Can you recommend a good multivitamin?

I have people bring in their full complement of supplements and pharms on the first visit. Many of these folks have spent a boatload of dough on supplements that don't work, don't make them feel good or are hard to swallow, so they don't bother taking them half the time. What a waste!

Why does this happen?

It's best to be evaluated for vitamin and mineral deficiencies to find out what your body really needs. The supplements may change as the do the needs of your body, so switch them out. You don't wear the same clothes every day or eat the same food every day. Why would you take the same supplements month after month? Your body may reach a point where it gets enough and you may be able to back off.

Ever try to swallow supplements and you notice some get caught in the throat while others just sail on down? It could mean that your body is rejected that one...for whatever reason---you don't need it, it's synthetic, etc. Another issue to address is assimilation. Your body could be breaking the supplement down, but can your body use what you're giving it? There's more to it than meets the eye. We test for this.

There are some well-advertised national brands that don't break down in the body....at all! I knew a man who owned a septic business years ago who told me " they go out the way they went in." He knew which supplements people took when he cleaned their system! Consequently, he was hip on which ones NOT to buy.

You may be experiencing nausea because your supplement could be made of synthetic ingredients and your body is unable to process it properly. Many people also experience trouble with soy products. I know, I know...you've all heard how great soy is. But the truth is that it's not good for everyone, depending on estrogen and other levels. So check your labels. Call your practitioner for help....someone well-trained in Nutrition. You'll save money in the long run and probably take less pills---and feel better!

The one national brand of supplements that I suggest is New Chapter. They are whole-food based, meaning that your body will recognize the ingredients and be able to process them easily. No synthetics. They work. You can pick them up at Whole Foods and Wild Oats Markets nationally and some better mom and pop health food stores.

Let us know how you make out.

Kristin Mills, Traditional Naturopath, CNHP
lagunanaturalhealth.com

I take One-A-Day Women's multivitamin (when I remember!), and have never had a problem with nausea. Have you tried other brands? I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but have you thought about breaking them into two pieces, and have one half in the morning (with food) and the other half in the evening (with food)? Not sure if that harms the integrity of the pill or not.