Omega-3
Omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential for the body. When something is “essential”, it means the body cannot produce it so it must be eaten through food or supplement. Omega-3 supports the structure and growth of every cell in our body. The major food source of omega-3 is fish. There are so many different types of omega-3s and the main ones we are looking at in our supplements are, EPA and DHA. A few of the benefits of omega-3 include lowering blood pressure, reducing triglycerides, and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Zinc
Zinc helps regulate the immune system and maintain the integrity of the skin. It also aids in proper growth and development, wound healing, DNA synthesis, enzymatic reactions, and smell and taste. It’s not stored in the body so it must be ingested through food and supplements daily. Zinc deficiency signs include impairment of physical growth and development, reduced ability to taste food, poor sense of smell, dry skin, slow wound healing, and depression.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a type of honey that’s produced only in New Zealand and Australia by European honey bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. Manuka honey is gaining in popularity as one of the most beneficial types of honey due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Great ways to incorporate honey into your diet include: teas, glazed-on biscuits or scones, dressings, marinades, or baked desserts.
Liver
Liver is a highly nutritious food. It’s rich in highly absorbable varieties of hard-to-get nutrients like iron, B vitamins, selenium, choline, and zinc. Eating liver may also help to increase energy levels, improve fertility, and maintain good liver function. If eating liver is not your thing we’ve got capsule forms that look just like a vitamin.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps maintain nerve, muscle, and bone health. It may also help improve sleep quality, lower blood sugar levels, and lower inflammation. There are many different types of magnesium and they all help with something different from keeping you regular to depression. Magnesium and vitamin D enhance each other’s absorption in the body. Magnesium is needed in many body processes that activate vitamin D and help to improve vitamin D levels in the body.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the formation of collagen and serotonin. It helps strengthen your immune system, can help boost energy levels, and may reduce asthma symptoms. Our bodies cannot make vitamin C, so dietary and/or supplemental intake is necessary. While it is essential for the body, Vitamin C toxicity can occur which cause things like diarrhea, kidney stones, or elevated iron stores. Your body only absorbs 250 mg of vitamin C. If a higher amount is ingested, it will be excreted from the body since it is a water soluble vitamin.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it does not mix with water and is absorbed through fat cells in your body. This vitamin can be found in various foods, but it can also be produced inside the body with a little help from the sun. Vitamin D has many roles, including: promoting calcium absorption in the gut, maintaining adequate calcium and phosphate concentrations, reducing inflammation, aiding in cell growth, aiding in neuromuscular and immune function, glucose metabolism, and bone growth and remodeling. It’s a busy vitamin.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating your body’s sleep cycle. It is made in the body from tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid. It’s also associated with other health benefits such as maybe improving sleep patterns, improving eye health. Supplements may help with certain conditions, such as jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery.
Elderberry
Elderberry grows in many regions of the world and comes in three variations – red, blue, and black. People have been using black elderberry for many years as immune support due to its high antioxidant content. The current research surrounding elderberry supplementation is limited but has reported easing symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, and cough when taken at the first sign of symptom onset. Elderberry is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, thiamin, and copper. It is promoted for a variety of disorders that include stomach and intestinal complaints, such as constipation and diarrhea. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are also promoted for heart health as it may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Flaxseed can be an excellent addition to your morning smoothie, oatmeal, or even pancakes.
