Sawall's Top Four:
Acidophilus
Flaxseed oil or powder
Fish oil capsules
Green tea

Acidophilus is also called “friendly bacteria” and can be found in yogurt. Supplements of acidophilus have been used to re-establish normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines, particularly after antibiotic treatment. If you take antibiotics, they usually kill off the normal bacteria in your intestinal tract while treating your infection.

Sawall notes that “everything old is new again” when it comes to the most popular nutritional supplements and the resurgence of tea. “The practice of drinking tea has been around for thousands of years, but we now have learned a great deal more about its healthy effects. I always carry a few green tea bags with me,” she says. Green tea contains high concentrations of antioxidants. Scientists have identified its benefits in warding off heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other illnesses.

The Sawalls have been offering health food products for four generations in their family-owned business. Linda quips, “your grandmother was smarter than you think.” She probably often dosed your parents with a teaspoon of cod liver oil to “set things right.” Nasty-tasting stuff, but effective. Flaxseed and fish oil contain significant amounts of essential omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs), which have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Flaxseed oil is the richest source of omega-3, although fish is also high in EFAs. Research done by the National Cancer Institute found that flaxseed also had an anti-cancer effect. Grandma's remedy now comes encased in capsules, so you get all the health benefits without gagging.

Leaving a bitter taste in your mouth is least of your worries when it comes to mixing herbs and supplements with prescription medications. Don Jacks, RPh at LakeView Pharmacy, LLC in Mattawan stresses the importance of clearing any additives with your regular doctor. He uses a compendium that highlights any toxicology of herbal and supplemental products and he shares the side effects with his customers. “Just because an over the counter product says it's natural doesn't mean it's wholesome or good for everybody,” Jacks says.

“My first concern is to look at the whole person. If they need to get to a better nutritional, physical or maybe psychological goal, I try to help them. If there's an underlying disease, like diabetes, I match that with their age range to find the most appropriate products. I would use the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association in helping them manage their blood sugar. For an older person taking bone building prescription medication, I would ask about calcium supplements. That medicine will not work without the right amount of calcium and Vitamin D available in their system,” he says.

St. John's Wort is one example of a popular product that could have an adverse effect when mixed with prescription medication. “If they're already taking something that augments serotonin levels, I would discourage using St. John's Wort to avoid a severe reaction,” Jacks notes. “I tend to gravitate toward things which have a lot of clinical research on them, not just the anecdotal testimonials.” One thing Jacks stresses frequently to his LakeView Pharmacy customers who take vitamins or other supplements is that “more is NOT better.” Multivitamins and extra calcium for those not eating proper diets are considered fairly standard, safe options.

Linda Sawall says she also encourages her customers to do research and become more educated about what they put into their bodies and to check for any possible adverse interactions. She keeps a copy of the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and Phyllis Balch as a key reference at her store counter. Customers frequently use it as a guide to better understand the role of nutritional supplements and herbal remedies.