Practitioner Only vs Off-the-Shelf Supplements: Why Quality and Therapeutic Dispensing Matter

I love natural health and I feel very proud to work in this industry as a degree qualified practitioner. I’m also really happy that more and more people are turning to naturopathy to help them restore their health and feel better.

What I have found with this increase in popularity is there are lot of people who are now trying to DIY their own treatment plan including prescribing vitamins and supplements based off videos and posts they are seeing on TikTok or instagram. This has led to an increase in both clients and followers asking me “why can’t I just go to my local chemist or supermarket to buy my supplements? Surely they are all similar right? Can’t I just get it all online”?

In today's world, we are bombarded with countless options for health supplements, both on the shelves of health stores and online. However, not all supplements are created equal, and it's important to understand the difference between practitioner only and off-the-shelf supplements.

Off-the-shelf supplements are generally available to everyone without a prescription. While they may be suitable for general health and maintenance, they are not always effective for treating specific health conditions. Practitioner only supplements are available only through licensed healthcare practitioners who have undergone extensive training and are able to prescribe them for specific health conditions.

So why is this?

When it comes to therapeutic results, it's necessary to use practitioner only products. These products are often of higher quality, with more potent ingredients that have been tested for purity and potency. They also undergo a more rigorous testing process than off-the-shelf supplements, ensuring that they are both safe and effective.

Another issue with some off-the-shelf supplements is that often they are synthetic, not natural, and poorly absorbed by the body, which means they may have little to no impact on healing. These supplements are essentially a waste of money. Sorry but you are unlikely going to get any off the shelf products that come even close to the potency of what your naturopath will give you. I see this a lot with products containing herbs. Trust me when I say, that product you buy with Ashwagandha in it, you know the one, thats marketed to lower your anxiety and help with all your nervous system problems, well it contains such a small amount of herbs that it’s actually giving herbal medicine a bad reputation.

When you visit a naturopath, we are conscious of ensuring that you don't waste your money on ineffective herbs or supplements. We can help you choose the right products that are natural, effective, and have a positive impact on your health. I don’t like to over prescribe but I do like to be very specific and tailored in my approach.

While off-the-shelf supplements may be ok for general health and maintenance, practitioner only products are necessary for therapeutic results. When you visit a naturopath, you are getting high-quality supplements that are specifically tailored to your needs.

If you would like to work with me, you can book an initial naturopathic appointment by clicking here. I would love to meet you have help you on your healing journey.