By Gretchen Fox Schempp, wellness manager
In Wellness, we’re seeing our annual bump in supplement stock-ups as teachers and kiddos alike return to the classroom. Awareness around wellness (and illness) is heightened again, and many folks are coming by asking “What do I need to do to stay well, think clearly, have more energy, stay calm, and be cheerful?”
It’s a tall order, but chances are we have something for each of the above requests. Some of the supplements I am discussing daily with shoppers right now are as follows:
Nordic Naturals DHA Xtra:
If one thing hasn’t changed since my early years in the Oneota Co-op Wellness Department, it is my love for omega 3’s. One of my favorite conversations to have with customers is about the importance of the components EPA and DHA in omega 3 oils. Different fish provide varying levels of these components, as you will see when you compare salmon oil to an omega 3 made with sardines, anchovies or mackerel. EPA is the component that supports joints, skin, heart, and inflammatory response – and DHA is the component that supports our mood, mind, memory, and eyes.
As autumn creeps in and the light begins to wane, many customers know that it’s important to get ahead of mood support before it gets the best of them. Nordic Naturals DHA Xtra is a high potency DHA supplement made specifically for brain support. Whether it’s for clearer thinking, better memory and recall or mood support during the darker months, adding this essential nutrient is crucial because we can only get it from food or supplements. A couple of cans of sardines a week and you’re in business! Otherwise, there are various versions of omega 3’s on our east wall in section A.
Multivitamins of all kinds:
Whether it’s for immune support, energy, or general health, there is always a boost in multivitamin sales when the school bell rings. Ideally, we’d all be eating a diet rich in all the essential vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately that is not always the case and we all could use a little help. Nature’s Way Alive multivitamins will give a person a high dose of B vitamins and added botanicals tailored for specific genders and ages. I like the higher dose multis myself because I’m not the 150 lb. person that the dosing guidelines often cater to. Megafood multivitamins gear the opposite direction in strength and offer reasonable doses that are highly absorbed because of the nature of the food-based process they use.
Vitamin D3:
Got mood troubles as the days shorten? Vitamin D users are upping their doses around this time. We sell everything from 400 IU (international unit) on up to 10,000 IU (a dose only recommended if your blood test shows a deficiency requiring this higher dose). Generally, up to 2000 IU is considered safe for adults in our region (depending on our relation to the equator).
Copper:
I’ve had more requests for copper in the past week than in all my years here combined. While we only carry one plain copper product, Solaray’s 2mg Copper, Source Naturals OptiZinc is also a great option for immune-boosting zinc with the appropriate amount of copper to help zinc absorption. We also have a fresh shipment of copper water bottles in stock. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to store and purify water, these offer an easy (and beautiful) way to infuse water with trace copper minerals.
Whether you are going back to school yourself, have littles doing so, are teaching your own at home, or are ebbing into the next season in your own special way, the wellness department has something for everyone.
Enjoy the warmth while it’s still here!
In health and wellness,
Gretchen