How can I get the vitamins and minerals I need?

With a well balanced diet you should be able to get all the daily nutrients you require. However, there is a benefit to taking supplements for a number of reasons (vegetarian, carnivore, hormonal, perhaps an illness or injury, to name a few).

It is worth noting that around 30% of Women do not get enough iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, omega-3s, iodine and folate and this increases with age. Just one of the signs of a magnesium deficiency is craving chocolate/sugar (my nemesis).

You should always speak to a Naturopathic Doctor (my personal preference) or a registered dietician. You can get good advice in reputable health stores too. I encourage people to do their own research, you know yourself best. If you choose to do your own research, it is vital to bear in mind that there are a number of vitamins and minerals that need to be taken together for optimal benefits. It is just as important to understand that some cannot be taken together or with any medication you may be taking, so research and knowledge is paramount when choosing the supplements you take.

For example : one of the important functions and benefits of vitamin D is that it helps the body to absorb calcium, which in turn plays a part in how your body absorbs magnesium. Without magnesium, vitamin D can increase calcium levels and leave it to deposit itself in soft tissues where it can become toxic and bring about health issues. It is important to know what you are taking and the required dosage.

In my personal experience, I prefer taking drops, liquid where possible. Some people tend to think of supplements as a multivitamin tablet taken once a day, which is not a bad thing. However, if you have a particular health issue then listen to your body and do a bit of research on your symptoms. Keep a diary and take notes (ie : are your fatigued for no apparent reason, do you have an afternoon energy slump, are you not sleeping well, are you bloated, uncomfortable during or after meals, experiencing cravings even when full from a meal). Understanding yourself better will help when speaking to a Practitioner, it will also help you to connect with your body on a deeper level.

I take a variety of supplements which I will share with you on my community page. Whilst it is important that you study yourself, do your research and speak with a Professional, I will share my journey as I knew so little before studying nutrition and my own health issues sent me on a long, convoluted journey as the existing pharmaceutical focused medical industry did not have any organic, natural health solutions.

Understanding and improving your gut health is key to a healthy Mind, Body, Soul. Everything we feed ourselves goes directly to our ‘Second Brain’ – the Gut, which is connected directly to the ‘First brain’ – the Brain by the Vagus nerve. Balancing the gut improves overall health exponentially.