Why I encourage my clients to take a Multivitamin.
In a world where the only thing that is certain is change, it is more important than ever to take care of your mind and body. As a clinical psychologist who takes a holistic approach to health, I am firm believer in the mind-body connection and how the things we do on most days impact our health (both physical and mental health). There is scientific evidence that the food that we eat (and the nutrients that we put in our bodies) plays a role in our physical and emotional wellness, and this is exactly why I encourage all of my clients to take a multivitamin. And this connection between nourishment and mental health is something I consistently see within myself and my clients.
Unfortunately, we can’t get all of the nutrients that we need in the food that we eat, especially not these days, and therefore we need to supplement. A multivitamin (or any supplement) should not be a substitute for healthy eating or compensate for poor eating, but it can be a wonderful supplement and help us get the nutrients that we aren’t getting enough of. And in some cases, our bodies have natural nutrient deficiencies, so a little extra support goes a long way. Research shows that there are many potential benefits of taking a multivitamin including increased energy and improved mood. Recent research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has also shown that a daily multivitamin may improve cognition and possibly protect against cognitive decline. Therefore, it’s really a cost-effective way to help us get the nutrients that we can’t get in our food and/or in our daily life (such as enough vitamin D from sunlight). Although I am not a medical doctor, or a dietitian, I do believe that there are benefits of taking a daily multivitamin and therefore recommend that my clients speak to their medical doctors about their specific needs and if there is anything in particular they should be looking for in their vitamins.
