Dr. Simonds and Michelle Kennedy NP-C answered your weight loss and health questions Live. This episode was all about vitamins and supplements.
Q: How long does it take for probiotics to work? Do they really help with keeping you regular? Which is the best variety to take?
A: There are definitely a large variety of probiotics on the market, so we know that it can be a confusing topic. For the most part, probiotics don’t take very long to work with most people noticing a change in about one week. It’s always good to give it about thirty days to see if you notice a benefit before discontinuing or continuing.
Yes, probiotics can be really beneficial for regularity. They can also help with other issues such as bloating, excessive cravings, gassiness, and other symptoms. We really like Metagenics UltraFlora® Control as it also helps with weight loss.
Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that help keep your body healthy and working well. This good bacteria helps you in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when you have too much of it and helping you feel better. Good bacteria help eliminate extra bad bacteria, returning the balance. Therefore, probiotic supplements are a way to add good bacteria to your body. They are a huge factor in the body’s immune system and we often hear from patients that take probiotics regularly that they are less sick.
When choosing a probiotic, or any supplement it’s very important to choose a high-quality, reputable brand. We are big fans of Metagenics supplements as they are routinely and rigorously tested for quality control. Unlike many probiotics on the market, Metagenics probiotics do not require refrigeration, which many patients find to be a very convenient plus. They are also pharmaceutical grade and only carried through medical practices. However, no prescription is required and you do not need to be a patient at the practice to purchase. Just stop by anytime we’re open and we’ll be happy to help you choose the right variety for you.
Q: When taking CBD, are you able to take more than one type at a time? For example, can you combine the Rest CBD with a Full Spectrum CBD on a regular basis?
A: Yes! You can absolutely mix and match different varieties on a daily basis. The hemp plant that is used to create CBD does not cause the “high” effect that is associated with marijuana. Instead, CBD is created using the hemp plant with little to no TCH. The Full Spectrum CBD contains 119 oils that have various medicinal properties. By manipulating the concentrations of a particular oil, a more potent formula that provides a wider range of benefits than CBD alone is created. For example, specialty oils such as Naternal Rest (which contains extra CBN oil) and Move are combined to enhance the overall effects of CBD. Naternal Move is a great alternative to over-the-counter pain medications and contains a higher concentration of the oil CBG, an anti-inflammatory oil from the hemp plant.
They can all be taken safely and combined on a regular basis, depending on your needs. You would have to ingest a very large amount, such as the size of a large bottle of olive oil to be considered a toxic dose.
Q: What product do you recommend most to help with sleep?
A: There are many great options! And, in most cases, prescription medication is not needed and an over-the-counter alternative can be an effective sleep aid. You just may need to try a few different options before finding the right one for you. We definitely recommend Naternal Rest CBD + CBN Oil, but there are many other great choices available. We’ve found success with a low dose of Melatonin( 1-3 mg), Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Glycinate, and Valerian Root (in tea or capsule form). Some patients don’t tolerate the taste of the tea very well and tend to like the capsules better.
It’s also important to pay attention to sleep hygiene to set yourself up for better sleep. Turn off the lights and electronic devices, and eliminate distractions such as engaging in conversations, television, and social media. Try to keep away from bright lights because they can halt the production of melatonin, a hormone that the body creates to facilitate sleep. Relaxation techniques can help put you in the right mindset for bed.
We may also need to take a look at the medications you are taking that may be negatively impacting one’s sleep. For example, Phentermine is a popular weight-loss medication that can sometimes have an impact on sleep when a patient first starts taking it. Therefore, adding a natural sleep aid when initially taking Phentermine is recommended for patients that are having difficulty sleeping. The majority of patients find the benefits of taking Phentermine exceed any possible side effects of this popular weight loss medication.
Q: Is it better to take supplements/vitamins in the morning or evening? For example, I’ve heard it’s best to avoid taking Vitamin D in the evening. Is this true?
A: While there are some supplements that may be better to be taken earlier in the day, such as some herbs that are more activating and energizing, we suggest patients take vitamins at times that are the most convenient for them. Vitamins that may upset your stomach, such as Zinc are best taken with meals. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is absorbed best in your bloodstream when paired with meals too. It’s really about what works best for you, individually.
Q: Are there any supplements specifically recommended for male health?
A: Unfortunately, we are pretty underwhelmed with the available supplements on the market that are targeted at male health. We believe that testosterone fixes a lot of male health problems but have not seen a supplement available that significantly raises levels for noticeable results. It’s important to focus on your overall health for both males and females.
Q: Are there any specific vitamins I should be taking post-menopause?
A: Metagenics Estrovera is a soy-free, plant-derived supplement that provides relief for multiple menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and sexual problems.
For men and women, we recommend the “Core 4”, a bundle of 4 vitamins that we highly recommend and currently sell for a discount as a package. Contact us for more information or shop online.
- Phytomulti– A multivitamin that has a proprietary blend of 13 concentrated extracts and phytonutrients with scientifically tested biological activity to support cellular health and overall wellness.
- Vitamin D – is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also plays many other important roles in the body, including regulating inflammation and immune function.
- Omega 3 – helps with inflammation, cholesterol, and heart health.
- Full Spectrum Probiotic – for overall digestive health.
Q: Is there one supplement or nutrient that many people can’t get enough of?
A: Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K can be toxic if taken in large amounts. However, water-soluble vitamins are okay to take in large amounts as long as your kidneys are functioning properly and flushing out the excess.
