Do I Need to Take Supplements and if so, How Can I Tell if a Supplement is any good?

Many people ask me if I think supplements are necessary and the answer is yes.  While I do think that food is the best way to get the nutrients that we need, there are a few basics that I think everyone needs even if they are diligent and very careful about what they eat.  The reason behind this is, we live in a sea of toxins, our soil has been depleted of vital minerals and nutrients, many of us are stressed and sleep deprived and many have digestive problems making it difficult to absorb nutrients.  All of these factors add up to needing some additional help.  

I recommend these basics: Omega 3's, B-complex, and Minerals. I think probiotics can also be very beneficial.

Below is a quick checklist that will help you to choose quality supplements.  I hope this is helpful!!

Nutritional Supplement Checklist

q    Natural Vitamin E in an esterified form  (d-alpha tocopherol, natural vitamin E succinate, non-GMO)

q    Vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxal-5-phosphate or P5P

q    Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamine

q     Folate or 5 methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid (NOT Folic Acid which is difficult for many to utilize)

q    Inclusion of organic whole super foods like organic nettle leaves, wheatgrass juice, barley grass juice,

     chlorella, or camu camu berries, etc

q    Amino Acid chelated minerals-preferably from a reputable manufacturer like Albion.

q    Avoid all products that include corn, wheat, soy, hydrogenated oil, aspartamine, maltodextrin, sucralose, and artificial colors like Blue#1, Blue #2, Green #3, Red #40, Red #3, yellow #6, etc. (check out Centrum and One a Day!!)

q    Choose products in capsule form over tablet

q    Ensure that manufacturer is certified for Good Manufacturing Practices, (GMP)

The more of the above factors that are included in a supplement the higher the quality and usually a little more costly but well worth it and much more effective.

Brands I recommend: 

Xymogen**

New Chapter

Douglas Labs*

Twin Labs

Jarrow

Metagenics*

Ortho Molecular **

Thorne Research*

Pure*

VRP.com*

Meal replacement Shake –Living Fuel, Jay Robb, Shakeology

* These can be found online.

**I carry both the Xymogen and Orthomolecular lines.  If you’d like to place an order for either one of these brands, please e-mail me cindy@alivingblance.net. 

 If it is more convenient for you, I can set up a direct online account for you with Xymogen, to receive 10% off and no shipping costs or sales tax.