Showing posts with label supplementation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label supplementation. Show all posts

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Wellness Philosophy adds Klaire Labs to Supplementation Lineup

In addition to the quality supplementation products of Kirkman, Pure Encapsulations and Houston Nutraceuticals, I am pleased to announce The Wellness Philosophy Inc. has recently added products from Klaire Labs (division of ProThera, Inc.).

Klaire Labs carries only third party tested, quality products, most notably their high potency probiotics, which I am extremely excited to offer my clients. Klaire Labs products are only available from a health care provider, authorized dealers or to individuals with proper physician coding.

Please let me know if you desire additional information regarding Klaire Labs or ProThera products. You may also visit their web site by clicking here.

Sincerely,
Staci Small M.A., R.D
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Important Considerations When Choosing A Prenatal Vitamin

For women who are currently pregnant, thinking about pregnancy or are breastfeeding, having a quality prenatal vitamin in your arsenal of daily nutrition is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. There are several good prenatal vitamins on the market, but which one is right for you? Is the prenatal that your OB/GYN or family doctor recommending the best for your baby? Below are some questions you may want to consider when choosing your prenatal vitamin:

Does your prenatal vitamin have artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives?

Artificial colors have been linked to many behavioral issues and other health concerns in children. I see this first hand in my practice. Below are two links from Organic Authority that touch on the subject, as well as the disappointing U.S. decline to adopt a nation wide ban on food dyes; a ban in which many countries in Europe have recently adopted due to claimed adverse effects on children.

FDA Declines to Ban Controversial Foods Dyes in United States

Banned in Europe, Food Coloring Linked to Behavior Problems

Is your prenatal third party tested for safety and purity?

Vitamins, whether prenatal or other, are minimally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Currently, the FDA does not test for heavy metals, pesticides or allergens and only performs limited testing for bacteria, mold and yeast.

According to Kirkman Group President, David Humphrey, "unless companies do the extensive product testing that Kirkman offers in our 'Ultra Tested' product line, they can't know what toxins may be lurking in their product". Kirkman Group is currently third party lab testing their products for more than 950 environmental contaminants. Kirkman is by no means the only safe company from which to obtain supplementation. However, I recommend conducting research before beginning your prenatal regimen.

Does your prenatal have enough supporting nutrient qualities for your baby?

Make sure your prenatal has adequate levels of folic acid, iron, vitamin D and many other supporting nutrients. For example, some prenatal vitamins are separated into two doses per day, spacing out iron intake, which can aid in constipation prevention.

If you have further questions regarding which prenatal is right for you, consult your licensed health care provider.

Sincerely,
Staci Small M.A., R.D.
The Wellness Philosophy Inc.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Digestive Health and Surgery

Many of us will have a surgical procedure at some point in our lifetime. This procedure might be for a nagging joint or ligament injury, a cosmetic reason or a lifethreatening issue. Whatever your reason, a large majority of us end up with painful gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the days immediately following surgery.

A common pre-surgery procedure is for antibiotics to be administered either orally or intravenously. Antibiotics help to prevent surgery related infections. However, they also kill a large majority of our beneficial gut bacteria. Our digestive tracts have a micro world of their own; full of bacteria and other microorganisms that are responsible for some of the most vital processes in our bodies.

Two other common roadblocks to our post surgery gastrointestinal comfort are anesthesia and iron supplements. Both are often necessary and very beneficial to the patient but can promote stools that are hard and difficult to pass post-op. To ease post-op gastrointestinal discomfort, talk to your physician about stool softeners while in the hospital. You'll also want to replenish good bacteria (probiotics) to restore the vital microbial balance in the intestinal tract.

Prior to a surgical procedure, it can be very beneficial to consult with a licenced nutrition professional (Registered Dietitian) to determine the correct type and amount of probiotics, as well as assess possible nutrient depletion caused by the stress of surgery and medications administered during and after surgery.

Please contact Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D. at The Wellness Philosophy Inc. for more information or to schedule a digestive health consultation.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Benefits of Supplementation

Many people, young and old, find great benefits from supplementing their nutrient intake with various enzymes, supplements and probiotics. The typical American diet depletes our bodies of adequate nutrients, healthy bacteria, and often stresses our most vital organs. Nutrient intake, digestion and absorption are especially compromised in those suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders, IBS and other chronic conditions.

Replenishing these important building blocks help our bodies function optimally as well as support cognitive function, digestion, absorption and elimination of toxins. These complex systems rely on the correct nutrients and are vital to our overall health and functioning.

Purchasing supplements from reputable suppliers is key. Research has shown that many supplements from various manufacturers contain heavy metals, artificial fillers, as well as allergens such as wheat, dairy and soy. The health and safety of clients is my number one priority. Therefore, The Wellness Philosophy Inc. only purchases these products from today's most trusted manufacturers. We currently carry supplements, enzymes and probiotics offered by:
  • Kirkman®
  • Houston Enzymes®
To schedule an assessment to determine if you could benefit from nutrient supplementation or to place an order, please contact me at staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com.