It has long been held that our general health can be optimized through a wide variety of habits including a consistently healthy diet. As the importance of diet is increasingly emphasized, studies are being conducted to look deeper at what components of food may be generating positive outcomes. The evidence is starting to develop that supports particular components of food that provide significant links to improved health. The food–health link continues to drive innovation in the growing industry of nutraceuticals.

“Nutraceutical” is an umbrella label that is defined as any substance that may be considered a food or part of a food and provides medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. The end product can range from an isolated nutrient to a functional food, from a dietary supplement to a genetically engineered beverage, and many manifestations that fit somewhere in between. The targeted effectiveness varies from product to product as well, with designs ranging from full body system effects to some products designed to generate a result at the cellular level. Treatment claims can also be wide and varied. As the choices for these supplements expand it becomes critical that patients have the resources to make informed decisions about the benefits purported. Many nutraceuticals provide great benefit, but under some circumstances, they may be unnecessary or even risk to your health

Balancing a variety of healthy foods is the optimal way of obtaining the nutrients our bodies need. Dietary supplements are intended to enhance the diet of users. It is always critical to obtain adequate information on the function, benefit, and upper safe limits for any supplement that you may consider taking.

There are several resources to gather information on supplements. If the supplement use is to address a specific health issue, there is probably a good chance that these concerns have been shared with a medical provider. So be sure to consult that provider before purchasing or starting a supplement. Keep in mind that some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications.

If conducting research on your own prior to reviewing with a medical provider, consider the reputation of any website from which you gather information. Try to find supporting information from sources that have no monetary interest in the supplement that is being considered. Make sure any data reviewed is current. Analyze the quality of any study data (your medical provider can help with this assessment). Always ask “Does this sound too good to be true?” Many of the latest news headlines make claims of a quick fix that may not be in line with research and science.

Nutraceuticals have a long history of use, but it’s relatively recent that the data supporting the benefits of these diet supplements has been so robust. There are many quality products available. The key is to select the appropriate product for the condition being treated.

We now offer the following supplements from Integrative Therapeutics:

Lavela WS 1265 is an exclusive lavender essential oil, known as Silexan. Indicated for occasional anxiety, Lavela WS 1265 has been shown to promote relaxation and calm nervousness with safety and efficacy, as demonstrated in controlled trials published in peer-reviewed medical journals. It offers relief without the side effects commonly seen in other options. Taken just one or two times per day, this gentle, yet powerful, essential oil is non-habit-forming and well-tolerated.

Theracurmin is a novel preparation of turmeric that utilizes patented, natural colloidal dispersion technology to enhance bioavailability and dramatically increase curcumin levels in the blood. Unlike other forms of curcumin, Theracurmin is water-dispersible, meaning it dissolves quickly and maintains solubility over time, thereby improving curcumin’s overall absorption. Historically, curcumin has been shown to promote healthy liver function, exhibit powerful antioxidant activity, support the body’s detoxification pathways, and provide relief of minor pain due to occasional overuse.

Pure Omega Ultra HP’s cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art manufacturing removes impurities and creates a supplement with high levels of EPA and DHA. To maintain purity and quality a proprietary green tea preservation system is used. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and reduce joint pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Some research has found that in cultures with high levels of Omega 3’s there are lower rates of depression. Studies are ongoing to determine if Omega 3’s improve those with ADHD and Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Cortisol Manager is formulated with stress-reducing ingredients and botanicals to promote relaxation, help alleviate fatigue, and support healthy cortisol levels. By balancing cortisol levels, Cortisol Manager can help reduce stress, which supports a restful night’s sleep without diminishing daytime alertness.

Sleep Reset supports the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, enhancing overall sleep quality without morning drowsiness. It combines Melatonin and the amino acid Glycine to promote deep, restorative sleep.

Sedaplex is formulated with nervine herbs for relaxation and restful sleep. L-theanine promotes alpha-brain wave activity, and may counteract the stimulation effects of caffeine.

GingerMax dietary supplement is a potent oil standardized to contain a level of 20% of ginger’s key compounds. Ginger is used to calm digestion and reduce stomach pain. Specifically, it may reduce nausea caused by some medications.

L-Theanine is an amino acid that helps promote relaxation and reduces stress. It’s free of the side effects commonly associated with other relaxing agents and can be used to aid in stress management.

Rhodiola rosea has been used for centuries to combat fatigue, increase physical strength, and enhance stamina. This standardized extract of Rhodiola rosea features 3% rosavins – the standardized level shown to increase energy.

ProThrivers Wellness Brain supports cognitive clarity. This formulation includes Theracurmin (bioavailable curcumin), citicoline, hericium erinaceus (also known as the lion’s mane mushroom), and acetyl-L-carnitine.

ProThrivers Wellness Multivitamin is a combination of nutrients that support the health of thrivers. A unique aspect of this formula is what it does NOT contain. ProThrivers Wellness Multivitamin does not contain beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, copper, or boron.