Skip to main content

Do I Still Need Supplements If I Eat a Healthy Diet?

Good nutrition is far more complicated than just eating low-fat or low-calorie foods to maintain a healthy weight. Your body also relies on the many essential vitamins and nutrients found in whole, unprocessed foods. 

Without getting sufficient amounts of nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D, your overall health and wellness suffer.

Getting all of the nutrients you need isn’t easy, even if you’re focused on eating a healthy diet. In Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. Nichelle Renk and Dr. Mary Beth Calor are here to help. 

In addition to nutritional counseling, Dr. Renk, Dr. Calor, and their team at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness provide dietary supplements to address symptoms like fatigue or a poor immune system.

Nutrients and a healthy diet

When we think about dieting, weight loss may come to mind first. But you might need to adjust your diet even if you’re already at a healthy weight. Or, your focus on weight loss may deplete your body of key vitamins and nutrients.

Without sufficient nutrients, your body suffers. The impacts on your health and wellness depend on the specific deficiencies you’re dealing with. For example, vitamin C deficiency leads to the disease scurvy, which causes old wounds to reopen and can result in tooth loss.

A healthy diet needs to include a variety of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, sources of healthy protein and fats, and nuts and legumes. It can be a real challenge to take in enough essential vitamins and minerals.

Accessing the nutrition you need

In areas like Alaska, which has a short growing season and expensive costs around imported foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, getting all of the nutrients you need poses extra challenges. 

Our long, dark winters also often lead to vitamin D deficiencies, impacting your mood, energy levels, and immune system strength.

In the summer months, you may be able to fulfill all of your nutritional needs with a healthy diet of varied fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein including fish, and plenty of nuts and leafy greens. You may only need dietary supplements in the offseason, when produce is harder to come by.

There’s also the question of how well your body manages to absorb nutrients from your food. Even if you’re eating a very healthy diet, you may not be fully benefiting from complete nutrition and could need dietary supplements.

The health benefits of dietary supplements

Dietary supplements put you in control of your nutrient levels. No matter the cause of a nutrient or vitamin deficiency, you benefit from directly addressing the issue with the right supplements. 

The supplements available to you through Alpenglow Pain & Wellness include vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes, and acids. You can take your supplements as liquids, powders, soft gels, or tablets.

Dr. Renk and Dr. Calor help their patients understand the nutritional elements they may be lacking, and they recommend the right supplements to restore full health. They may suggest dietary supplements if you:

In addition to recommending supplements, Dr. Renk and Dr. Calor support you in adjusting your diet, so the foods you eat truly contribute to your health, wellness, mood, and energy levels.

To learn more about how dietary supplements could improve your health, contact Dr. Renk and Dr. Calor at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today. Schedule your initial consultation online or over the phone.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Symptoms and Causes of Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

Symptoms and Causes of Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

A nerve that is compressed between two other structures in your body can leave you in pain or dealing with other uncomfortable symptoms. The condition, which is known as nerve entrapment syndrome, often affects your limbs. How can you deal with it?
The Science Behind Hot and Cold Therapy for Pain Relief

The Science Behind Hot and Cold Therapy for Pain Relief

You may hear recommendations for treating pain by using either heat or cold. So which one will bring you the most relief? Learn the science behind these therapies and better understand when to use heat or cold to tame your pain.
How Botox® Works to Relieve Migraine Pain

How Botox® Works to Relieve Migraine Pain

Migraine headaches cause intense pain, as well as other symptoms like sensory sensitivity. Could Botox® injections relieve your migraine symptoms? Learn more about this treatment approach.
Posture Exercises to Prevent Neck Pain

Posture Exercises to Prevent Neck Pain

Neck pain is extremely common among adults in the United States. By using these simple stretches and posture exercises, you can keep from joining those who are suffering from chronic neck pain.
Why Are Autoimmune Disorders Becoming So Common?

Why Are Autoimmune Disorders Becoming So Common?

More than 23 million people in the United States live with autoimmune disorders, in which your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. What’s more, statistics indicate that these conditions are on the rise.  What is causing the increase?