Multi- Minerals
The most overlooked and underrated of all supplements. These wonderful and essential molecules each play major roles on our bodies and are used as co-factors to assist in bodily reactions. We require minerals for nerve functions and healthy bones & teeth. With the widespread use of the herbicide glyphosate, plant life is often deficient in these essential minerals. We lose a lot of minerals during periods of stress, exercise, poor diets, excess caffeine intake and use of pharmaceutical agents. This can leave us unbalanced, leading to anxiety and other disorders. Many men in North America are deficient in zinc
.
FYI: I’ve noticed a huge spike in my energy levels when I incorporate minerals into my diet.
B Complex
Since we’re on the path of energy, I would like to continue the conversation with B vitamins. The whole crew of these vitamins are absolutely necessary for energy production. They also help us digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates. During periods of stress we can use up a lot of incoming B’s. Since they are water soluble, a diet high in caffeine, sugar, as well as pharmaceutical diuretics can reduce B vitamins. Without these key nutrients cognitive performance declines and mental health disorders creep in, so make sure to stay on top of your B’s. A high quality B supplement is essential to many diets that lack foliage, meats and stomach acid.
Vitamin C
Linus Pauling had it right and through his studies we were able to start a whole new conversation on the role that vitamin C plays in human health. Vitamin C is used to make collagen for our skin and connective tissue, as well as to make carnitine to transports fats for use to produce energy. It is a great healer for tissue repair. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that can reduce our risk of coronary heart disease. And since we have great demands for vitamin C, it is provided by nature year round in fruits, vegetables and root vegetables.
Magnesium
This magnificent mineral has the ability to help us relax at times of stressful conditions. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body and can only be obtained through our diet and supplemental intake. It is used up rapidly during periods of stress. In a diet high in refined grains and sugar, magnesium is needed to help regulate blood sugar. Also, magnesium is a necessary component to make energy. There are many different forms of magnesium and the most popular form on the market are magnesium Bis-Glycinate.
Interesting note: Diuretics are often prescribed with high blood pressure medications, which may lead to a magnesium deficiency. A diet rich with magnesium can thwart off high blood pressure.
Cod Liver Oil
Real vitamin A. No longer spoken of much, cod liver oil was a staple in the diets of many 40+ years ago. An antioxidant for the whole body as well as the eyes. Cod liver oil contains the omega 3 fats EPA and DHA which helps support cells and can lower inflammation. It’s taste has improved with the addition of new flavours.
Note: please do some research for a brand that produces high quality cod liver oil.
The five supplements mentioned above are all to commonly missing in a whole food diet.
They are rapidly used up during stressful periods, and we have to be careful to read signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and take steps to correct them. Talk to a Holistic Nutritionist to get a deeper insight into any deficiencies caused by lifestyle or food.