In my practice, treatment is not just about fixing the problem you came in with—it’s about addressing the underlying factors that led to that problem in the first place.
That’s where medical foods and targeted nutritional supplementation come in.
Medical foods are specially formulated products designed to support the body in ways that standard over-the-counter supplements cannot. They are used under physician guidance to help correct deficiencies, improve healing, and optimize outcomes.
How Medical Foods Differ From Over-the-Counter Supplements
Not all supplements are created equal. Most over-the-counter supplements are general wellness products. They are not designed to treat a specific condition, and the quality, absorption, and effectiveness can vary widely.
Medical foods and physician-grade supplements are different:
- They are formulated for specific medical conditions
- They use higher-quality, more bioavailable ingredients
- They are dosed appropriately for clinical effect
- They are selected based on your diagnosis and treatment plan
In short, they are part of your treatment—not just an optional add-on.
Why I Use Medical Foods in My Practice
When I recommend a medical food or supplement, it’s because I’m targeting the root cause—not just the symptom.
Nail Conditions (Thickened or Fungal Nails)
Poor nail health is often one of the underlying reasons these conditions develop and persist. Simply treating the fungus alone is often not enough.
Improving nail quality from within helps:
- Optimize the chance of clearing the infection
- Improve nail growth
- Reduce recurrence
- Added benefit to skin and hair health as well
Fractures and Post-Surgical Healing
Bone healing is not automatic—it requires the right biological environment. Our lack of sun effects our vitamin D levels especially in the winter months.
Targeted bone supplements can:
- Reduce the risk of delayed or failed healing of fracture or surgery
- Support stronger bone formation
- Potentially speed up recovery
Neuropathy (Numbness, Tingling, Burning)
For patients with neuropathy—especially those on medications like metformin—there are known nutritional deficiencies that can worsen nerve symptoms.
Specially formulated vitamins can:
- Counteract medication-related deficiencies
- Support nerve health and slow or prevent progression of disease
- Help alleviate symptoms of pain or numbness
In my practice, approximately 6 out of 10 patients report actual improvement in their symptoms when using these products consistently.
Pain and Inflammation
Not every patient wants to take prescription medications—and that’s reasonable.
There are targeted supplements designed to reduce inflammation that can:
- Help manage both acute and chronic pain
- Reduce reliance on prescription medications
- Provide a more natural approach to pain control
CBD for Pain Management
For patients dealing with acute injury or chronic pain, topical CBD-based products can also be an option.
These products can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Help block pain signals
- Provide relief without many of the risks associated with oral medications
- Formulations include more than just CBD, natural compounds like Arnica in lotion also help alleviate pain.
This is often a good option for patients looking to avoid long-term medication use.
Wound Healing and Post-Surgical Recovery
Healing—whether from surgery or a wound—requires proper nutrition. Recommended especially for diabetics or those with a history of wound healing issues.
Targeted nutritional support can:
- Improve time for tissue healing
- Reduce complications
- Support faster recovery
Why These Are Not Covered by Insurance
Even though these products are used to treat medical conditions, they are typically not covered by insurance.
That’s because:
- They are not classified as prescription drugs
- They fall under nutritional therapy, not pharmacy benefits
- Insurance companies generally do not cover supplements, even when medically recommended
The Bottom Line
In many cases, your condition didn’t develop overnight—and it’s not just a structural issue. There are often underlying nutritional or metabolic factors contributing to the problem that impede your healing.
The goal with medical foods and targeted supplements is simple: improve the environment in your body so healing can happen more effectively and more predictably.
They’re not for everyone—but when used appropriately, they can make a meaningful difference in recovery, symptom relief, and long-term outcomes.