Are you confused about whether you need to supplement your body with vitamins and minerals?

Well, I am too! It’s a minefield out there and I have spent several years undertaking research into this complex subject. In short, the conclusion I’ve reached is that I will take supplements but only certain ones.

The following information is purely based on my own personal opinion. Please, please remember that everybody has a unique, individual make-up and so will have his or her own unique requirements. I strongly suggest that you seek advice from a qualified health practitioner (who can perform hair or blood tests to find out what your body is lacking) before you begin introducing supplements.

I want to share with you how I supplement my body and why but you must make your own decisions and undertake your own research as to which supplements may be suitable for you.  Whilst I don’t endorse the brands that I personally like and trust for my own use, I thought it would be useful for you to see what I take. Again, I suggest that you research available brands for yourself. However, as a cautionary note, I don’t suggest necessarily opting for the cheapest alternative when choosing which supplement to take.

B Vitamins

B vitamins include B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, B12, biotin and pantothenic acid and have an important role in cell metabolism. People who are stressed out often find they are lacking in B vitamins and the same is true for vegetarians and vegans. B vitamins are found in various meats, leafy green vegetables and some grains. These particular vitamins are actually most effective taken as a complex. Having quite a busy life, I opt to take these in the form of capsuals by ‘Seeking health.’

Magnesium

Magnesium is a muscle relaxant, helps to dilate the blood vessels, prevents inflammation, and generally supports a healthy immune system. It also helps to promote sleep and can help prevent migraines. Again, magnesium is one of those minerals that people who are stressed tend to be low in because it is used up extra quickly when the body is under stress. (So that’s probably 99% of the population, right?!?)

Magnesium is naturally found in leafy green vegetables. I take a magnesium supplement ‘MAG365’ because I love my sleep and I really feel the benefits of better sleep quality when I take it. Oh and it tastes a bit like lemonade when added to water making it easier to drink.

Vitamin C

 Vitamin C helps to support the adrenal glands and is important for the production of cortisol which is released when you get stressed. (The more stressed you get, the more cortisol your body releases). It is also an important vitamin to consume as it helps your body to absorb iron. Smoking lowers vitamin C levels in the body so smokers and stress heads should supplement their vitamin C intake too.

Vitamin C is found in abundance in fruit and vegetables and although I eat plenty of these, I choose to take a vitamin C supplement (especially through the winter months) for an extra immune boost to the cells. Also, vitamin C can’t be stored in the body because it’s water-soluble which is another reason I top up my natural supply. I take ‘Lamberts’.

Epsom salt baths

So although this isn’t a supplement as such, an Epsom salt bath is part of my weekly wellness ritual. Epsom salts (also known as magnesium sulphate) are a natural remedy which can help to increase your sulphate levels by up to four times! Sulphate is essential for cholesterol metabolism and is a natural liver detoxifier. What’s not to love about something that sounds so dull?

As you become an expert Epson salt bather you can increase the amount of salts you soak in from half a cup to two full cups in your bath. Try to have your bath water as hot as you can safely take it which will help your body to release toxins. Stay in the bath for up to 20 minutes, but for a minimum of 10 and try to stay in the bath as the water starts to cool down. Do this before bed once a week and hopefully, you will find you sleep like a baby afterwards.

Bio-kult

I take this in capsual form twice a day which contains live bacteria to help keep all the good bacteria happy in your digestive system. Eating too much sugar, gluten, alcohol and processed foods can interfer with gut flora, which is naturally present in the digestive system. An imbalance can cause bloating, an upset stomach and even allergies. If you have had a course of antibiotics it is advised that you take a ‘live bacteria’ supplement like this. I just choose to take mine daily to help keep the bad bacteria at bay. I take ‘Bio-Kult advanced multi-strain formula.’

Fish oils/krill oil

Consuming essential fats (found in oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds) is important for supporting healthy joints, optimum brain function as well as healthy hair and skin (something us ladies in particular are after). However, many of us don’t consume enough essential fats, partly because many people wrongly think that fat is bad.

Having a nut allergy means I only tend to get my sources of essential fats from avocado and oily fish, so because I suffer from very dry skin, I take a supplement (Pro Omega-D) to prevent my skin from getting any worse.This is a hugely in-depth topic in itself. I’m going to keep this one brief for the purpose of this blog, but do read up more if it’s a topic that is of interest to you.

I hope this information helps to shed some light and perhaps help clear up some supplement queries that you may have.