements? Let’s set this straight. 

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain in response to darkness—following a cyclical 24-hour rhythm. Melatonin supplements can be taken to support sleep

Here are the top 3 questions I get about melatonin:

1️⃣ Should I take regular or timed-release melatonin?

If you struggle to FALL asleep, you’ll want to take regular melatonin for the fastest action. If you struggle to STAY asleep, timed-release is best. 

2️⃣ Should I take capsules, tablets, or a liquid?

If you want the fastest action to support sleep onset, it’s best to choose a liquid or a sublingual tablet. That way the melatonin can absorb directly into the capillaries under the tongue for the quickest effect. 

3️⃣ How much should I take? 

The optimal amount depends on your individual response as well as the reason you are taking melatonin (lower amounts support sleep whereas higher amounts support immune function). It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional!

Melatonin is just one tool in our toolkit to support sleep. If you struggle with sleep and want a natural approach to sleeping better, we invite you to book an appointment!