Precision dosing
Sadly, I frequently hear these words, “Oh I took it* for a few weeks and it did nothing.” (*E.g. evening primrose oil, magnesium, B vitamins, herbal remedies etc.) Arrhh!!!
Supplements and herbal medicine are very dose-dependent and also rely on their efficacy by being prescribed in the most absorbable form. (E.g. calcium hydroxyapatite rather than the rotten calcium carbonate, or magnesium bisglycinate rather than the frightful magnesium carbonate!)
In a naturopathic consultation you will receive a precise protocol to follow, with supplements and dosage, prescribed and explained together with general estimate of time to follow.
Personally, I always emphasize the need for strict compliance to receive the quickest and most sustainable results. Many would call that my “nag factor”. Fair enough.
For example I often see women suffering with PMS who have taken 1–2 EPO capsules for a few weeks and perhaps a B complex as well. This does not have a clinical effect. The correct doses and supplements for effectively treating PMS are as follows:
EPO 2 capsules 3 x per day for the first 3 cycles,
B complex with at least 50 mg B6 once per day and
150–300 mg elemental of magnesium 1–2 per day.
With the possible addition of vitamin E 500 IU daily and chaste tree liquid herb 5 ml per day, depending on symptom picture.
So dosing up is important at the initial stage of treatment.
On the other hand dosing down is equally important. Zinc should never be taken on a long-term basis at more than 60 mg and selenium should be no more than 150 mcg per day.
A quintessential ’script
If we look at a typical, general supplement regime for the average person with no particular health concerns, it would look somewhat like this.
• A methylated B complex with approximately 50 mg of most of the B vitamins, 1 per day with breakfast.
• Magnesium bisglycinate or amino acid chelate providing 150 mg elemental magnesium, 1–2 per day.
• Probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bifidobacterium animalis or Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Ensure it is a refrigerated probiotic and take 1 per day.
• Fish oil containing at least 500 mg EPA and 200 DHA equivalent to 1000 mg omega 3 and take 2 per day.
So that’s not too trying, and will ensure plenty of energy, a calm interior, good gut and mental health and boost immunity. Great outcome and benefits for a few daily supplements!