Supplemental Healthcare: Our Multi-System Approach to Wellness

 

At Lindgren Functional Medicine, we believe in caring for your entire health by getting to the root cause of your issues and taking a multi-system approach to wellness. Our providers understand that true healing often requires more than just medication. That's why we commonly recommend dietary supplements as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help get your body back into balance.

When you come to us, we begin by thoroughly assessing your overall health, looking at factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, immune function, and gut health. We recognize that a healthy gut is foundational to overall wellness, influencing everything from digestion to immunity to mental health. Once we identify any dysfunctions, we create a personalized plan that may include pharmaceutical medications and essential lifestyle interventions such as exercise, meditation, and nutritional changes.

In addition to these foundational steps, we incorporate health supplements, like specific antioxidants, probiotics, and other vital nutrients, to support your body's natural healing processes. It's important to remember that these changes take time and patience. It took a while for your body to get out of balance, and it will take time to restore that balance. Be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey towards lasting wellness.

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By addressing all aspects of your health, our goal is to help you achieve lasting wellness and a balanced, vibrant life. At Lindgren Functional Medicine, we’re dedicated to helping you feel your best, inside and out.

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Types of Dietary Supplements

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Dietary Supplement Quality Assurance: The Lindgren Functional Medicine Guide

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Trusted Sources for Supplements

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Ingredient Absorption & Bioavailability

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What Are Dietary Supplements Used For?

At Lindgren Functional Medicine, we recommend dietary supplements for various reasons based on individual needs, such as ensuring adequate nutrient intake, promoting optimal health and performance, or achieving specific health outcomes. While a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods ideally provides all the essential nutrients required for health, there are many factors that may affect individual nutrient status and the need for supplementation.

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Factors related to food and diet quality, as well as individual health status, include:

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Decreased Nutrient Levels in Foods: Modern agricultural practices can reduce nutrient levels in our food.

Impaired Digestion and Absorption: Some individuals may struggle to digest and absorb nutrients efficiently.

Increased Nutrient Requirements: Certain life stages, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and lactation, demand higher nutrient intake.
 

Low Dietary Intake/Poor Quality Diet: A diet lacking in variety or quality can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
 

Medication-Associated Nutrient Depletions: Some medications, like oral contraceptives, proton pump inhibitors, and statins, can deplete nutrient levels.
 

Nutrient Loss from Aging or Illness: Aging or critical illness can lead to nutrient depletion.

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Benefits of Dietary Supplements

Scientific evidence supports the health benefits of dietary supplements in managing various chronic and acute health conditions. Here are a few examples:

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Improves Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Supplements can improve risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia (irregular cholesterol and triglyceride levels). For example, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils have been shown to decrease VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Garlic supplements may reduce blood pressure and help regulate cholesterol levels while boosting the immune system.

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Alleviates the Discomfort from IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects a significant portion of the population. Supplements like probiotics and soluble fiber (e.g., guar gum and psyllium) can help alleviate symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain by normalizing stool frequency and improving gut health.

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Improves Joint Pain
Inflammatory joint conditions, like knee osteoarthritis, are increasingly common. Supplements such as curcumin (from turmeric) have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. Curcumin may be as effective as over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen but with fewer adverse effects.

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Helps Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Health supplements can aid in managing blood glucose levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Berberine and chromium supplements have been shown to effectively reduce blood glucose and improve lipid metabolism, enhancing overall metabolic health.

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Helps Prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Supplements like vitamin C, zinc lozenges, and echinacea can help prevent and reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold. Higher doses of vitamin C and timely zinc lozenges can alleviate cold symptoms, while echinacea supports immune function and reduces the incidence of colds.

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