I have a notebook where I keep a wishlist of supplements and herbs I’d like to try and they’re all categorized by ailment (hypochondriac much?, just kidding).
In all seriousness, prevention is key when health is concerned. Throughout my experiences, I have stuck with a few staples I always keep in rotation. During the spring and summer months my diet is filled with all sorts of fresh, light and nourishing foods. Not so much during the winter, where my diet is not as varied and I tend to lean toward more comfort foods. So winter is the time I incorporate supplements to my diet to help counteract any deficiencies.
Stress can be very detrimental to your well being so I am conscious of my immune system, stress and energy levels and of course, snacking habits. Sleep and hydration have proven to be the best remedy personally by far and meditation as well. Below I will share with you my favorite supplements that have worked for me and the top 3 supplements in my current rotation.
Super Colon Cleanse
Health Plus Super Colon Cleanse
Why I like it?
I don’t know about you, but I must and need to stay regular everyday. Constipation is a topic not many people talk about and to be honest can be a little embarrassing. I’ve heard and experienced so much of the discomforts not staying regular can lead to. Bloating, gas, pain and weight gain are some of the uncomfortable side effects of not staying regular. I realized the foods I was eating (especially snacks, chips, etc.) was leading to my daily stomach pains and bloating so I steer very clear of these foods and have been nearly eliminated from my diet.
Whenever I’ve had a not so healthy weekend or meal, I take 1-2 pills for 2-3 consecutive days with a lot of water to make sure anything I have consumed does not stay in my digestive system too long. I have tried a variety of colon cleansers and find this one to be the most comparable for me. This brand so far does not give me heart burn or stomach pains and it keeps my routine normal, where I’m not running to the bathroom every minute.
What is it?
| Serving Size 4 Capsules | ||
| Servings Per Container 60 | ||
| Amount Per Serving | % DV | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10.00 | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.00 g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.00 g | 3% |
| Iron | 1.00 mg | 6% |
| Psyllium Husk Powder | 1.00 g | ** |
| Senna Leaf Powder | 562.00 mg | ** |
| Fennel Seed | 90.00 mg | ** |
| Papaya Leaf | 90.00 mg | ** |
| Peppermint Leaf | 76.00 mg | ** |
| Buckthorn Bark | 38.00 mg | ** |
| Celery Seed | 38.00 mg | ** |
| Barberry Root | 38.00 mg | ** |
| Rose Hips | 38.00 mg | ** |
| Acidophilus | 30.00 mg | ** |
| ** Daily Value (DV) not established |
This colon cleanser is actually part 1 of a 8 step body cleansing system. I haven’t looked into the additional products but will research it with time to consider a full 10 day detox with this system. I’m loving the variety of digestive healthy herbs this colon cleanser has like senna and interestingly enough celery seed which helps promote digestive health too.
How I use it?
The recommendation is 4 capsules but find it to not be necessary for my situation. If I’m not feeling too light in my belly area, I take 1-2 capsules with my breakfast and find this keeps me regular with no urgency throughout the day. My pain points are crackers, breads, chips which bloats me really bad. So if I had a gooey batch of nachos at the movies, colon cleanse is the first thing I go to the next day. You MUST drink a lot of water. I stick to at least a liter a day. It’s important to help flush out any toxins from your body. Water is life!
Ashwhaghanda
Why I like it?
If I were to have a weapon for stress I would choose Ashwagandha. I can not praise this Ayurveda herb enough for helping me during some very stressful times at work. 16 hour days and little sleep was overpowering me. Ashwhaghanda helps keep my mind at ease and allows me to be much more calmer when pressed for time. I have found that it increases my resistance to the effects of stress. It helps stimulate the immune system and promotes a general feeling of well being. I barely get sick and when I do it lasts for a day or so. Also it helps keep my weight right where I need to be which is a plus.
What is it?
Ashwhaghanda is a very potent herb native to India and the rest of Asia and parts of Africa. One of the best adaptogens known to resist the effects of stress such as damaging cortisol levels which is released during stress and lowers your immune system. A weak immune system leads to many ailments as a result. Ashwhaghanda can be used for many illnesses and as a preventative supplement as well.
Burns Body Fat
Calms Nervous
Boosts Metabolism
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Lowers Cholesterol System
Reduces anxiety and depression
Improves Thyroid Function
Protects against stress and fatigue
Provides healthy levels of energy
Diuretic (perfect for water weight)
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant
How I use it?
I take supplements in waves like I described here in 2011 when I first started taking this herb. This is to keep track of any side effects I may be experiencing. I only take Ashwhaghanda during the weekdays after my breakfast at work. I use the weekend to help my body recover and stop all supplements during the weekends. Typically every 3 months I stop it entirely for about a month or so and get back on track. Supplements are good but its also important to allow the body to process and rest.
My favorite thing about Ashwhaghanda is the moderate amount of energy levels it gives me. I don’t wake up feeling exhausted and I’m not jittery throughout the day with crashes in the evening as some energy boosters tend to do. It also does not interfere with my sleep which I experienced with Spirulina.
Source of Life Vitamins
I’ve been taking this daily supplement since my freshmen year of college and use it on and off every six months or so. I find this to be the only daily vitamins that boosts my immune system enough to keep my sinuses at bay. It also helps keep my energy levels balanced without interrupting my sleep. It contains spirulina, which I love and a number of other vitamins and minerals. Check out the supplement facts here.
I’m looking to add another supplement to my diet for 2015. Not sure exactly which one yet, but so far I have narrowed it down to those below. What you eat is what matters and supplements should not be your main source of nutrition. Eating fresh foods and cutting out processed foods allows your body to benefit from vitamins and minerals directly from the source, unadulterated. Stay tuned for my top winter teas to sip!
Supplements on my wish list for 2015
Biotin
Collagen
Fish Oils
Complex B Vitamins
Supplements I’ve Tried
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