What supplements would you recommend to help with a herniated disc in my lower back at L5?

Q. What supplements would you recommend to help with a herniated disc in my lower back at L5?

A. You can use nutrition to reduce inflammation and promote healing. I suggest Finest Pure Fish Oils, Vitalzym, and Paleomeal or Whey Cool to begin. You would also benefit from a good multivitamin.

Finest Pure Fish Oil by Pharmax is a rich, pure, good tasting source of bioavailable omega 3. Omega-3 is an essential building block to our body's natural anti-inflammatory hormones. Most people are deficient in this fatty acid most of the time, and certainly during this time, you need additional omega-3 to aid in healing. Consider taking around 1 TBS daily.

Vitalzym is a systemic enzyme which helps to relieve inflammation by cleaning the blood of inflammatory proteins. It is very effective at pain relief and general healing, recommended by thousands of doctors, nutritionists, etc. Please read more about dosing.

Paleomeal by DFH is an excellent whey protein powder which is undenatured and unprocessed, which helps it maintain many healing properties. You need additional protein right now and sometimes it is difficult to get enough. You can use this to add to plain water or create a breakfast or snack smoothie. There are also recipies on the page.

Please note, if you are to have surgery you will need to temporarily discontinue the Fish oils and Vitalzym prior to surgery—usually a few days. Check with your surgeon.

Multivitamin choices: There are many excellent choices. I like Pharmax Four Pillars best!