"In a perfect world, no one would need supplements. But given the stress of our modern life, the poor quality of our food supply, and the high load of toxins on our brains and bodies, most of us need a basic daily supply of the key, raw materials for all our enzymes and biochemistry to run as designed."
-Dr. Mark Hyman
I am all about eating your peas and carrots.
Beautiful, whole foods are what our body craves and deserves.
But what if you have a pea intolerance? What if, God forbid, the carrots are not organic?!
All jokes aside, sometimes food doesn't cut it for everyone. Many people have low stomach acid, or stressful lives, or even genetic disorders that keep them from absorbing the full nutrition that whole foods provide.
Not to mention, top soil erosion, bigger produce without added nutrients, and hybrid produce that look good and is more convenient to grow but is significantly less nutritious.
I am not a pill pusher, but I also know my limits. I personally have a genetic mutation that I discovered after going through a failed trail of IVF.
I have MTHFR. And no, I didn't just curse at you.
In basic terms, MTHFR keeps me from detoxing all sorts of toxins and makes me at greater risk for things like cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune.
Folate and B12, along with other vitamins are very important for me.
Also, avoiding things like folic acid(the synthetic version of folate), processed foods, and heavy metals helps as well.
Everyone is different, so my three top supplements may not serve everyone the same.
And remember to always check with your doctor before starting anything new.
But if someone cornered me on the street and asked me to pick my top three supplements, this is what I would say:
Top Three Supplements I Love
• Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium is my overall favorite! The only issue with most magnesium supplements is that it is in the Citrate form, which is great for treating constipation. If constipation isn't your problem, try a different form like Glycinate or Threonate and you'll get better absorption.
I use Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate before bed to help me sleep.
70% of americans are deficient in magnesium
bone health
prevents spasms
manages blood sugar
nerve function
brain function
gene maintenance
relaxing to body and brain
low magnesium and insulin resistance go hand in hand
needed for vitamin D absorption
• B Complex
I like the B vitamins for all the energy they give. Who doesn't need more energy?
Also, since they are water soluble, you pee out anything you don't need.
Fun fact: the bright yellow color is made mostly from B2 (Riboflavin) and it is not related to your absorption in any way.
Jarrow B- Right is a great, inexpensive brand.
increase energy level
supports metabolism
brain function
prevents infections
helps to detox body
helps with mood
cell health
• Probiotic
Probiotics work in a number of ways to help with digestion and health. They are not responsible for all the microbes within your body because most will all die out eventually. What probiotics do is helps your immune system relax. Every strain of bacteria is helpful for different issues. I never broadly recommend a probiotic without finding out about someone's health history.
Fermented items are a fantastic choice. The prices and variety of probiotics are endless. try for a braod spectrum (8+ strains) But here is a basic full spectrum that you can start low and slow. Klair Labs Ther-biotic Complete
digestion
protects the gut
relaxes and supports immune system
helps to detox body
helps with yeast overgrowth
helps with skin issues
mental health issues
helps with certain allergies
What about Vitamin D?! you ask...
This vitamin is very popular. Even people who take zero supplements will proudly announce that they do take vitamin D.
I'm a big fan but there is more to vitamin D than you may realize.
Vitamin D needs ample Magnesium for absorption
Vitamin D is fat soluble so you can't just pee out the extra
Vitamin D3 acts as a steroid hormone (night sweats anyone?)
Excess vitamin D can cause immune suppression
Vitamin D3 does help with bone health but needs K2 in conjunction
It is usually deficient due to upstream causes like low magnesium, gut absorption issues or even problems with kidneys converting to active form.
I am happy you take your vitamin D, but add some magnesium to the mix and if your levels aren't going up for some reason then there may be something deeper going on.
Eat more greens! Go outside! Try something fermented!
And don't be afraid to supplement where needed.
Disclamer:
All information you read on Eat Your Peas & Carrots is for informational and educational purposes only. Information is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Statements within this site have not been approved by the FDA. These are my opinions and should not be interpreted as an attempt to offer a medical opinion. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medications, please consult your health care practitioner.