I am a “food first” nutritionist. It is best to get your vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat and within their “natural packaging”. A variety of clean foods in moderation and specifically an array of raw and roasted (mainly) organic vegetables is the key. Starting the day with a good stretch, a large bottle of water to carry through the day, and a plan for 3 meals is a gold standard regimen. Decaf teas and veggie juices make up the perfect snacks.
HOWEVER, as we age, even this very clean regimen can lack. Couple this with our progressively barren soils and our pesticide ridden air, even our healthy food supplies are depleted and can’t properly support all of our dynamic human conditions all the time.
So – for the past year I’ve been doing a deep dive into the world of supplements. Beyond my annual blood panel (iron, cholesterol, thyroid etc.) I really had no info about how my body was functioning and why I was feeling increasingly achy every morning. Dr. Whyte – who I highly recommend from The Center for Health Renewal in Stamford, CT (www.tcfhr.com) – set me up with a detailed urinalysis and then helped me to understand the feedback –– which has translated into a medium sized daily supplement regimen of high quality liquids, powders, and pills with no side effects except for that I feel better.
Here is my vetted list of supplements that can help to support a less inflamed, less constipated, less achy, more gut friendly lifestyle for you:
- Multivitamin: maybe, maybe not – a lot of these amount to expensive urine. However, if you purchase a high-quality supplement from Whole Foods (not CVS) it’s probably a net positive. I don’t take one.
- Vitamin D: our bodies make vitamin D when our bare skin is exposed to the sun. But with widespread use of sunblock and seasonal weather – most adults become Vitamin D deficient. I found that taking liquid Vitamin D3 with K2 by Ortho Molecular Products has worked wonders for me.
- Magnesium: take before bed – it naturally relaxes your muscles so it helps you to decompress in the evening and then relaxes your colon to decease constipation in the morning. I like Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers.
- Probiotic with Prebiotic: this is for gut health – to repair leaky gut which causes every symptom in the book. I like the Gundry probiotic supplements – specifically Bio Complete 3.
- B Complex: should be methylated – I like Quicksilver Scientific Methyl B-Complex.
- Flax and/or Chia Seeds: sprinkle on your oats or in your smoothies or soups. Both are high in fiber and antioxidants.
Also: I like the brand PURE encapsulations for:
- L-theanine: for calming effect – but should not be taken if you are taking an anti-anxiety drug.
- Lysine: for healthy hair growth.
These are some general recommendations & make sure to read the bottle for serving size. If you are concerned about your own personal supplement profile – I really recommend discussing this with your doctor or making an apt with Dr. Whyte.
Supplements will never be a substitution for a clean and balanced diet but they do have a place in a healthy diet to “supplement” what is lacking and to ameliorate some common ailments.
AND sign up now for an AaHa Restart clean eating week: www.AaHaRestart.com/Sign-up. Next cleanse April 3-7 – join our team!
