Many of our vitamins and nutrients can be found in a natural diet if a proper REAL food diet is emphasized. That is first and foremost the most important thing! With that said, it’s important to supplement when we don’t have access to what we need or to fill in any of the holes in nutrients we may be missing.
Food based sources of nutrients are always best but pretty much everyone in todays world could benefit from supplements.
A word of caution…many supplements can look really great, pure, natural, and make some great claims but if you really scrutinize ingredients majority are really only a waste of money. Make sure you do your own investigating!
I’m sharing ones that I know are effective and have worked well for my family.
Of course its always best to check with your doctor about taking supplements long term. There can be interactions with certain medications and even foods. Some supplements such as magnesium should be taken apart from others.
High doses of calcium or other minerals (including magnesium, certain forms of iron, and zinc) from supplements may decrease the absorption of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene and astaxanthin, from foods and/or supplements. (These are some things to consider when using supplements.)
Here are my recommended supplements for Healthy Families
COD LIVER OIL
This is not just fish oil but specifically COD LIVER OIL.
The high levels of fat soluble vitamins A, D, and K found in Cod Liver Oil are super important for a child’s immune system and overall vitality. It’s also been found that fat soluble vitamins help us absorb the minerals from our diet more effectively. CLO also contains omega 3’s and fatty acids like EPA and DHA. These are essential for a child’s brain development, intelligence, and vision and to fight inflammation. Most childrens brains today are starved for EFA’s (essential fatty acids.) Boys have 3x more the need of EFA’s than girls. Our modern diets are deficient in good fats. Sixty percent of our brains are made of fat. WE need healthy fats for our brains to function properly. We use this BRAND and the kids take it right off the spoon and chase it with water. They all say “YUCK” except for my 4 year old who asks for her fish oil and happily slurps it down! My husband and I prefer these capsules!
MULTIVITAMIN
Children and adults should take a daily whole foods multivitamin to supplement their diets. Today’s produce even if organic is depleted of vitamins and minerals due to the lacking soil its grown in. The whole family can benefit from a good multivitamin! Here is the brand we use for children and here is the one for adults or – if your children can not swallow vitamins yet try these soft chews.
PROBIOTIC
Keeping the gut microbe healthy not only keeps your immune system in tip top shape to deal with what’s going around but it also has an impact on mental health. More recent studies are showing a healthy thriving gut bacteria can help with anxiety, depression, and overall mood (kids to!). For adults I recommend probiotics that are SBO ( soil based organisms) like this one. My kids enjoy taking 1 tablespoon daily of Inner Eco coconut kefir water.
MAGNESIUM
Up to 80% of people may be deficient in magnesium. As the fourth most abundant mineral in your body, it’s essential for building strong bones, DNA and genetic materials. Magnesium should be taken separately from other supplements. Its best to take in the evening as magnesium naturally relaxes the body and quiets the mind. I take a magnesium supplement everyday. My kids enjoy these gummies. You can increase dose in the evening for sleep help or consider an epsom salt bath for mineral absorption.
VITAMIN D / K2
This vital nutrient supports the following functions: Heart heart, Cell formation / longevity, healthy aging process, sleep patterns, reproductive health, athletic performance, respiratory health, immune health, positive mood and feelings of well-being, strong and healthy bones, healthy metabolic rate, proper digestion and food absorption, eye health, skin health and hearing.
Unfortunately, especially during the winter months, many people do NOT receive the sufficient amount of sunlight for their bodies to produce optimal levels of vitamin D3.
If you take oral vitamin D it is important to also consume vitamin K2. This is because the two vitamins work synergistically. Without vitamin K2, vitamin D cannot function optimally. This is the brand we like to use and cod liver oil would be the option for kids.
IMMUNE SUPPORT / PREVENTATIVE
ELDERBERRY SYRUP (seasonally, preventative)
This syrup is a highly effective preventative tool during the cold and flu season as it is loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin C and immune supporting minerals. You can buy elderberry syrup like this one or capsules at your local health food store or you can make your own with this recipe.
PROPOLIS THROAT SPRAY (seasonally, preventative)
Propolis is a protective substance bees make by collecting plant and tree resins. It is used to line the hive walls, where it functions as the immune system of the hive by protecting everyone inside from outside germs. Propolis contains over 300 powerful natural compounds renown for helping to support immunity and protecting wellbeing. We use this throat spray for daily immune support throughout the winter months and when traveling.
BURIED TREASURE ACF FAST RELIEF IMMUNE SUPPORT (immune support/coming down with illness)
Buried Treasure ACF Formula combines high quality herbs and nutrients to support a healthy immune system, creating a potent fast-acting formula for relief during illness. There is an adult and children’s formula’s and fair warning but both taste pretty gross. Despite the taste the combo of herbs and nutrients will knock out whatever you are coming down with or greatly reduce the duration of illness.
This supplement is liquid and can be taken off the spoon. For children just follow the dosage on the the childrens formula.
SUPER FOODS
TURMERIC
Turmeric is infamous for supporting the body’s natural inflammatory process. Adults should take one capsule daily. You can also drink golden milk or turmeric tea. Pepper enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000% combining the spices magnifies their effects. For the whole family you can cook and infuse soups or stews with this healing spice.
GREENS
A greens supplement is important for children and adults as it has numerous health and wellness benefits. No one is eating a perfect diet every day. This supplement assists in detoxification & bridging nutritional gaps in the diet. Plus it fosters sustained, vibrant energy, mental clarity & focus and provides essential support for healthy aging & a healthy immune response. I like this brand because it is certified organic, non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher. I add 1 tablespoon into smoothies a couple times per week for my family.
So there you have it!
Remember these are my own recommendations and all of us are on a different health journey!
I highly recommend you do your own research and take your time to come up with what is the best plan for you and your family!
I am happy to answer any and all questions or to help point you in the right direction. Just reach out !
Be Well 🙂
Susie R.
*These affiliate links are products I actually use and recommended!