by Lauren Janowiecki | Thomas C. Volck, D.D.S | 7/12/18
Most people have heard those broken-record phrases from your heath care provider:"Are you taking your vitamins?" "Are you getting enough calcium?" "Are you taking vitamin 'C'?"
We casually roll our eyes and think to ourselves "I'm healthy. I eat healthy. I exercise. Do I really need vitamins?"
There has been a LOT of controversy about this topic lately- taking it as far as radio broadcast and early morning news discussions. Everyone seems to have different opinions about vitamins. I've heard discussions with extremest view points- everything from "[Vitamins] are just a scam so pharmacists/ doctors can line their own pockets" to "if you don't take [vitamins], you will surely perish immediately." After hearing such controversy, more than a few times, I just had to tackle the topic myself.
To be honest, I personally, had a nonchalant attitude towards vitamins and supplements for years. Don't get me wrong, I was totally fine with taking a chew-able zoo animal shaped multi vitamin every day. That is , if I remembered. But I can say for certain that I did not make it a priority. I mean, I was healthy right? I ate my fruits and my vegetables, I didn't eat a lot of fast food, and I maintained a pretty active life style. I never disliked taking vitamins. I just found that, for me personally, it was not a priority; and I didn't really think it was necessary to make it one.
It was not until I was post-partum, with high stress, and a poor daily eating schedule that I really started to see the effects of vitamin deficiency. My nails started to thin and break. My complexion was effected- I found that even in my adult years I was breaking out, I had dark circles appearing much more frequently, and my overall skin seemed dryer and less elastic than before. My teeth seemed soft and loose and where wearing down on the surfaces. These negative effects where annoying- but nothing that, I personally, couldn't work around. However- when it came to my hair- that, was a completely different story.
My once long, thick, shiny hair slowly started to thin, break, and loose all volume and vibrancy. It got to the point that my hair was not only fragile and short (without cutting it) but it was falling out- a lot. My hair stylist recommended that I stop highlighting it and dye it all dark so I didn't have to touch it up frequently, so I did. I purchased the highest quality shampoo, conditioner, leave in products, and oils. She also gave me tips on hair cutical and folical care. I researched diet tips to increase nutrients necessary in building strong hair, skin, and nails.
I spent money. I drank water. I bathed in coconut oil.
Nothing. worked.
Finally I sat down and had a conversation with Dr. Thomas Volck. He loaded me with information and pointed me in the direction of where to find more. He explained how vital vitamins are to our health and development. So, I decided to do my research. I know quite a few doctors- with a very wide range of practices: Rick Gebhart, D.O., Andrew Hummel, D.C., and Gabrielle Whisler, PT, DPT and they ALL back Dr. Volcks conviction of vitamins. As I dug deeper into the world of vitamins and supplements- I. Was. Shocked. Guys- take your vitamins!
Vitamins are a natural way to supplement your diet with the required nutrients your body needs to properly function. Everything from organs to hair requires these vitamins to do their jobs. Each vitamin has its own area of focus and provides support to specific areas of the body. Many vitamins are water-soluble, which means that the body can't store them. If the body can't use all of the vitamin, the extra vitamins leave the body through the urine. This means that these vitamins must be replaced in the body every day. You can find a compiled list of vitamins and what they do here: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm In the meantime, I have highlighted a few that are pertinent to the issues I was having, and that we frequently find our patients struggling with:
TEETH / GUMS / HAIR / SKIN / NAILS:
Biotin: This B vitamin is powerful in aiding in the repair, growth, and general health of hair, skin, & nails. You can get this over the counter- which is better than nothing- but if you have the option, talk to your health care provider (including Dr. Volck) about prescribing you this. They can provide you with a dose up to 8 milligrams- this is 26,667% of your daily value. This dosage sounds overboard, but is essential, if your goal is to repair and grow vs basic maintenance.
COLLAGEN: Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, especially type 1 collagen. It’s found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons- which means it effects every one of these. It’s what helps give our hair, nails, and skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells. When it comes to our joints and tendons, in simplest terms, it’s the “glue” that helps hold the body together. Your Dr. can provide you with pure forms of collagen up to 1,000mg of BioCell Collagen Complex plus and additional 600mg of Hydrolyzed Collagen. This is the dose that Dr. Volck prescribes his patients.
D3: Among other great benefits, Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that you must have for normal bone formation. This means that everything from your joint pain to the look and feel of your teeth can be improved. Vitamin D also helps with immunity, keeping you from getting sick, and helping your body fight it when you do. Dr. Volck recommends and prescribes D3 5,000 IU - which is 1,250% of your daily value.
B Complex: A B complex vitamin delivers eight of the B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Found naturally in meat, leafy greens, dairy, beans, peas, and whole or fortified grains, B complex vitamins help your body make energy from the food you eat, form red blood cells, and play an essential role in certain bodily functions. Follow this link to read about the individual benefits of both: https://www.verywellfit.com/b-complex-vitamins-89411
CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM: Calcium is a mineral found in many foods, but overall lacking in our adult diets. The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Almost all calcium is stored in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness- which keeps them from breaking easily. The body also needs calcium for muscles to stretch and move and for synapses and neuron firing. This means the nerves can carry messages between the brain and every body part. In addition, calcium is used to help blood vessels move blood throughout the body and to help release hormones and enzymes that affect almost every function in the human body.
OMEGA 3: When it comes to fat, there's one type you don’t want to cut back on: omega-3 fatty acids. Two crucial ones -- EPA and DHA -- are primarily found in certain fish. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another omega-3 fatty acid, is found in plant sources such as nuts and seeds. Not only does your body need these fatty acids to function, but also they deliver some big health benefits, including being the 'lubricant' that keeps your joints moving, your skin elastic, and your digestion running smoothly. Read all about it at: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet#1
Guys- Dr. Volck TAKES these exact vitamins he prescribes, himself... that should tell you a lot.
Another big factor I wanted to stress, that truly impacted me during research, was this: Many people ask the question- "why do i need to take more than 100% of my daily value? doesn't all of your extra vitamins just come out in your urine?" Aside from weight, nutrition, diet, wellness, and metabolism variances, there is a factor that everyone seems to forget: absorption.
Absorption is the ONLY way vitamins and nutrients are able to be used by the body. Just like food, your body has to be able to absorb, process, and utilize the vitamins. Many times your body is not able to absorb the vitamins due to quality/ purity of the supplements, metabolism, diet (see the chart below), and digestion. By making sure you are getting the highest quality, purest, naturally sourced, and full strength version of your daily vitamins, you are guaranteeing that your body is able to absorb your entire daily value. Other factors of absorption include: metabolism, diet, and digestion. A well balanced diet- including natural vitamin C, which aids in absorption, probiotics, which support digestive health, fiber, which aids in digestion, and WATER- are key in making sure your body can properly absorb the vitamins and nutrients it needs.
REMEMBER- Vitamins are supplements. Your daily diet should still be the primary source of nutrition. You can see a general food chart below that shows a general breakdown of the foods that provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for a healthy body. For a full list click here: https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20660118,00.html
Since learning this, I have decided to FIX my issues with vitamins. I take 13 different vitamins and minerals, including those listed above, plus I increased my fiber, iron, calcium, protein, and Omega-3 intake through diet, to assist with absorption. Dr. Volck has provided me with a whole new outlook on my health, and I can both see and feel the difference.
These are real results, people. & I am excited to see where I will be a year from now. Take it from me- ignore what you hear on the radio and start now. The next time you are asked "Are you taking your vitamins" you will be able to confidently say "yes- and I have never felt better."
Call us, or your healthcare provider, today, and remember- ALWAYS consult your Dr. or Pharmacist prior to taking any vitamins or suppliants. They are the experts, and not every body is the same. 937-898-8990