What are Nutraceuticals?
A nutraceutical is a modern day term which combines the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”.
Nutraceuticals refer to products that range from dietary supplements to herbal compounds to foods with high nutritional value. As part of an Integrative Medicine program, nutraceuticals are commonly used for a variety of reasons. Firstly, we find that nutraceuticals promote the natural production of hormones and maintain the functionality of their corresponding receptor. In younger patients who are still producing hormones naturally, this is especially important. It is always preferable to work with the body by promoting its internal hormone production systems as the most ideal long term solution.
Secondly, we recognize that all hormones must be metabolized down pathways to allow for safe elimination from the body. There are many supplements that promote a safe and healthy elimination of hormones from the body. During Integrative Medicine studies, there is as much time dedicated to healthy nutrition and supplements as there is to judicious hormone usage. A balanced approach must always start from the ground up. Good nutrition will always form a solid foundation for the balanced individual.