For those of you familiar with Functional Medicine, you may recall that supplementation is a common approach in this type of care. However, part of the challenge is “non-adherence,” or medical speak for not following your doctor’s directions. The more difficult your protocol, the higher your chances of non-adherence, but never fear. Here are 7 ways to help make your supplement protocol easier:
1. Take inventory
There is a shocking amount of value in slowing down to see what you are consuming everyday. Whether it be pills or supplements, take out all your bottles and line them up. Look at each of them and ask yourself, how often am I taking these, am I taking them as directed, etc.
2. Make a schedule
If your supplement and medication list doesn’t change often, you should only have to do this once, then update any changes. This doesn’t have to be fancy, an Excel spreadsheet or Google Doc to keep track can be handy. Otherwise, a table written onto a piece of paper is great. Pick something simple that will work for you.
In the left hand column, write each medication name. Across the top, write times of day, or for multiple medications. You can even write things like 1:00, 3:15 PM. etc. Every individual will have different needs, so do what works for you.
Once you have written your medications on the left and times across the top, start filling in when you take each one. For example, let’s say you take birth control every evening. You may have “birth control” on the left row and you will put a check mark in the corresponding column under “at bedtime.” Below is a simple example that assumed you only take one pill of each, per day, everyday. If you need to take 3 pills of one supplement daily, try swapping out the x for a 3. Again, there is no wrong way to do this, so do what works for you.
3. Be realistic
It’s easy to think when we walk out of our doctor’s offices we will be 100% adherent. Many of us want to be the perfect patient, but that is a myth. It’s even more unrealistic when your supplement protocol is too hard. The reality is we are not perfect and if you recognize what is realistic for you, you will be so much more successful. Be open and truthful about what will and will not work for you. Prepare to have a conversation with your doctor about what changes can be made to better accommodate your lifestyle.
4. Use What’s Available
I love using the tools at hand to help me manage my needs. For example, when my partner had surgery, he had a complex list of medications and supplements to take, post-op. I set multiple alarms on my phone and assigned labels to each alarm, so I knew what give him. For a lower fidelity solution, we left all the medications on the counter and on the outside of container, we wrote the times of each dose. This was an easy reminder, in case one of us didn’t have access to the phone.
5. Buy Tools to Support Your Needs
There is no shortage of pill organizers on the market to help you manage taking your meds and supplements. These handy organizers, often with days, times, etc. will help you stay on track and organized. The empty compartments are also visual reminders for what you may have missed that day. It’s surprising how the simple things can make your supplement protocol easier.
6. Talk to Your Doctor About Making Your Supplement Protocol Easier
This is hard for some people, but after reviewing your protocols or prescriptions, ask for options. Ask what can be combined. Are there old medications you can stop taking? Can you take a bigger dose pill and take less pills? There are plenty of ways to get creative and take the complexity out of your medication and supplement plan. If you can’t afford your medications and/or supplements, talk about alternatives. Are there food sources you can increase to get the nutrients you need? Is there a less expensive alternative? Is the supplement nice to have or critical to your health? Are there insurance alternatives if a prescription is written for a supplement? Are there free sample programs to help you try supplements before committing to a whole bottle? After all, you are the patient and it’s up to you to ask for help making your supplement protocol easier.
7. I Hate Swallowing Pills
Again, ask for options. We all do better when we have choices. Many medications come in alternate formulas, so ask if pills can be dissolved in juice or if there is a liquid, sublingual or transdermal form. You may not always have an option, but it never hurts to ask.
When we are sick or not feeling well, these things can be more difficult and manage. You are not alone, though. If you have tried everything and still feel like you can’t keep up, schedule time with one of our coaches and see how we may be able to help. Sometimes having a compassionate ear and small changes in behavior can make all the difference in your overall wellbeing. We are rooting for you!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.*