Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
QUESTION: I have such a hard time remembering to take my supplements. (For those of you who took your supplement for mental sharpness today, you probably noticed that this is not really a question. But this statement is one that I hear so often. I’ll share a few tips that I have learned along the way that have helped me take my supplements with amazing regularity.)
– I made a quick chart (I hear those moans out there.). This is especially helpful if you take more than just a few supplements. The list has the name of the supplement and a check under whether it is morning, lunch, dinner (not to be confused with lunch in some parts of the country) and bedtime. This chart helps with the next tip.
– I sort out my supplements into a flip top organizer or little plastic bottles for a 2 week period. Some flip top organizers have pullout compartments, so that you can easily put it in your purse or pocket when you hit the road.
– I keep my supplements next to where I eat so that I can’t miss them.
– I focus on the fact that I feel so much better when I take my herbs and other supplements that I know it’s worth the effort.
If you are having difficulty being consistent with your supplements, stop and think about why this happens. For example, when I first started taking herbs, I felt uncomfortable. I realized that I associated taking pills with being sick. I soon realized however, that when you take natural supplements, you’re eating food. And believe me, there’s a reason why some of that food comes in capsules. I hated taking pills, so I decided to make a tea with the capsules. This is an activity that only happens once. That tea tasted so bad that I gladly swallowed the pills after that. And when all else fails, consider a supplement for memory, like gotu kola, gingko biloba, Mind Max©, Brain Protex©, or DHA. They can make a big difference.
Hot Tip: Another way to boost memory is to get exercise to increase circulation to the brain. Take a walk!
Next month…Curcumin
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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