How to Create a Supplement Strategy for Better Health  

Introduction from Dr. Armitstead

In our weekly newsletter, I always suggest a Standard Process supplement that matches the theme. This week, I want to discuss guided supplementation as a means of proactively helping yourself stay healthy. Most people might be surprised you don't need a lot of supplements; you just need the right ones. 

The only people who don't need guided supplementation are those people who feed their bodies with the exact nutrients every organ needs to function. I have yet to meet a person capable of such a feat, myself included. Supplements are the perfect example of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and they are beneficial for every body.

The Importance of Supplementation

Supplements can be the missing piece of the puzzle for many people striving to achieve optimal health. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your existing approach, having a carefully curated supplement strategy is essential. 

I will walk you through the basics of supplements, their role in supporting your body, and how to create a personalized plan using Standard Process supplements—a trusted brand for whole food-based health support. Plus, we'll explain how you can figure out the best supplements for your body through muscle testing. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap, plus an invitation to learn more with Dr. Alicia Armitstead. 

What Are Supplements? 

Supplements are dietary products designed to augment the nutrients you consume from food. They come in various forms such as pills, capsules, powders, and liquids—and are often packed with vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other nutritional elements. 

The goal? To bridge nutritional gaps in your diet and support your body in functioning at its best. 

Not all supplements are created equal. Quality, sourcing, and formulation play a critical role in determining their efficacy, which is why picking the right supplements is so important. 

How Do Supplements Help the Body? 

Even with a nutrient-dense diet, your body may need extra support due to factors like environmental toxins, stress, or diet deficiencies. Supplements can help in several ways:

• Fill Nutritional Gaps - Despite your best efforts to eat healthily, it's tough to get all the nutrients you need every single day. For example, magnesium and Vitamin D—crucial for energy and bone health—are common deficiencies, even among health-conscious individuals. 

• Boost Energy Levels - Supplements can provide essential vitamins like B12 and iron that support energy production and prevent fatigue. 

• Strengthen Your Immune System - Zinc, Vitamin C, and apoptogenic herbs can enhance immunity, helping to defend against illnesses. 

• Support Long-Term Health and Prevention - Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. 

Why Choose Standard Process Supplements Over OTC Options? 

Not all supplements are created equal, and this is particularly true when comparing Standard Process supplements with over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives. Here's why Standard Process stands out. 

• Whole Food-Based Formulas - Standard Process supplements are made from whole food sources, preserving the beneficial compounds present in real, unprocessed foods. 

• Rigorous Quality Control - Their production process ensures purity, potency, and quality. OTC supplements may not always contain the amounts of nutrients listed on their labels, but Standard Process guarantees accuracy. 

• Bioavailability - Whole food-based supplements improve absorption and usability in the body compared to synthetically produced OTC options. This ensures you actually benefit from what you're taking. 

• Professional Insight - Unlike most OTC supplements, Standard Process products are available through licensed healthcare providers who can recommend the right supplements for your unique needs. 

The Basic Standard Process Supplements for Preventative Health

Looking for a foundation to support overall health? These Standard Process supplements are great for almost everyone to promote vitality and prevention:

• Catalyn - A multivitamin powerhouse created from whole food ingredients to provide balanced nutritional support. 

• SP Complete - A nutrient-rich protein powder for meal replacement or a quick recovery shake. 

• Cod Liver Oil - Supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and skin vitality through essential omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A. 

• Calcium Lactate - An easily absorbable form of calcium for bone health without digestive discomfort. 

• Zypan - A digestive aid that supports enzyme production for better nutrient absorption, especially during heavy or processed meals.

Standard Process Supplements to Support Weight Loss 

If weight loss is one of your health goals, incorporating specific supplements can make the process both more effective and sustainable. The right supplements can boost metabolism, regulate hormones, and help your body burn fat more efficiently. 

Some recommended Standard Process supplements for weight management include:

• Adrenal Complex - Supports healthy adrenal gland function, which plays a critical role in managing stress and regulating metabolism. 

• Gymnema - Helps to reduce sugar cravings and support balanced blood sugar levels. 

• SP Cleanse - Encourage detoxification to kickstart weight loss by flushing out toxins that may hinder fat metabolism. 

• Choline - Supports liver function, which is vital for fat digestion and overall metabolic health. 

Combine these supplements with a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results. 

Using Muscle Testing to Determine Your Best Supplements 

One of the most effective methods of tailoring a supplement strategy to your body is through muscle testing. Also known as Nutrition Response Testing and Applied Kinesiology, muscle testing is a noninvasive technique used to assess your body's specific needs. Here's how it works:

• Testing Method: A practitioner typically asks the individual to hold a specific position while applying gentle pressure to a muscle, often in the arm or leg. The muscle is tested for its strength in response to the applied pressure.

• Response Evaluation: If the muscle remains strong and resistant to the pressure, it is interpreted as a sign of balance or health regarding whatever is being tested—such as a specific food, supplement, or emotional stressor. Conversely, if the muscle weakens or fails to resist the pressure, it may indicate an imbalance or sensitivity related to the tested item.

• Substances and Stimuli: Practitioners may use various substances (like food, vitamins, or allergens) during testing to assess how the body reacts to them. The idea is that the body will respond differently when exposed to items it needs versus those it does not tolerate well.

• Holistic Approach: Muscle testing is often used in holistic or alternative medicine settings to guide treatment decisions, such as dietary changes, supplements, or other therapies.

Muscle testing allows you to bypass guesswork and ensure you take the supplements that best support your body. This individualized approach eliminates unnecessary extras, enabling you to refine your supplement strategy precisely. 

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health 

Creating or refining your supplement strategy is essential for feeling your best and achieving long-term wellness. By incorporating Standard Process supplements, you can get high-quality, whole-food-based nutrition tailored to your body's needs. 

Unsure about where to start? Dr. Alicia Armitstead is one of the country's few Nutritional Response Testing Master Practitioners! You can create a personalized supplement plan based on YOUR health goals and preferences with her expertise. 

Contact Dr. Alicia Armitstead today to find the supplements that are perfect for you!