Supplements should be prescribed by a trained provider.
You can easily buy supplements online without a prescription. I would like to explain why I think that this is a bad idea. You should always have a professional, who is trained in prescribing supplements, give you advice on which supplements would be most appropriate for you.
Supplements have to be processed through your liver and kidneys just like medications. If you have any liver or kidney dysfunction, you may not be able to process supplements correctly and you could develop toxic levels.
Supplements can interact with medications and other supplements. Some of your supplements may make medications more or less effective. You should always have a professional review your medications and supplements prior to taking anything new.
Supplements can interact with certain foods. A trained professional can educate you on foods to avoid or foods that will boost absorption of supplements.
Supplements can increase the risk of bleeding in certain instances. A trained professional will be able to let you know if you need to hold supplements if you are injured or before you have a surgery.
Supplements can have side effects just like medications. A trained professional can help educate you on what to watch for.
It is best to take high quality supplements from a trusted source. Some supplements can have toxic metals in them. For example: Curcumin or turmeric is a supplement that is highly beneficial for many people. Because of the way it is grown, it can be contaminated with lead, mold, or bacteria. Some suppliers try to make sure you get even more anti-inflammatory effects and they actually add ibuprofen type medications which can be hard on your kidneys and can increase your blood pressure.
Supplements like amino acids and protein powders can be overused and can put too much stress on your kidneys. A trained professional can guide you on exactly when you need to supplement certain nutrients and how much is safe to take.
Supplements have varying levels of quality. There is a federal law that governs their quality. However, it does not apply to supplements bought online. A trained professional will always recommend supplements from a supplier that provides evidence that their supplements are high quality and conform to the laws regarding quality and safety.
Your medical record should always be updated with all of your supplements. Many pharmacists are now trained on supplements and how they interact with other medications. A trained professional can provide you with a supplement list - like a medication list that you can take to your primary care provider and pharmacist.
A trained professional can provide you with the latest evidence that can either support or refute claims by supplement companies.
A trained professional can provide you with prescriptions for supplements. Some HSA companies require prescriptions for supplements in order to prove they are a medically necessary purchase. If you have very high medical costs, you may also qualify to deduct supplements as medical expenses on your tax returns. A trained professional can link your supplements with a recognized medical condition.
I have taken hundreds of hours of training in prescribing supplements and nutritional support for a variety of health conditions. I also understand how each supplement is processed in the body. I look forward to speaking with you about your health. For a new patient appointment, call us today at 414-242-6453 or schedule an online appointment at:
www.sacredartintegrativepsychiatry.com
