What Supplements Am I Taking Now?

What Supplements am I Taking?

With everyone being super concerned about their health right now, I thought it would be good to share what supplements I’m currently taking. Some of these are ones that I take year round and some more so during the Winter months when the flu (and now corona) season are upon us.

If you follow me on instagram then you will know that I am enrolled in IIN aka the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. The other day I was listening to a lecture on supplements and heard the most interesting quote- supplements are there to supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle. So true and what a great way to put it! If you eat poorly and don’t take care of yourself then you won’t be able to fix anything by taking some vitamins.

Supplements should be taken regularly once started but also rotated. You want to give your body a break from them every so often so that it works on it’s own and doesn’t become immune to them eventually. If you take supplements in capsule form, look for the term “standardized” on the label which means that that manufacturers ensure every batch of their products is produced in a consistent way, with the same ingredients and same concentration of ingredients

*Also, please seek out the help of a doctor to recommend which are best for your use. I am only sharing which ones I am using but not recommending you use any of these without the advice of a medical professional.

Vitamin C

The basics- helps to heal wounds, form collagen and acts as an antioxidant.
You can take it in capsule or powder form, I prefer the latter from Dr. Clark’s but it really is just a matter of preference.
I take Vitamin C year round and probably do like a month on and 2-3 weeks off and so forth.
You can read more here.

Zinc

The basics- improves immunity, blood sugar levels, and eye, heart, and skin health.
I take this mostly in the Winter or if I feel a cold coming on. This works wonders for me in acting as a preventative vitamin.

Echinacea

The basics– a plant that has been used to combat the flu and colds. Also, helps control blood sugar, aids cell growth, helps manage anxiety, lowers blood pressure and reduces inflammation.
I take this in capsule form when I feel like a stronger dose is needed, usually in the winter. I also brew the tea year round.

Vitamin D

The basics– helps to fight diseases, good for healthy bones and teeth, can help fight depression and heart disease.
Yes, you can get this from the sun and food but most people will never get the necessary amount. I take this in drop form and year round (also with breaks like Vit C).

As mentioned in the beginning, these vitamins and supplements won’t help your body if you don’t help them as well. I eat a ton of probiotic foods in addition to these supplements. Probiotic foods such as sauerkraut or pickles help to keep your gut healthy which then keeps your immune system strong. I also eat about 90% organic whole foods only aka not packaged which means not processed.

My thought process is that I’d rather spend a tiny bit more now on feeding myself the right way vs. spending a ton more later to band aid problems that could have been prevented.

Hope you are all staying healthy & well!