June 2002

How to Add Nutrition Without Making a Big Commitment
By Michael J. Koch, DC

When it comes to offering nutritional products and services, your patients both want and need your knowledge and guidance. Nutrition is one of the most holistic, all-natural, ancillary chiropractic services (and profit centers) you can provide!

Some of you may have hesitated to take the plunge when it comes to nutrition because you would rather test the waters first. And that’s okay. You can get started with even a minimal investment in time, resources, and money.

You should be able to generate enough revenue to justify the time you spend on nutritional counseling if you have plenty of patient literature available but keep your directives and recommendations short and sweet. For example, you can tell a patient: “John, your body needs more nutrition than what you are giving it; take this prescription to the front desk, and the chiropractic assistant will fill it for you.”

You don’t need to have a long discussion about the particulars if the patient doesn’t want one. Tell your patients what they need, and be done with it. The allopaths don’t explain why they give this or that type of antibiotic... they just say, “Take it!” Patients will follow your directions if they trust you, and if you are confident in your recommendations.

Even if you feel you don’t know a lot about nutrition, chances are good that the nutritional education you received in chiropractic college - and after college - far outweighs the complete lack of information the MDs and DOs receive.

Don’t put off integrating nutrition into your practice until you know every little detail. Instead, start with the basics first thing tomorrow morning. One of the best sources of information you have at your disposal for fast, competent information is the vitamin reps! Sure, they want to sell you more products... that’s their job. You can take advantage of their knowledge to help you decide which vitamins you want to carry and which ones you’ll pass on.

Order a few basic products at a time, adding in some variety as you become more confident and get a feel for what works with your practice.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:
• one or two general multi-vitamin/mineral supplements, one each for men and women;

• a time-released, buffered vitamin C for colds and flu, tissue strengthening and healing, and cardiovascular strength, flexibility, repair, and plaque resistance;

• saw palmetto for all males over 45, to promote prostate health, prevention, and reduction of enlargement;

• calcium supplements for all women over 35 - oyster shell or bone meal for younger women, and calcium-MCHC (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite) for peri-menopausal women;

• valerian root and passiflora combination for muscle spasms and tension, and as a sleep aid.

There you have it: Quick, simple, and effective. Your patients will be even more likely to return for wellness care, in part because of their appreciation of not having to guess what they need at the local pharmacy or mall health-food store!

Dr. Koch is a senior coach with Breakthrough Coaching. He can be reached at 800-723-8423, at info@mybreakthrough.com; or through the company's website at www.mybreakthrough.com