RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...

What are the most important health supplements women should be taking?
    By Dr. Chantelle Drobot of The Healing Bridge Chiropractic Clinic

There is no question that staying healthy is important, especially with the cold and flu season upon us and we all know that eating well, drinking water, getting adequate sleep and exercising regularly are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Where do supplements fit into the mix? With so many different products to choose from it’s difficult to know which are really important. Following are the top 5 supplements women should take to stay healthy all year.

1) Vitamin D - Albertans have extremely low levels of vitamin D because of our lack of summer sunshine. Vitamin D is well known for its bone building, immune supporting and mood enhancing capabilities. In fact, there is some speculation that the low production of vitamin D levels in the winter season may be one of the reasons that people are susceptible to colds and mood related issues. Your MD can check your vitamin D levels and until you are told that your levels are within normal limits, 2000 -3000 IUs a day is the recommended dosage.

2) A multivitamin - With so many multivitamins on the market, keep in mind that capsules and powders will give you more bang for your buck. With multivitamins, it is the minerals in the multi that make the biggest difference to the quality and multivitamins that are compressed into small tablets can make it difficult for the minerals to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Capsules and powders are less compressed and therefore, more absorbable.

3) Calcium with Magnesium and vitamin D - This is required to maintain a healthy bone density and to prevent general aches, pains and muscle soreness. Taking your calcium before you go to sleep can improve your sleep quality and decrease morning muscular discomfort.

4) B-vitamins - Known for their stress and energy benefits, B-vitamins can decrease sugar cravings, increase energy levels, improve cardiovascular mediators and support the body’s stress and nervous system response.

5) Hormone support - Most women experience estrogen dominance symptoms because of hormonal imbalances, environmental influences and lifestyle factors. Supportive products that bind excitatory estrogens and promote healthy hormone levels can decrease PMS, peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms and can be helpful for most women with hormonal concerns.

Dr. Chantelle Drobot is a naturopathic doctor at the Integrative Health Centre. Her clinical practice focuses on hormonal issues, digestive concerns & stresses related illnesses. Visit www.integrativehealthcentre.com