Vitamins: It's Confusing

Supplements can be overwhelming. If you've ever walked into a store that sells them, you know what I mean. There's always the latest and greatest thing you could be taking. I advise against jumping on the bandwagon with vitamins. I trust the brands that my naturopath suggests because I know that she has researched them and i know that they are what I need based on bloodwork telling me what I am deficient in. I have this test ordered through my amazing naturopath and I think everyone should have it done.

So what do I take and what do I suggest?

Here is a list of my supplements.

BASICS:

Fish Oil: Genestra Super EFA caps

Multivitamin: Pure Encapsulations, Nutrient 950

Probiotic: Genestra HMF Neurocaps

Vitamin D: Genestra Vitamin D drops

EXTRA SUPPORT BASED ON BLOODTESTING:

Vitamin B6: Thorne B Complex 6

Klaire Labs Magnesium Glycinate (before bed)

HORMONAL/ADRENAL SUPPORT:

If you are a women over the age of 35 you should be having saliva testing done to test your hormone levels. The blood tests they do at a GP will only show extremities of depletion in these. They will only show menopausal bloodwork. So, you may be feeling off at 35, get a blood test from your doctor, it comes out normal and so starts the cycle. The cycle of women being told it's all in your head, your a busy mom, etc..... Minute hormonal shifts can cause big issues. You can also do saliva testing through a naturopath or possibly a functional medicine doctor that will point to any dips or increase in your cortisol levels. This would determine when you would take any adrenal supplementation.

FLO PMS Gummies

Gaia Vitex Berry (Chaste tree Berry)

Vital Nutrients Adrenal Support

RELAXATION :

Charlottes Web CBD oil (before bed)

Integrative Therapeutics L-Theanine (before bed)

I know by showing you what I take I am opening up a can of worms. People who take supplements can sometimes get a bad rap for the amount they take. If you really break this down though, I am taking the basics and addressing any extra needs I have. Understanding that being a woman of 43, I need to address the hormonal component as well.

Think about how many prescription and nonprescription medications (nsaids and reflux) many people take. How many times have you taken a medication and then you need another med to cover the side effects of the med you are on? It's not possible to get all your vitamins and minerals from the food we eat. The soil has been completely depleted of all nutrients and Americans are eating the SAD diet which is not nutrient dense at all. It makes no sense to me that people are so willing to take a pill for whatever ails them but ask someone to take a B-complex and they look at you like you live on a hippy commune.

In closing, the basics should be safe for everyone to take. Please consult your doctor before taking anything.