My Must Have Supplements
Supplements
I love playing devils advocate. So while I do have a few must have supplements, historically I have been relatively against supplements unless you actually need them. Key word - actually.
Vitamins and supplements have long been touted as a way to boost health and prevent illness. However, recent studies suggest that these supposed benefits may be overblown.
In fact, some experts argue that taking vitamins may even be harmful. One reason for this is that vitamins are often taken in excessive amounts, which can lead to toxicity and other negative effects. Additionally, many vitamins are not well-absorbed by the body, meaning that they may not provide the intended benefits. Another concern is that taking vitamins may create a false sense of security, leading people to neglect other important aspects of their health, such as exercise and a balanced diet.
While some people may benefit from taking vitamins, they are not a magic bullet for good health. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Now that I’ve given the other side of the coin, I do indeed use a few myself. “Why?” you might ask, based on the above. Well at my annual doctors appointment I found out I was slightly deficient in Vitamin D. This does not surprise me because I regularly avoid the sun for skin care purposes. Additionally at a recent dental appointment an Xray showed that a tooth infection I had caused some temporary bone loss in my jaw.
Since vitamins and supplements are not regulated I try to research to the best of my ability. As well as limiting how many I add to my daily routine. I use exactly three different supplements on a regular bases.
I start my day off with SEED DS-01® Daily Synbiotic For adults (18+)
A Broad spectrum 24-strain probiotic + prebiotic formulated for systemic health and engineered to survive acid, enzymes, moisture, and heat.
Per the website: “Probiotic and prebiotic formulated to provide benefits for gut immune function and whole-body health for adults ages 18+.”
Engineered to survive
Our 2-in-1 nested capsule safeguards viability through digestion for delivery of an average of 100% of our probiotic starting dose to your colon. The outer capsule also serves as a barrier to oxygen, moisture, and heat—no refrigeration necessary.
Prebiotic Outer Capsule
Our prebiotic formulation consists of punicalagins concentrated from Indian pomegranate—biotransformed by gut microbes into powerful metabolites for human health
Probiotic Inner Capsule
Our probiotic formulation consists of clinically and scientifically studied strains characterized at academic institutions and research partners in Italy, Spain, Belgium, US, and Japan. It is biofermented in Europe, and is not of animal or soil origin.
I have always felt that I bloat very easily and it was getting to the point that I felt bloated more often than not. I decided to give this a try based on recommendation of one of my favorite blogger/YouTubers, Annie Jaffrey https://www.anniejaffrey.com/ .
I felt the price point of $49.99 was a bit hefty, and I gave it a bit of an unfair trial window. I was only going to use it for one month and if I didn’t see results I would discontinue purchasing. Typically three months is what is standard for any supplement. Fortunately I felt like I saw results in as little as two weeks and now I continue to order on a monthly bases.
Additionally, I love that it comes in a reusable jar which allows for sustainable refills and there is a convenient travel jar as well.
Next is a multivitamin. I have tried multivitamins on and off over the years but never really felt a difference. However, with being deficient in Vitamin D and battling some temporary bone loss I decided to commit to one. It was important to me to get something that didn’t feel “over packed” while still offering support with what I’m lacking. It was also important to me that I avoided synthetic vitamins. Ritual seemed to be the best choice, and for now it’s the one I’ve committed to.
Supplement FactsServing Size: Two (2) Vegan CapsulesServings Per Container: 30Amount Per Serving% DVVitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol1)[from lichen (whole plant)]50 mcg (2000 IU)250%Vitamin E(as alpha tocopherol from mixed tocopherols2)[from Brassica napus (seed)]6.7 mg45%Folate(as 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate[Glucosamine Salt]3)1000 mcg DFE250%Vitamin B12(as methylcobalamin)8 mcg333%Iron(as ferrous bisglycinate4)8 mg44%Magnesium(as dimagnesium malate)30 mg7%Boron(as calcium fructoborate5)0.7 mg*Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)[from Schizochytrium spp. (whole microalgae)6]330 mg*Vitamin K2(as Menaquinone-77)90 mcg** Daily Value (DV) not establishedOther ingredients: Beadlets (cellulose, NON-GMO corn zein), stomach acid-resistant vegan capsule (hypromellose, gellan gum), silica.1Vitashine™ lichen,2Tocomix®70R,3Quatrefolic®,4Ferrochel®,5FruiteX-B®,6Algarithm™,7K2VITAL®Ferrochel® is a registered trademark of Albion Laboratories, IncQuatrefolic® is a registered trademark of Gnosis S.p.A.
Lastly, I have added this supplement from Ritual called Ritual HyaCera Skin Hydration Supplement with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides. It claims to have Clinically-Studied Ingredients to Help Minimize Wrinkles and Hydrate Skin. I don’t anticipate this to be something I will use long term but I decided to add it temporarily to support my skin while it adjusts to the change in my birth control method.
HyaCera, Daily Skin Hydration Supplement, features two of the best clinically studied ingredients shown to help support hydrated skin after 90 days of daily use.* Our formula is vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and formulated without stevia, sugar alcohols, and artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Beauty comes from within.
The supplements listed in this post are not a recommendation but what I have chosen to use based on personal research and conversations with my doctors. Please do your due diligence when deciding to put something into your body, and remember every body and experience is different. What works for me may not work for you.