Covid Chronicles: Supplements for Staying Home

Over the last week I have had some interesting conversations with clients and friends regarding health and our future after CV19. It has been interesting to hear the array of opinions on what will make people feel safe to leave their homes again. The contingent seems to agree on numbers dropping, safety protocols in place, and a future vaccine becoming available as top on the list. This is not the place to go too far down the rabbit hole, but the topic on vaccinations seems to be very polarizing for many, and I understand the opinion of those on both sides. I do think there is a much deeper conversation that is to be had here in regard to agency and education. In my opinion, we cannot rely on a vaccination becoming available in order for us to feel safe (for those with compromised immune systems this may be a different story), but for all of us to take charge of our health, to learn about natural remedies that support our immune systems and fight off disease.

As I have mentioned before, I am a bit supplement obsessed and love learning about different natural products and the benefits they provide. As I referenced in my “Self-care while Self Isolating” journal entry the focus right now should be on strengthening the immune system, reducing stress and promoting gut health. The items listed below are products I think most everyone can benefit from, but I do want to reiterate this is what works for me, right now. By no means am I claiming these products will completely prevent you from ever getting sick or that they will cure you from your current ailments. They can, though, help optimize your functionality, aid in fighting off disease and generally help you feel better. Again, I want to reiterate, it is important to do your research, learn about what you are putting into your body, and make decisions that resonate with you and your future health.

Daily Staples

The following supplements are what I take daily and what I consider to be a well-rounded supplement protocol that helps to keep me functioning on a high level. Even before this pandemic, my focus was to keep my stress levels down and my energy and immune system up.

Multivitamin: I take a multivitamin that is specifically formulated for women by the company Pure Synergy that combines the typical multivitamin formula with the additions of herbal ingredients for hormone balance, heart health, immune support, and digestion. All of the ingredients are certified organic and non-GMO, which is hugely important when choosing any multivitamin on the market.

 Probiotic: If you have not jumped on the probiotic bandwagon, now is the time, and if there is any one supplement I think everyone should be taking it is this. In general, probiotics support healthy gut function and elimination as well promotes a healthy immune system response. I use a professional grade probiotic from Designs for Health called ProbioMed 50.

Omegas: Omega fatty acids have been proven to help support heart health and are also vital to brain, joint and eye health. I use a brand, New Chapter, that takes a sustainable whole food approach to their Wholemega Fish Oil supplement. 

CoQ10 Ubiquinol: I started taking Ubiquinol while I was preparing to freeze my eggs last year and have continued to keep it in my regular regime because I have found it to be so beneficial. Ubiquinol works in the cellular level, specifically to support the mitochondria, which are considered the “powerhouse” of cells. In turn, this helps with overall energy production in the body, a healthy heart and vascular system, as well as soaks up oxidative stress and free radicals. I use the 200mg formula from Jarrow. This version is a bit more pricey than regular CoQ10, but proven more effective. 

Moon Juice Super You: I have been using this product since its release in 2018, and it’s hands down my favorite of the Moon Juice Collections. Super You is a clinical strength blend of four powerful adaptogenic herbs that works to address the effects of stress on the body while boosting energy, mood and focus. It also helps to level out cortisol levels without making you groggy, which I have found other formulas do. 

Add-ons 

These products are not part of the daily non-negotiable supplements that are listed above, but they are currently part of my “Stay at Home Supplement Routine” where I have a little more time to incorporate nutraceutical drinks and put immunity and stress management at the forefront of my focus. 

Mija Superstar: I have been an advocate of Mija for some time now, and you can read the full write up of this product here. Superstar is a powdered formula made with the highest quality of organic and sustainably harvested herbs, superfoods and adaptogens that are scientifically backed to address universal nutritional gaps and dietary deficiencies. You can drink it on it’s own or add it to any of your favorite smoothies. I love to drink it mid-afternoon for a great boost of sustained energy from the ceremonial grade matcha that is its champion ingredient. 

Liv-On Labs Lipo-spheric Vitamin C: I am sure we have all heard the benefits of taking Vitamin C, especially right now where it has been seen to really help prevent the onset of this virus, but not all Vitamin Cs are created equal. Liv-On Lab's Liposomal Encapsulation Technology is designed to help your body absorb more Vitamin C. Not only does it help maintain a healthy immune system, but it can assist with muscle repair and collagen production for healthier, firmer skin.

Bone Broth: Bone broth has received a big uptick over the past few years, and for good reason. It helps to repair gut sensitivities, is nutrient dense and packed with collagen. Most grocery stores now sell healthy, local broth, but it is super easy to make especially if you have a pressure cooker. Be on the lookout for my recipe that guarantees broth that gels, tastes delicious and is packed with nutrients. 

Rainbow Light - Counter Attack: This is an immune boosting supplement I swear works extremely well to cut the onset of a cold. I like to always have this on hand as I also religiously take this with me whenever I travel to help support my immune system when I am in airports and foreign places. I have been taking this daily over the last month because we all need a little extra boost right now to keep our bodies as strong as possible. 

Reishi Tincture: Have you heard about the magic of mushrooms?! Reishi is a mushroom that has been used for over 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is known for building the immune system and restoring energy. I like adding this tincture into my teas for a boost in vitality and immunity. 

Neuroscience Calm CP: I have taken this product off and on for the last 5 years, and make sure I always have a bottle in stock at home for unexpected stressful days - or months like we are currently in. Calm CP is designed to decrease cortisol and provide ingredients important for calm, sleep, and management of blood sugar. 

If you have any questions about these products shoot me a message below. I would also love to hear about your go-to supplements while we #stayhome.