If you visit any supermarket or health food shop, you’ll notice all sorts of weird and wonderful supplements on the shelves. But which supplements are best to take, especially during the winter months when aches and pains can be at their worst? Our Chiropractors, Martin Young and Sian Davies Todd share which supplements they take and why.

Sian Says:

“The body is a complex system, there is no single supplement that is “best”. All these things work together at the cellular level to perform intricate, amazing, metabolic processes. However, there are specific supplements which can support our bodies during the darker, colder months.“

Vitamin C

Benefit: Helps growth and repair of body tissue. Maintains a healthy immune system, cartilage, bones and teeth.

Martin says:

“I take a soluble Vitamin C daily as it’s an important vitamin and one which the body can’t store.”

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has many functions including helping protect our cells, protection against cardiovascular disease, pre-natal illness and some research shows that taking Vitamin C regularly can reduce the severity of cold symptoms and the duration of how long a cold lasts.

Vitamin D

Benefit: Keeps bones, muscles and teeth healthy. May help regulate mood.

Sian says:

“I take Vitamin D daily. In the UK, for 6 months of the year we do not get the right rays to cause skin-based Vitamin D production. Vitamin D3 is not widely available in food in sufficient amounts to get enough for a healthy mind and body. So we mostly lack Vitamin D3 if we do not supplement and that is a big problem for mind, body and disease as ongoing research is starting to uncover.” 

Martin Young says:

“I now take Vitamin D daily, partly because I spend too much time indoors all year round and you can’t manufacture Vit D in the wintertime in the UK. I also take this supplement because of its importance in neurological function.“

Vitamin D has many benefits including keeping our immune system functioning properly and has also been linked to improving our mood. Being low in Vitamin D3 can encourage our body systems and organs to develop inflammation as a reaction, which is linked to many chronic common Western world diseases.

The NHS currently recommends everyone takes a Vitamin D supplement as people have been indoors more than usual over the last year due to the pandemic.

Glucosamine Sulphate

Benefit: May ease joint pain and protect against Osteoarthritis.

Martin says: 

“I have taken Glucosamine Sulphate for years and have recently swapped to Glucosamine HCl owing to advancing age. This supplement has stopped the previously advancing arthritis in my fingers dead in its tracks for quarter of a century.” 

Glucosamine Sulphate is naturally found in our bodies, it supports healthy development of the tissue between our joints. Taking this supplement over a long period of time may help slow down the breakdown of cartilage. Some studies show it can also help reduce pain and slow the progression of Osteoarthritis.

Omega 3, 6 & 9

Potential benefits include protecting the heart, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system and supporting brain function.

Martin says:

“I have taken Omega 3,6,9 since my first year at Chiropractic College. Although the full benefits of taking Omega EFA have not been fully researched, the western diet is deficient in essential fatty acids, which are found in this supplement. The risk associated with taking it is low and there are numerous potential benefits.”

Turmeric with Black Pepper

Benefit: Can help relieve joint pain and lessen chronic inflammation.

Sian says:

“I take 600mg turmeric and black pepper daily to help relieve inflammatory joint pain – definitively effective after strenuous outdoor training!“

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti inflammatory and antioxidant. Curcumin has been linked to helping reduce inflammation, which can otherwise lead to chronic diseases over a long period of time. These are sometimes known as ‘Western diseases’ and include diabetes, heart problems, dementia and cancer. Although curcumin is a powerful anti inflammatory, our bodies don’t absorb it all that easily.  Taking a turmeric and black pepper supplement is best as black pepper helps our bodies absorb this powerful antioxidant, so we can feel the benefits!  

Diet

“Eat food, not too much, mainly plants” – Michael Pollan 

It’s important to remember the age old phrase ‘you are what you eat’. Before anything else, a healthy, balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy body and mind.  

If you have persistent aches or pains, it’s important to seek help before it develops into a more serious problem. Our chiropractors have over 100 years experience between them and can help get you better and keep you well. Click below to speak to our team and see how we can help.

Please note, if you have a pre-existing health condition, or are on medication, we recommend you consult your GP before taking supplements.