I am so honored to share some information about supplements + health here on the WAFs blog. I have been a RN since 2012 + I almost done completing my nurse practitioner degree. Currently I manage a functional medicine practice where we focus on getting to the root cause of illness + not just treating symptoms. A lot of what we focus on is diet, nutrient deficiencies, healthy lifestyle, stress reduction, etc. I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few of my favorite supplements + why you can benefit from them as well as how to take them.
The Food + Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food + prescription drugs, but unfortunately, they do not regulate the supplement industry. Because of the loose regulations + lack of research, most supplements that people buy at convenience stores, grocery stores + even health stores do not have the ingredients that they claim. Quality of supplements matter + I am excited to share four supplements that are all high-quality + backed by research. These 4 supplements that almost all women can benefit from daily include: a multivitamin, probiotics, omega 3’s + magnesium. Of course, if you have any extensive medical history, please consult with your doctor.
Multivitamin
It is important that everyone take multivitamins to ensure that you are getting the full spectrum of nutrients that your body needs. Not all multivitamins are created equal + it is imperative that you are using a high-quality multivitamin, free of fillers + additives to ensure optimal health. Multivitamin use is good for general wellness + detoxification. Selenium + Zinc are used to support the thyroid while B vitamins are used to maximize cardiovascular + neurological health. Calcium + Vitamin D are needed for bone health + bioflavonoids are used as a defense against oxidative stress. My favorite multivitamin is made by Metagenics. They have one with iron + one that is iron-free.
Metagenics Phytomulti
How to take: 1 tablet/capsule twice daily with meals for optimal absorption
Probiotic
Gut health is everything y’all. Having a healthy gut can help improve your skin, immune system + overall quality of life. Our gut has good bacteria that is helpful in breaking down + digesting our food. These gut friendly bacteria can be depleted + disrupted for a number of reasons leading to GI symptoms as well as other health problems. A few things that alter gut bacteria/health are: antibiotics, steroids, a poor diet + acid-blocking medications. This hypoallergenic blend of probiotics below offers a comprehensive variety of strains to help promote a healthy + diverse GI tract. Gut health is essential for a healthy immune system + these probiotics not only help promote bowel regularity but also, help optimize digestion + prevent illness. Don’t settle for bloating + constipation, ain’t nobody got time for that!
Klaire Ther-Biotic Complete Capsules
How to take: 1 capsule daily
Omega
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation + can help lower the risks associated with chronic diseases. It is important for cognitive health, cardiovascular health, mental function as well as glucose + insulin metabolism. This supplement also is great for hair, skin + nails. It protects against age-related damage + supports a clear + healthy complexion. My favorite omega supplement is a highly potent fish oil that contains an impressive 1,000mg of omega 3 oils in one soft gel. It contains both EPA + DHA along with other omega-3 fatty acids.
Designs for Health OmegAvail TG 1000
How to take: Take 1 softgel twice daily with meals. For intense support, take 4 softgels daily divided at breakfast + dinner (intense support: inflammation, pain, blood sugar imbalances, cardiac health)
Magnesium
Okay last, but certainly not least, this is one of my all-time favorite supplements + if I could only bring one supplement with me on any trip, this would be it. So many women are deficient in magnesium + have symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency that they are not aware of until they start supplementing. Magnesium is great to get rid of cramps around that time of the month as well as relieve muscle cramps from working out. If you have ever taken an Epsom salt bath, that is full of magnesium salts. Magnesium is also great to help keep you “regular” when it comes to the bathroom. Fun fact, ever wonder why women crave chocolate during their period? It is a magnesium rich food, our bodies truly know what we need, we just have to know how to support them. Oh + Magnesium can also help promote restful sleep. My favorite brand of magnesium capsules are Seeking Health brand, but I also love the Calm magnesium powder that you can drink at night. Raspberry lemon is my favorite flavor.
Seeking Health Optimal Magnesium Capsules
How to take: Take 1-2 capsules every night before bed.
Calm Magnesium Powder (better for people prone to constipation)
How to take: Mix 2tsp in water every night before bed
All of these supplements and more can be found on Fullscript. This is an online dispensary that I have access to with my nursing license + I am giving all the WAFS 15% off on all supplements/orders. In order to create an account for you or your family, click
!
Xo, Taylor
-Dyess WAF Ambassador-
