Functional Medicine & Therapist's Guide to Holistic Health Products
Favorite Foods, Supplements, and Wellness Tools for Everyday Health Trusted by Christine Boudreau, LPC, AFMCP
My Go-To Holistic Health Products for Everyday Health
As a functional medicine practitioner and therapist, I know firsthand that the right holistic health products can make all the difference in recovering from chronic health conditions. Over the years, I’ve tested and personally used a variety of holistic health products.
Below is my handpicked list of non-toxic, functional wellness essentials: from kitchen staples and clean living tools to health tech, sleep support, and more.
These are the items I personally trust and regularly recommend to clients navigating everyday health as well as chronic illness, gut health issues, brain health struggles, pain & fatigue, and mental health challenges.
Treats and Eats for Everyday Support
My pantry is full of these foods from trusted brands with ingredients you can pronounce. I try to buy minimally-processed whole foods with the fewest chemicals. I always read the ingredient labels on the back of the package and check the sugar content. I try to buy products with zero sugar, but worst case I look for no more than 3 grams of sugar per serving. I receive no compensation for the products recommended in this section. My recommendations are based on personal experience and professional judgment.
Garden of Life
Protein Powder
As we age, we need more protein.
This protein powder is always in my smoothie. The added vitamins & minerals round out this product nicely. I prefer the vanilla flavor, but it also comes in chocolate. The Fit version & Sport version of this protein powder are also tasty.
Vital Proteins
Collagen Powder
I add 1 scoop of this collagen powder to my smoothie for an extra protein boost. You can also add it to coffee. There are about 28 types of collagen. This collagen may improve skin elasticity, inflammation, joint health, gut health, sleep, & mood.
Nature's Way
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are used for energy by the body. It may improve inflammation, brain function, support heart health, and aid in weight loss. I add ~1 TBSP to my smoothies.
Organic Valley Ghee
Ghee is another great fat for cooking & baking. It tastes like nutty, creamy butter. I put ~1 TBSP in my smoothies or in a mug of bone broth. Ghee has fat-soluble vitamins, CLA, & butyrate, which may benefit gut health, inflammation, & brain health.
Spectrum Chia Seed
I add ~1 TBSP of chia seeds to my smoothies and Greek yogurt. I prefer ground chia because it doesn't get stuck in my teeth. Chia is a good source of omega-3, antioxidants, & fiber which may help with constipation. Chia may be beneficial for your heart, gut, bones, & skin.
Spectrum Flaxseed
Flax is great for smoothies & yogurt. It adds some thickness while also ramping up your omega-3 & fiber intake. I prefer to alternate chia & flax in my smoothie for a change. It's a nutrient-dense food & may benefit your heart, bone, skin, gut, & more!
Chocolove 88%
Dark Chocolate
It's important to buy choco that's been tested by 3rd parties, like Consumer Lab, because choco might contain toxins like heavy metals. Quality high-cocoa dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. These bars are divided into squares for easy portion control. The hard part for me is to only eat 1 or 2 squares per day! It helps me when I slather on some coconut oil as healthy fat & makes a more satisfying treat—helps me not eat too many squares!
Endangered Species 88%
Dark Chocolate
These choco bars are another fav of mine. UPDATE 8/17/26: Endangered Species recently changed their ingredients and swapped bittersweet chocolate for semi-sweet, which changed the flavor, and I don't like the new version. I'm hoping the backlash is intense, and they go back to the old recipe. In the meanwhile, stick with the ChocoLove (owned by the same company!) or try Ghirardelli Intense Dark 86% Cacao Dark Chocolate.
Simple Mills
Sweet Thins
These chocolate crackers hit the choco spot for me. It's hard not to eat the whole box! They're made from seed & nut flours so they're gluten-free & Paleo-friendly. I like that Simple Mills ingredient lists are always clearly printed on the box, which gains my trust. And I appreciate their ingredients are simple and clean. I like many of the Simple Mills products, including their Pumpkin Muffin Mix, Brownie Mix, Protein Pancake Mix, and Sea Salt Crackers.
Siete Tortilla Chips
These tortilla chips will soon be your fav because they're light & crispy. PLUS they're gluten-free & Paleo-friendly. They're made from cassava flour. Cassava is a root vegetable with a mild flavor, similar to yucca.
Siete Tortillas
Like the Siete chips, the tortillas are made with cassava flour. We use them for breakfast burritos, turkey wraps, & bean burritos. Siete also makes great-tasting almond flour tortillas.
Try them both!
Siete Taco Shells
Siete taco shells, like the chips & tortillas, are made from cassava flour. All products are gluten-free & Paleo-friendly. My family loves taco night because of these taco shells. We avoid corn & gluten so these shells save Taco Tuesdays!
Kettle & Fire
Beef Bone Broth
I love this bone broth as a snack, especially when it's cold outside.
Pour 1 cup of bone broth into a coffee mug, add 1 tsp of ghee, microwave, stir, & enjoy!
Bone broth has many benefits: great for gut health, inflammation, joints, skin, hair, and nails.
EPIC Wagyu Beef
Steak Jerky
EPIC beef jerky tastes savory & a bit sweet thanks to the added touch of honey. It's a great on-the-go snack to up your protein intake. If you prefer less sweet, try one of their other flavors: venison, bison, chicken, or salmon.
Lesser Evil
Organic Popcorn
Popcorn can be full of toxins because corn is one of the most genetically-modified & heavily-pesticided food items. Corn can also be hard to digest. Lesser Evil has your popcorn fix without the toxicity. Try all of their flavors! You can't go wrong!
Consult with your doctor before making changes to supplements, diet, and lifestyle.
Foundational Holistic Health Supplements
I believe in getting as many nutrients as possible from food first. But sometimes diet alone isn't enough, particularly when someone has nutrient deficiencies, dietary restrictions, or health conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
In functional medicine, I look at the bigger picture before recommending supplements: health history, symptoms, dietary intake, medications, and relevant laboratory findings. The goal isn't to take more supplements. It's to understand which ones, if any, may be appropriate for your individual needs.
I've curated a collection of products I trust through Fullscript, including supplements I use personally or may consider in my work with clients. These are examples of products, not a universal treatment protocol. Supplement choices and dosages should be individualized, especially when managing chronic health issues or taking medications. Some products linked in this section may generate compensation for DOTS Wellness. Products are selected based on my professional judgment and personal experience, not solely on financial gains.
Explore My Fullscript Supplement Collection
Ancient Nutrition
Soil-Based Probiotics
With over 500 probiotic species, you can quickly get overwhelmed & confused about which one to take. I simplified it into 3 categories & CFUs, which you can read about here.
This soil-based probiotic satisfies one of the categories.
Women's Multivitamin
Some women might not get enough nutrients through diet alone, which is why a good multivitamin helps. Depending on your nutrient deficiencies, Multi For Her 50+ might be a good multivitamin for you, regardless of your age.
Garden of Life
100B CFU Probiotics
This probiotic, which includes 100 billion colony forming units (CFUs), pairs well with the Ancient Nutrition SBO probiotic because of the complementary genera & strains. Read more about my approach to probiotics & their role in gut health here.
Jarrow PS 100
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a type of phospholipid that can be found in high amounts in the brain. It has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and mood. PS has also been found to reduce cortisol levels and help alleviate symptoms of stress.
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X Fish Oil
Nordic Naturals is a trusted brand known for their fish oil. This particular version is high dosage, which is why I prefer it. Fish oil has a variety of benefits for both mental & physical health.
You Theory Collagen
As we age, our collagen production slows down, which might result in joint problems & loss of skin elasticity. There are about 28 types of collagen. This one is for skin, hair, & nails. It provides 6,000 mg of collagen per serving plus a bit of vita C to help with absorption.
Now
Vitamin D3 with K2
Some of us are low in vitamin D because we spend too much time indoors & wear sunscreen when we go outdoors. This D3 comes with K2, which may help direct calcium into your bones and teeth. Vitamin D may help with regulating mood as well as decreasing anxiety & depression.
Dr.'s Best High Absorption Curcumin
Curcumin (found in turmeric) may help combat inflammation. Inflammation may lead to symptoms such as anxiety, stress, & depression. Curcumin may also increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may help our brains form new neurons.
Natural Vitality Calm
Magnesium
Magnesium is helpful because it's used by every cell in your body, & some people are deficient in it. Low levels may impact brain function & increase susceptibility to stress, which can result in depression & anxiety. This magnesium is easy to take — just add a scoop to your favorite beverage. It comes in an unflavored version as well.
Consult with your doctor before making changes to supplements, diet, and lifestyle.
Holistic Calming Hacks
These items are some of my favorite ways to induce calm and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), aka rest & digest mode. If you've ever been stuck in one of the 4 Fs (fight, flight, fawn, or freeze), your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is likely activated. Induce calm by activating the PNS. I receive no compensation for the products recommended in this section. My recommendations are based on personal experience and professional judgment.
Sunrise Alarm Clock
with Natural Sounds
I use this clock because it's less jarring because it mimics dawn & allows my body to gently awaken. Loud, jarring alarms may trigger your stress response, thus inducing flight/fight. For me, the nature sounds are a bonus benefit!
Polyvagal Card Deck
This is one of my favorite card decks. It sits near my desk, and I pull a card from it when I'm feeling stressed, and follow the directions. Based on the Polyvagal Theory, which explores the nervous system's role in regulating emotions & behavior, these cards help you understand and work with your autonomic nervous system to promote self-regulation and well-being. Each card has simple exercises to follow.
Acupressure Mat &
Pillow Set
Acupressure mats may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), promoting relaxation & reducing stress. This activation may foster better sleep, pain relief, muscle tension release, & an overall sense of
calm & well-being. I use this acupressure mat at least once per week. While it looks like a medieval torture device lol, it is surprisingly calming.
Anxiety Coloring Book
I love the simple calm of coloring. Coloring can be a soothing and meditative activity. It engages your mind and hands in a repetitive, rhythmic task, which may help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. It may distract you from anxious thoughts and worries as it redirects your attention away from stressful situations. I keep this coloring book nearby and spend a few minutes coloring in it whenever my mind needs a break.
Aura Cacia Lavender
Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil may offer PNS benefits by inducing relaxation & reducing stress. Its calming aroma may promote better sleep, alleviate anxiety, ease muscle tension, & enhance well-being.
Be sure to buy a quality oil that's been 3rd party tested for purity.
Epsom Salt
I like to maximize the benefits of my bath with Epsom salt, aka magnesium sulfate. As I soak, calm feelings envelop me. A common mistake is not adding enough Epsom salt. Use 4 to 5 cups per 30 gallon tub.
Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This is one of my treats after a long day of work. Although, I find I enjoy it more in the colder weather.
Hug Sleep
Hooded Sleep Pod
This Shark Tank product was developed by a therapist. As it swaddles you in a cocoon, it creates the feeling of a gentle hug. Adults can benefit from swaddling just like infants! It provides a sense of security, thus inducing calmness. It can lower the stress response & reduce cortisol levels, which leads to less anxiety.
4 Pound Weighted Shoulder Wrap
You've probably heard about weighted blankets by now. This shoulder wrap is like a mini weighted blanket. The benefit to a shoulder wrap is the deep pressure on the shoulders may have a calming effect on the nervous system. It's also easier to pack in a suitcase than a blanket. Each body is different so experiment to see what's right for you.
Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder
Massager with Heat
Like the shoulder wrap, this massager targets key pressure points, thus it may induce calm as it stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. It may promote relaxation and help release tension & anxiety. I find that 10 min works wonders! It's a great way to practice self-care & allow ourselves time to rest & digest.
Consult with your doctor before making changes to supplements, diet, and lifestyle.
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