You can't add anything of value to a normal environment. I think about this when I work with patients because it’s any easy reflex for doctors to give a bunch of supplements that have been shown to improve symptoms.
I will have new patients come to me on 10 different self prescribed supplements or 15 from a Functional MD, Chiropractor or other Naturopathic Doctor. For example if you are really fatigued and you read to take some amazing methylated sublingual liposomal vitamin B12 to help boost energy, but you have enough Vitamin B12 already, then no amount of B12 is going to make you feel better.
The first thing I ask them is this, “If you’re feeling great on all of these, why are you coming to me?” They then begin to realize that just because they read something on a blog doesn’t mean it’s right for them.
I do an extensive intake to figure out what may be lacking and what may be in excess. I love when a patient agrees to do functional nutritional testing. One of the best is the OAT test. I use a version of this from the company Genova, called the Metabolamix. It is a urine test that shows the metabolites from multiple biochemical processes in the body. Then the algorithm can show what nutrients (cofactors) are missing or in excess for that give chemical pathway. This test can also show needs for amino acids (protein building blocks) and omegas (good fats). It can show antioxidant status and there is an add on to check for recent heavy metal exposure. Here is an example from one panel.
I had one patient who was told by a neurologist to take a lot of Magnesium to help her migraines. Yes magnesium deficiency is common in people with migraines so it is a good supplement to recommend. But it is not the only reason someone may have a migraine. I ran her bloodwork and her red blood cell magnesium was really high, showing that she was actually taking too much magnesium. She was still getting migraines a few times per week on this dose. So this shows that adding magnesium to a normal amount of magnesium couldn't help the migraines.
My mentor used to say you don't have a headache because you're deficient in Tylenol. But this was the case for magnesium too. Just because something is natural doesn't mean that it the right thing for you. That is why I treat the individual and do functional lab testing.
It's best to have a Vitalistic ND on board who can help you uncover your root causes of illness and your obstacles to cure.
*This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.
*You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
*Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
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