New idea! At the genesis of some months, I shall bring forth my current supplement regime. As I’m always obsessively trying different compounds for optimal performance, it could be interesting to see which supplements remain resolute, and which are fleeting flirtations. I’ll include all supplements I take on a DAILY basis, noting the “NEW” ones since the last post (or in this case, just the relatively new ones in general.)
Click On The Supplement Title for the Brand I Use!
Aloe Vera Juice: I’ve started taking a few daily shots of Aloe Vera juice, which is said to support good digestion and aid toxin cleansing. I’m a little nervous, because while many swear by it, others claim it’s actually a detrimental laxative which may encourage Leaky Gut. I need to do more research on the matter, but as of yet, I definitely like my Star Trek shot glass shots of the juice, which reminds me of my Sanibel summertime aloe-soaked skin days of youth. And it just feels… clean.
Bentonite Clay – NEW: Bentonite clay has been rocking my world. I’m pretty sure I spent a good 15 minutes running around my Beverly Hills fine dining job, proclaiming its magical goodness. The chalky powder is actually a clay from volcanoes (um…awesome?) which attaches to toxins in the body, in a manner similar to activated charcoal. Bentonite Clay itself is unabsorbed by the body, allowing it to grab everything nasty in you, and usher it out the other end. You mix it with water, drink it on an empty stomach, and immediately enter this weird zen mode. (I thought it was just me, but then my friend tried it, and reported the same feeling.) To me, bentonite clay has a rather pleasant, milky/oatmealy taste. I’m pretty sure it grabbed quite a few heavy metals stored in my system. Do not ask me how I know this.
Cat’s Claw – NEW: Cat’s Claw is an herb with potent anti-inflammatory properties, used historically in South America to treat disease. It may stimulate the immune system, aid digestive ailments, combat potent viral infections, fatigue, and even cancer. I like taking it before bed. It makes me a little tired, and definitely has a nice anti-inflammatory effect.
Caffeine: Studies show caffeine supports cognitive function and energy production, but I feel like that’s pretty obvious. Though I always tell myself I’m going to try a run of no-caffeine, that has yet to happen. Shocker. I just love my morning jolt to start the day! Although I do take caffeine in the pure powdered form, rather than in tea or coffee. I am notably moving away from caffeine and more towards other adaptogenic herbs, like ginseng, rhodiola rosea, etc.
Chlorophyll – NEW: I started taking chlorophyll as a natural body “freshener,” and boy is it effective! It just seriously eliminates body odor. (Of course, I’m a bad judge for this, since a low carb diet makes you sweat less, but still…) Besides the breath freshening benefits, chlorophyll encourages healing and cleansing, while serving as an anti-inflammatory with anti-oxidant properties. It also will make your poop bright green. (I believe that is the first time I’ve used the word “poop” on this blog. #bitingthebullet)
Fish Oil: Fish Oil is high in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids. Our modern diet, rampant in grains and processed foods, yields a highly inflammatory Omega 3/6 ratio. Taking fish oil daily is key for supporting a healthy, anti-inflammatory Omega 3/6 ratio. Supplementation with Omega-3s is a notably slow process, as you have to gradually change the fat ratio in the individual cells of the body. Favor consistent, long-term supplementation of “smaller” amounts of Omega-3s, rather than short-term, intense Omega-3 supplementation. With fish oil, commitment is key!
Ginseng (Panax): I’ve been taking the Asian variety of Ginseng in the morning to support energy and endurance. It’s more stimulating than the Eleuthero (Siberian), White Korean, or American versions. Apparently a fine ginseng is like a fine wine. Who knew? I’m currently trying to find the best brand as well. In fact, I just received my order of fermented liquid red ginseng, which you can take sublingually. Love me some sublingual!
Triphala – NEW: I just started taking triphala this week, but it (apparently) is a wonder drug in India, regulating the gastrointestinal tract. Triphala is actually a combination of 3 fruit herbs (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki) which work together to tonify the digestive tract, support the liver and immune system, elimimate toxins, aid the heart and cardiovascular system, and work as an antioxidant! Triphala boasts a high Vitamin C content, along with many unique tannins and polyphenols. As my newest addition, I shall report back on its effects!
Quercetin: I finally weaned myself off Zyrtec! I was taking it to battle seasonal allergies, but went cold turkey and cut it out… and my life dramatically improved. I didn’t realize the sedating, mood-zapping effects it was having on my mood. In search of a more natural histamine-fighting supplement, I discovered quercetin. Quercetin is a natural plant flavonoid which can help regulate the body’s histamine response.
Magnesium: Magnesium is a wonder mineral, often deficient in the modern diet. It is involved with all enzymes in the body using ATP for energy, and is vital for a healthy heart, gut, digestion, and life in general! It can also help you de-stress, and fall asleep at night! I love me some magnesium!
Probiotics: I’m always experimenting with different probiotic supplements and probiotic foods in the chase of a healthy gut microbiome. (I took WAY too many anitbiotics for acne and illnesses back in the day). Check out my Gut Series, especially Part II, for more info on gut health and probiotics!
Vitamin D: Vitamin D (which is actually a hormone), is the one “vitamin” you don’t easily get from food. Your body synthesizes it mostly from sunshine, but most people are deficient. Supplementing with Vitamin D aids the absorption and assimilation of other nutrients. It also boosts the immune system, and helps with proper insulin secretion, heart function, blood pressure regulation, brain development, and mood. Who needs seasonal affective disorder, or a lackluster life?
Zinc- NEW: I used to swear by Zicam when I felt a cold coming on. I wish I could still use it, but it contains far too may additivies. So might as well jump straight the source, with some pure zinc! Zinc especially supports gut health and a healthy immune system. (Not surprising, since most of your immune system is in your gut anyways.)
Others (Non-Daily): Colostrum, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract, Gingko Biloba, L-Tyrosine, Oil of Oregano, Peppermint Oil, Rhodiola Rosea
