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Supplements

“What should I take?” That's one of the questions we hear most frequently. While health is much more than popping pills and replacing prescription drugs with natural remedies, the question reflects a commendable desire to catalyze change: you are acknowledging the power of what you put in your body and recognizing that food alone may not be sufficient.

Unfortunately, given depleted soil, poor food quality, and rampant environment stress, that last recognition is often valid: even a conscious, well-rounded diet likely falls short of essential nutrients. That’s what we’ve begun to list some of the general supplements we recommend most often when we get this inquiry.

We’ve also started to include more specialized supplements, including herbs and oils for basic self-care plus specific seasons of life. Feel free to reach out to us personally if you are in the perinatal season, have a specific condition, or want to learn more.

Remember that while these supplements suit most people, not all health advice is appropriate for everyone; seek the counsel of your local health professional before embarking on any regimen. Or for more specific supplement recommendations tailored to your unique concerns, constitution, and goals, please connect with us directly.

general supplements

Nutreince: The Multivitamin Reinvented

Given widespread micronutrient deficiencies, a quality multi is important. We love this vitamin/mineral/antioxidant formulation from Calton Nutrition. Appropriate for adults, children, pregnant and nursing women, athletes, seniors, people with chronic conditions, and more, Nutreince is a suitable addition to any stage of life. It is based on well-substantiated research, free of GMOs and allergens, and superiorly efficacious given the use of bioactive forms of different vitamins and minerals in divided doses—while most supplements use cheap synthetics in combinations that interfere with absorption. Nutreince is available in different flavors. The unflavored/unsweetened is the most versatile; you can always add some of your own flavored stevia drops or food-grade essential oils to taste if you like, making sure to avoid other sweeteners. Nevertheless, some do prefer the flavored options, particularly the citrus/tropical and vanilla/chocolate. Whatever the flavor, simply mix the AM packet in water and drink at least 20 minutes before breakfast; mix the PM packet in water and drink at least 20 minutes before dinner. You can also combine the multivitamin with a healthy fat and readily absorbed amino acids (see collagen next) into a convenient shake for a midmorning or midafternoon pick-me-up.

Perfect Supplements Hydrolyzed Collagen

While homemade bone broth is time-honored nutritional medicine revered the world over, sometimes you need a quicker alternative. Enter hydrolyzed collagen. With a similar amino acid profile in a convenient powdered form, collagen provides the essential building blocks for helping the body restore proper function. Collagen not only heals the intestinal lining (compromised in most modern dwellers) but also supports skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones, muscles, joints, metabolism, detoxification, brain function, sleep, and more. Since amino acids are critical in all body functions, collagen can be a great adjunct to many protocols. Simply add a scoop to teas, smoothies, soups, stews, sauces, or whatever you’re eating or preparing for your family; it’s flavorless and dissolves in both hot and cold liquids. Gelatin has a very similar nutritional profile to collagen but gels in cold liquids, making it handy for thickening sauces, stews, custards, homemade gummies, and more. Like a quality multi, collagen features prominently throughout the life cycle, but especially in purposeful preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting.

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil

Here’s yet another supplement safe for the whole family! Cod liver oil long held a respected place in the preconception, pregnancy, and childhood medicine arsenal and has recently seen a resurgence. Synergistically combining essential vitamins A and D with omega-3 fatty acids in a whole-food form, cod liver oil supports the immune system, neurological health and brain development, strong bones and teeth, proper fetal development, detoxification and protection from environmental toxicants, fertility and the reproductive system, mood balance, and more. Given the dangers of contaminated waters, farmed fish, and mercury toxicity, it is extremely important to source high-quality fish and fish oil supplements. Seek reputable companies with transparent quality control; Rosita cod liver oil, for example, is raw and unrefined with thorough safety testing. While liquids (and powders and any supplements that you can taste) are preferred for the way they activate digestion, coupled with the fact that they’re usually more economical than capsules, for folks adverse to the taste of cod liver oil, Rosita also offers softgels.

Mountain Rose Herbs

With a wider selection of Western herbs, Mountain Rose Herbs is another essential resource for plant medicine and natural wellness support. Mountain Rose has a comprehensive line of herbs and spices, plus teas, tinctures, massage oils, essential oils, body care products, and other herbal miscellany. For perinatal support, we especially favor nettle, oatstraw, and red raspberry. Even if you aren’t seeking medicinal herbs, you may find that Mountain Rose’s culinary offerings, particularly the bulk spices, save you money in the long run. Plus, their dedication to organic practices, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, fair trade, and transparent sourcing leaves us confident that our purchases contribute to healthier soils, waters, and people for generations to come.

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Last updated December 17, 2017 •   This page contains affiliate links. Click here to learn more about our affiliate policy.