Wellness 101 with Clinicians

In a world that sometimes seems to encourage anything but, wellness really is wealth. But it needn’t cost an arm and a leg, and being well – and staying that way – doesn’t have to be a chore.

As a qualified naturopath and medical herbalist, Jane Cronin is a woman who most certainly knows how to access tools for everyday wellness, and her role as naturopath for New Zealand-owned supplement brand Clinicians puts her at the forefront of innovations created to support busy lives.

For Jane, the key wellness pillars are diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, all of which are more achievable when broken down into simple steps. And while these pillars of good health keep your body running, they also do wonders for your emotional well-being.

Jane helps answer some of our readers’ questions around diet and exercise, and suggests some quality supplements to help you along the way.

The importance of a well-balanced diet

“Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables of all different colours is the key to a well-balanced diet,” says Jane, “as this gives your body fibre as well as access to a variety of vitamins and minerals.” She adds that if you do eat meat, “try to keep red meat and processed meats to a minimum, ensuring at least half of your plate is plant-based if you can”.

A reader asks: “If I eat a well-balanced diet, do I really need to take a multivitamin or extra vitamins and minerals?”

“Extra vitamins and minerals can be helpful for people at different times,” says the Auckland-based wellness professional. “If we are always busy and active but feeling tired and run down, they may give us an extra boost, and as we age our absorption declines so we might need a top up.”

Children going through a growth spurt might also need to access extra nutrients, while those eating a poor diet would definitely benefit from a little extra help. “Also, New Zealand soil is low in certain nutrients like selenium and iodine, so if you are eating food grown locally then supplementation would be a good idea.”

Clinicians Multivitamin and Mineral Boost has a good level of well absorbed nutrients for all the family, while vegans, vegetarians and those eating a mainly plant-based diet would benefit greatly from Clinicians Nutrients for Vegans, “which has a comprehensive selection of vitamins and minerals that can be low in vegans. Peak Performance Women's Multi is also great for a boost of energy for busy women, and contains many nutrients low in New Zealand soils.”

Quality fish is a wonderful addition to any diet, but taking a daily fish oil supplement is also hugely beneficial for many reasons. “Fish oil contains Omega 3 and 6, which are essential fatty acids,” says Jane. “They are called this as we need them - but they’re not made naturally in the body, which means we have to eat them.”

Jane goes on to explain, "essential fatty acids are needed for so many things in the body such as brain health, clear thinking and brain development in infants and children, and are important during pregnancy and for providing moisture for hair, skin and joints.”

Also integral to a healthy heart, steady blood pressure and cholesterol, Jane says that if you eat a diet rich in fish and seafood you should be fine, but if not? Supplementation is ideal. “Our Clinicians Omega 3 fish oil is sustainably sourced and free from ocean born pollutants, and we also now offer Clinicians Vegan Omega 3 oil, obtained from algae. This is the most sustainable and clean form of omega 3 and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.”

“Are there any other reasons you would look at taking specific nutrients?”

“Certain medications can affect nutrient levels, so if you are taking medications on a daily basis then check with your pharmacist if they affect any of your vitamin and mineral levels,” says the naturopath. “You can also talk to our qualified naturopaths at Clinicians Technical support who can be reached on 0800 622533. Or you can visit our website and book a free 15 minute appointment.”

Fresh and colourful fruit and vegetables are key to a balanced diet, providing access to a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The importance of movement

Another key wellness pillar, everyday movement can help with everything from keeping joints and muscles strong to improving mobility as we age. It also provides numerous mental health benefits when we’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Whether your exercise of choice is a high intensity group fitness class, yoga or simply a walk with a friend, the health benefits of regular physical activity are hard to ignore.

“If I am physically active, should I need any extra support?”

“Absolutely,” says Jane. “Many people who are training hard might find they experience tight muscles, which is where magnesium can be very helpful.” Studies have found that strenuous exercise may increase magnesium requirements by 10-20 percent, and the important mineral is used in oxygen uptake, energy production and electrolyte balance. It’s also essential to enable our muscles to relax post-exercise.

Hydration is also necessary after a hard workout, especially if you’ve worked up a sweat. It’s important to quickly replace lost fluids as water helps to lubricate the joints, regulate body temperature and flush away lactic acid. Coconut water and spirulina are naturally rich in electrolytes and a better choice than reaching for a sugar-filled electrolyte drink. Another great option is a supplement like Clinicians Magnesium 625 which is, as Jane explains, “a very bioavailable form of magnesium.” Magnesium is, of course, also a much-regarded support for sleep, with Jane advising, “making a bedtime drink of Clinicians Sleep Support with magnesium and chamomile is a great addition to your nightly ritual for a relaxing deep sleep.”

Many of our readers also asked about sleep support, bladder health, menopause and gut health, with some great advice offered on the Clinicians website. Head there to explore educational blog posts written by their team of qualified wellness professionals, or book a free appointment with a Clinicians naturopath for some personalised recommendations.

Everyday movement is a key pillar of wellness, as is keeping well-hydrated

For more information visit clinicians.co.nz

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Always read the label. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Auckland.

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