As a nutritionist, one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is “Do multivitamins work? And do I really need to take them?”
The short answer is YES! Here’s why (it’s not exactly why you might think).
Our world is toxic and it’s only getting worse. For us to have a detoxification system that’s working, we need to put good nutrients in.
We are also under more stress than we ever have been in. It’s constant, day-to-day stress, and that requires even more nutrients.
What does that mean? You need to put those nutrients back in your body. But if you are doing what I call a “faux-food diet,” meaning you are eating from a box, bag or can, or doing “dash-board dining” from fast food restaurants then you’re not getting the full benefit of what you could expect even from that meal (as little as it is).
Think of multivitamins as a secret weapon. This is one way you are going to put those missing nutrients back into your body to insure that you have all of the things your body needs.
Do Multivitamins Work? If They are the Right Kind
You want to make sure that your multivitamin is well-balanced. Check that it has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants because all of those things are needed every single day, throughout the day.
Now the other thing with a multi, is that if you are taking a one-a-day, throw it away. You are not being served by that vitamin.
We are supposed to eat three times a day, or more, depending upon what your dietary requirements are. But you can’t get all that you need in one teeny tiny little vitamin.
We eat several times a day, so why wouldn’t you want to add those extra nutrients each time you eat or at least more than once a day. Get one that you can take with meals, at least more than once per day.
Another Secret to Making Multivitamins Work
Multivitamins only work if you take them! A lot of my patients tell me that their multivitamins make them nauseated or “repeats” on them (they burp and can taste it). That sure doesn’t encourage you to develop the habit of taking them.
And anyway, maybe that means you don’t really need it?
I have bad news for you. You need it even more, but what these symptoms are really telling me as a practitioner is that you are probably not making enough stomach acid. Does that surprise you?
Here’s what’s happening. If you don’t have enough stomach acid when you take a multivitamin or even those good B Complexes, they feel like they sit in your stomach … because they do!
You need stomach acid to start the process of digestion by breaking it down, absorbing it, and utilizing it (unless you’re chewing your multivitamin … yech! And your dentist probably doesn’t want you to do that!)
If you just don’t feel good after taking a multivitamin or B-Complex, here’s what to do.
- Make sure it’s good quality. If you got it in a 2-for-1 sale or bought it in bulk at CostSamMart, I don’t even know what to tell you to do with that! Just get rid of it, don’t take it, don’t give it away, just get it out of your house!
- Get a high quality multivitamin or a B-complex that you can take in small doses at least two or three times a day with meals and see if you are still getting that response.
- Still feeling yucky? You need to be assessed! Find out if your body is able to digest its food properly, because if you’re not breaking down those multivitamins, or those B-Complexes, what do you think is happening to your protein? Eeek!
Speak to your healthcare provider and let them know how your vitamins are making you feel.
Want to work with me and my team on this? Contact my office for an appointment.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and has been compiled from years of practice, study and experience by Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC. This information is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for the advice from your physician or any other health care provider, or any information contained in or on any product label or packaging. Do not use information in this article for diagnosing or treating any health problem or disease. Always speak to your health care provider before taking any nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement. If you have or suspect that you have a health problem including COVID-19, contact your health care provider immediately. Do not ignore seeking health care advice or delay seeking care because of something that you have read in this article. Information provided in this article or on this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Images:
Vitamins photo by RUSLAN BOGDANOV on Unsplash
Food photo by Erick Palacio on Unsplash
