The world of supplements can be pretty intimidating. I still remember the days when my grandma used to nag me about taking my daily multivitamin but now thanks to improved research and a boom in the wellness industry, there are multiple options designed for specific needs and desires.
As a certified health coach, I am a strong believer that we should be getting most of our nutrients from real, whole, unprocessed food and that supplements should only be that icing on the cake. Having said that, there are a few supplements that I take and I would like to share them with you as I feel everyone could really benefit from them too. As a reminder, supplements do not replace a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Sunwarrior - Liquid Magnesium
Due to the constant stress in our world today, our bodies are constantly utilizing magnesium and burning through our nutrient stores therefore it's important to ensure that we are giving our body adequate amounts of magnesium to help restore the balance needed to maintain healthy bodily functions. I'm a big fan of liquid magnesium and I also love taking an Epsom salt bath to get adequate supplemental magnesium. It's worth noting down that too much magnesium can have a side effect of diarrhoea so reduce the dose if this occurs.
Garden of Life/Minami Nutrition
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
This is the one supplement that is a non-negotiable for me. If you have been following my blog or Instagram for a while then you'll know that I'm big on gut health. 70% of immunity comes from our gut and so many health issues stem from an unbalanced one. Taking a probiotic consistently can help to create a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut microbiome. I usuallt take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Remember, happy gut, happy life!
Adaptogens (often herbs) are edible plant extracts that have been found to help our bodies manage stress and maintain balance. What that means is that they help us to adapt to external stressors by strengthening our internal systems to help promote vitality, stabilize mood and improve performance and focus. They work best in addition to a foundation of a balanced diet and adequate hydration.
They are generally known for stress relief and each herb has its own unique properties. I am currently taking Lion's Mane and Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety and Reishi mushrooms for overall immune health. I usually take them in powder form as it's super easy to just add them to smoothies or recipes.
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen
There are two primary reasons why collagen nutrition can be beneficial. First and foremost, our bodies become less efficient at producing collagen as we age. It’s believed that the body's natural collagen production declines as we age and may begin as early as young adulthood, around the age of 25. Secondly, our dietary preferences and patterns have changed over time. I have started eating a more plant-based diet in recent years so this was one of the reasons why I have chosen to supplement my diet with collagen.
The world of supplements is complex. In an ideal world, we should be relying on the food we consume to provide us with all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that we need. Whether you’re just starting a routine or looking to add nutritional support to your current regimen, remember to always do your research before buying so you know you're ingesting a safe product. Learn about each brand, such as where they source their ingredients, whether they are GMP (good manufacturing practices) certified and if they use third-party testing.
Our immune system does not operate on a switch, it's not just on or off depending on how many supplements we take. Start slowly and take into consideration your basic needs first and foremost. Remember that supplements are no replacement for the necessary lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep, exercising moderately and eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and adequate protein.
What supplements do you take? I'd love to know so leave a comment below!
Love,
MN x
Most of the supplements can be found on iHerb. If you are using iHerb for the first time, feel free to use my discount code, it's MON7935. Or you can just simply click on this link.
Disclaimer: This article has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Your licensed healthcare professional can best provide you with the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and assist you as well in deciding whether a dietary supplement will be a helpful addition to your regimen.
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