If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this post, where I share my 8 BIG GOALS for these 43 days.

And don’t forget to GET IN ON THE GIVEAWAY!

 

I take a few supplements on a regular basis, and I’m about to tell you a little more about them.  However, during this challenge, I’m adding a few additional items (in food form, not in pill/powder form) to my diet.  Check it out!

 

Supplements I Take

Probiotics – According to Chris Kresser, “among other things, the gut flora promotes normal gastrointestinal function, provides protection from infection, regulates metabolism and comprises more than 75% of our immune system. Dysregulated gut flora has been linked to diseases ranging from autism and depression to autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, inflammatory bowel disease and type 1 diabetes.”

After my recent digestion woes, I began taking a supplemental probiotic as part of my gut-healing protocol.  If you eat plenty of fermented foods, you may not need the added supplement.  I, however, don’t have as much as I should in the fermented foods department.

I’ve heard Robb Wolf recommend Jarro brands for probiotics, so I ordered this one from Amazon.  I have definitely been impressed with it!  Robb also recommends that you switch up your probiotics so that you get many different strains of good bacteria.

 

Cod Liver Oil / Butter Oil Blend – If you have listened to the Balanced Bites Podcast, you know all about this product already!  Diane and Liz talk about it a lot, so be sure to go back through some of the podcasts (they’re FREE!) to hear more.  Liz also explains it here.

In a nutshell, the fermentation keeps all the vitamins, particularly vitamins A and D, found in cod liver oil intact. Because these are fat-soluble vitamins, they are best absorbed when taken with high-quality fat… hence the butter oil blend. The butter oil comes from pastured, grass-fed cows.

Personally, I have noticed a change in the softness of my skin, even a reduction of the tiny little bumps on the backs of my arms. I have also noticed that my nails and hair seem stronger and healthier (and grow faster).

I take 1 tsp. per day. When you refrigerate it, it forms a thick paste. I try to send the tsp. toward the back of my tongue, and then swallow it with a few big gulps of water. The Cinnamon Tingle flavor makes it taste like you’ve just had a stick of Big Red gum… not bad at all.

For more information click here.  To order, click here.

 

Magnesium – I’ve written all about magnesium, and about my favorite way to take it… check out this post.  My favorite part about Natural Calm is that it helps me relax and go to sleep easier.

 

Supplements I Eat

Sauerkraut – In an effort to eat more fermented foods, I purchase raw sauerkraut from Whole Foods, and I’m ready to venture out and start doing some fermentation of my own.  I’ll start with this recipe… very exciting!

Kombucha – I love GT’s Kombucha – it is so delicious, and incredibly low in natural sugars.  Kombucha is a fermented tea, and GT’s Kombucha adds organic herbs and juices to flavor it.  It is fizzy and delicious!  However, it is also a little pricey, so I’m considering making this on my own as well.  This recipe looks good… can’t wait to give it a try!

Bone Broth – I’m sure that most of you have heard about bone broth by now.  What a wonderful (and convenient) way to load up on natural vitamins and minerals.  For a ton of information on bone broth, including a fantastic recipe, check out this link.  I also love the Quick Pressure Cooker Bone Broth recipe from NomNomPaleo.  And I’m very intrigued by this recipe.

Liver – I can’t yet say that I enjoy it, but I have definitely been experimenting more with LIVER!  There are so many minerals that come with each bite of liver, so it is definitely worth the yuck-factor, in my mind.  My favorite way to eat it so far is to shred a frozen chunk of it using a cheese grater.  It can then be added to any ground beef/pork/lamb dishes that you make, almost without being noticed!

Vegetables – This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway… vegetables are one of the most amazing vehicles for vitamins and minerals!  In this house, not one meal goes by without the addition of 3-10 vegetables (not an exaggeration… our salads are pretty intense!).

 

Other “Supplements”

Epsom Salts – I’m not sure this counts as a supplement, but I’ve been really into Epsom Salts lately.  they are high in magnesium, and they have some detoxifying properties – how cool is that?  Read more about the benefits of epsom salts here.  What a great way to [literally] “soak up” minerals!

Essential Oils – Again, not a supplement in the truest sense of the word, but I definitely love how these oils contribute to my well-being.  My favorite use for them is through sense of smell.  I love a few drops of lavender on my pillow, or some peppermint oil watered down in a spray bottle for room freshener (particularly if I have a headache!).  I’m still learning alot about essential oils, so I’ll continue to share as I go.  In the meantime, read more about them here.

Vitamin D – Wondering why this isn’t in the “Supplements I Take” section?  Well, because I’d rather absorb natural vitamin D from the sun!  It’s bright and sunny outside this time of year, so take advantage of it!  Did you know that 15 minutes in the sun is more beneficial than taking a vitamin D supplement?  I have written this word on each day of my planner: OUTSIDE.  This reminds me to go sit on the porch, take a walk, or just stand outside and enjoy the fresh air for at least 15 minutes each day.

 

Which supplements do you take?