3 Supplements That We Take and Why
3 Supplements That We Take and Why
It’s no secret that Japheth and I eat a healthy diet. We are big proponents of the Paleo diet, for ourselves, our kids, and our clients. What this means for us is that we eat a varied diet of whole, non-processed, organic foods, without refined sugar or grains. We order our produce and meats from local organic farms and avoid any unknown additives or chemicals. In addition we make and eat bone broth and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, and coconut milk yogurt. So with all these nutrient-rich foods, why do we take supplements?
Why We Supplement
I love the idea of eating a clean whole foods diet and getting all of our body’s nutrients through that. After all, our bodies were made to survive and thrive on food from the ground and unmodified meats. Unfortunately in our modern environment, this is no longer possible. According to Chris Kresser, multiple environmental factors negatively influence the nutrient quality of foods, and how our bodies respond to them. Some of these factors include:
- A decline in soil diversity and quality
- Decreased diversity of plant species
- Increased exposure to environmental toxins
- Overuse of medications leading to gut and liver damage
- Poor sleep quality and high levels of stress
- Reduced connection with nature and social relationships
- A society of sitting
Kresser notes that “supplementation is not necessarily a sign that your diet isn’t working. It’s a means of making it work better.” The supplements that we choose to take for maintaining our health are not meant to replace foods, but instead to compliment our natural diet.
3 Supplements That We Take
Every body is unique and complex, and while certain supplements are needed by – and work well for – us, they may not work for everyone. If you suspect that you have nutrient deficiencies, please consult a knowledgeable professional before beginning supplementation. Here are the 3 supplements that we take daily as maintenance supplementation:
- Probiotic. Adding probiotic-rich foods such as fermented foods into your diet is essential. However, for some, a probiotic supplement may be beneficial as well. Probiotics promote a healthy immune system, improved digestion, increased energy, and overall gut health. They can also reduce symptoms of diarrhea, cold and flu. We take these probiotics daily, and sometimes double up when sick. It’s important to note that when trying probiotic supplements you may need to try a few different types and doses before finding one that is a good match. Generally you want between 10 and 30 different strains, and a probiotic number of 15-100 billion.
- Magnesium. An estimated 80% of adults are deficient in magnesium, and symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the level of deficiency and the duration. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency and what to do about it . We take this magnesium daily, especially in times of high stress.
- Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO). Many healthcare professionals recommend taking Omega-3s in some form because of its many benefits to health, such as lowering inflammation and preserving brain health. FCLO is a particularly great source of vitamins A and D, and is anti-inflammatory. According to Dr. Josh Axe , FCLO can owner cholesterol and blood pressure, helps treat depression and prevent heart disease, and helps maintain bone health, among other benefits. We take this Fermented Cod Liver Oil daily and find that it also helps boost energy.
Before supplementing, be sure to consult with a qualified professional. Contact us if you’d like more information about how to make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients to optimize your health!