immunity nutrition

8 Key Nutraceuticals I Always Have on Hand as a Functional Medicine Doctor

Are you an impatient patient?

Dr. Kate here, admitting that I’m the most impatient patient - when I start feeling symptoms, I want them gone YESTERDAY. At the first sign of a sniffle, a twinge, or an ache, I’m aiming to nip the cause in the bud. Prevention is a hallmark philosophy of Functional Medicine, and I focus many of my efforts on utilizing diet and lifestyle to get to the root of potential health and wellness issues before they even start, but some health challenges inevitably sneak through the cracks. And for that reason there are a few key products I always have on hand, stashed in my cupboard or in the fridge, so I can get on top of that cold, UTI, stomachache, or migraine right away.

Because when ya need it, YA NEED IT NOW, amiright?

I’m sharing this list with you so you can stock your own “war chest” of helpful, high-quality, natural supplements, just in case. Oh, and if you happen to have kiddos, you can check out my “Parent & Caregiver Version” of this list HERE!

Alright, here goes:

UltraFlora Spectrum & Glutashield - got random indigestion? Heartburn? Diarrhea? A stomach bug or food poisoning? To calm & resolve occasional digestive issues, this practitioner-grade, broad-spectrum probiotic really does the trick to restore your healthy microbiome function. I take them by the (almost literal) handful if my guts feel “off.” And Glutashield powder, mixed with water, provides fast relief for stomach irritation by soothing and protecting the sensitive mucosa without interfering with food breakdown (unlike TUMS).

UltraFlora Immune Booster & Viracid - I recommend these at the first hint of an upper respiratory infection or flu virus. The specific strains of probiotics in UltraFlora Immune Booster also help break that cycle of infection - you know, when you get cough right after recovering from a cold, or a sinus infection right on the tails of the flu. Viracid is my favorite way to stave off a respiratory bug before it has a chance to take hold, which is why it’s always in my cupboard!

UltraFlora Women’s & Allimax - there’s nothing worse than waking up and feeling that telltale twinge of a UTI during your morning pee. And cranberry juice only goes so far, babe. UltraFlora Women’s can help prevent the misery of a bladder infection AND stop it in its tracks, but ya gotta get on top of it right away. That’s why I keep all these specialty probiotics around! Plus, Allimax is like nature’s antibiotic, adding a little punch to your protocol (for a UTI, sinus issue, or anything else you’re trying to keep from going bacterial).

Inflavonoid Rapid & Myocalm Plus - for better or for worse, I tend to hold off on taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, even when I feel a tension headache coming on, or if I’m sore from a particularly epic hike. But quenching inflammation before it gets out of control is a good idea, especially if you use biochemical pathways that don’t also halt healing (like many NSAIDs). Insert Inflavonoid Rapid - meant to be used for fast pain and inflammation relief. I find it kicks in about 45-60 minutes after taking it. Add Myocalm Plus to relax those muscle knots and cramps, and you’re back in the saddle (or on the trail) fast.

So much about life and health is unpredictable - that’s why I love knowing that I have what I need, ready to go, exactly when I need it. With a little stocking up and planning ahead, I can feel confident in my ability to meet any colds, flus, and unexpected health challenges. And I want YOU to have that same confidence!

P.s. you can view all of these nutraceuticals HERE and, when you sign up for Fullscript using my link, you get 20% off all your purchases, all the time! Hooray!