Supplementing your health
Want to know a semi-secret? I’m not a big supplement-pusher, and pills actually make me gag. And psssttt…in my search for solutions to my previous health problems, I consulted with what feels like hundreds of so-called experts who, instead of asking me about my diet, recommended hundreds of dollars worth of supplements.
I used to have drawers full of vitamins, but it wasn’t until I truly figured out my Nutritional Style that I found relief from my health issues, lost weight and began to feel amazing again.
When I became a Health and Nutrition Coach, I decided to do things differently. While I do recommend some selected supplements, because my clients sometimes have deficiencies or feel better with them, my focus is on food and how you feel.
The time when I DO recommend supplementation is in the winter months, when local produce is scarce and when our bodies have to work harder to fight off colds, flus and defend itself against the cold and lack of sunshine.
If you or your family seems to get sick often, maybe it’s time to supplement your nutrition. Here’s what’s on my personal supplement shelf now.
Elderberry: This tasty herb is antiviral and an excellent choice to ward off those pesky colds. I keep elderberry lozenges in my travel tote for life on the go. Elderberry is also nice as a syrup or jam in the morning, check out my recipe here.
Astragalus: My friend Dielle, an enlightened organic-farm owner, recommended this supplement to me over a decade ago when I had a horrible cold, and I’ve been using it in the winter ever since. In traditional Chinese medicine the root of the plant is used as a warming tonic to build resistance to diseases and for extra energy. You can find it at any health food store in capsule form.
Echinacea: This is one of the most popular immunity supplements for a reason, it really packs a punch. The root of this plant, also known as purple coneflower was used by Native Americans as a treatment for infections and snakebites. It’s commonly used today to enhance the immune system and fight infection, especially for the common cold and upper respiratory issues. You can add a tincture to some juice or grab tablets at any supermarket or health food store.
B Vitamins: You need each of the B vitamins (all 8 of them) for numerous body functions, like supporting your brain and hormone balance, keeping your heart healthy, feeding healthy skin, nails, and hair, helping with digestion, and keeping your immune system working at peak levels. Even if you have a good diet and take a multivitamin, you may still need additional support, especially in the winter. Stress or illness can really deplete your B levels, so consider taking a B50 supplement, and bring your levels to optimum heights.
Digestive Enzymes: This is something that I recommend for almost everyone all year long. Your body naturally produces hundreds of different digestive enzymes that break down the various kinds of food in your intestines. Taking a digestive enzyme can help quite a bit. While it’s not a solution to digestive troubles (these are nearly almost food-related), most people find that it helps their gut quite a bit. Plus, remember that your immunity resides primarily in your digestion, so you gotta keep it tip-top right now.
So there you have it, my top recommendations for your winter supplements. If you want to see what else is filling my winter medicine cabinet, head on over a take a peek here. Otherwise, share your own secrets below, or let me know if what I have suggested also works for you.
Take care, snow bunny!
