"What are all those pills you are taking!?"
We get that a lot!
Yes, we take a lot of supplements… We even like to call ourselves “Supplementarians.” Professional Supplement Takers, that’s us. We believe they are absolutely necessary and even foundational to health and longevity, mainly because our soil and food chain here in the good ‘ole US of A is completely destroyed (thanks, Government…).
So to answer your question, here are the top supplements we take regularly (in no order of importance) and where to get them.
Do we recommend taking all of these?
The short answer is YES!
Magnesium
I cannot express enough the importance of taking magnesium. If you are not taking a magnesium supplement, then you are deficient. Period. And with all the stress bombarding your body in this day and age, your best friend to combat it is lots of magnesium. Not to mention the fact that low magnesium basically equates to low metabolism. The supplement form of magnesium effects its absorption, so be very choosy in which products you take. Our favorite magnesium brands are MagTech, MagATP and MagSoothe, but if you are very sensitive to magnesium, you can start with magnesium bicarbonate, which you can make at home.
You know ascorbic acid is incredible for the immune system (see our post here), being used intravenously in hospitals to save people’s lives from sepsis (when the body is being killed by an internal infection that has spread to the blood). But in recent days it has been heralded as a mitigator of EMF bombardment, helping the body to cope with the increasing amounts we are exposed to. You should be taking this every day based on this fact alone.
Beef liver
A near perfect food, grass-fed beef liver is nature’s multivitamin. We have touted it’s wonderful properties again and again. Your entire family should consume it consistently, preferably every day. You can get it in freeze-dried pill form here or here. We also recommend all beef organs (heart, spleen, kidney, etc) be taken and rotated regularly for optimal health.
Cod Liver Oil
A potent and bio-rich source of Vitamin A (the real version, called retinol), extremely important for brain development and liver health. I encourage every parent, especially pregnant and breastfeeding moms, to max out the Cod Liver Oil. Our boys have been on it since birth. We prefer to get ours from a company we trust, who packages it raw, called Rosita.
Sulfur
A mineral that is required for so many biological systems, we can’t even begin to name them all, and most people are deficient because our soil is deficient. Your number one mineral for detox and liver health, as well as collagen formation and the formation of cholesterol sulfate (see post here), you must take this on a regular basis. Get it from Organic Sulfur or NAC.
Another mineral that is crucial for your immune system. We prefer a brand that combines it with the amino acid carnosine for greater bioavailability.
“Ancient dirt” is what we like to call it, but it is a potent source of all the 84+ trace minerals you need, plus fulvic acid. It is a complete mineral source and you should notice a difference immediately in your energy levels.
The most misunderstood mineral, copper is incredibly important to combat fatigue and low metabolism. Copper is also required for the recycling of iron (see our post here). Most people are deficient in copper and don’t know it.
Vitamin K
You have all heard that Vitamin D and Vitamin K should be taken together, but that is not true. You want to take them both, but not at the same time. Choose a potent version (like this one) to see the most benefits. Vitamin K is absolutely necessary for strong bones and teeth, but its value in avoiding calcification may be its most prized trait.
Get out in the sunshine for sure, but some people just simply can’t make enough Vitamin D from the sun. For the sake of your immune system, your bones and so much more, supplement on a regular basis, especially in the winter or in more northern climates.
Taurine
A sulfur-containing amino acid with benefits that are wide-reaching and extraordinary, we noticed a profound improvement in many areas of our health after we started taking it. It is concentrated in the most metabolically active cells of the body, helps deal with stress, and is important for liver function and the creation of bile salts. It is critically important for the heart and even helps optimize hormones. Get it here, and take 3-4 g a day for the first few months.
Vitamin B complex
We all know how important all the B Vitamins are for energy and metabolism, and every company out there seems to have a B vitamin supplement. The very best that we have found is Energi+ from LifeBlud. Every B vitamin included has been researched to provide the most bioavailable form in the most proper dosage, and you can feel it.
They contain small amounts of minerals such as copper, selenium, iodine, and zinc, plus almost all the trace minerals in virtually the exact ratio our cells need. Minerals are the overlooked deficiency of many Americans that contributes to low health and energy levels, mainly because of the terrible state of our soil. You must find ways to get these minerals back, and taking freeze-dried oyster (if you don’t eat them regularly) is a great way to do that.
Kelp is a great way to get Iodine. Why is iodine so important? Think about how many people you know that have thyroid issues. Being deficient in iodine is the number one contributor to this problem. Kelp is a good way to get a low level amount of iodine every day in order to prevent these problems in the future. If you know someone with chronic thyroid issues, they will probably need to take straight iodine (Lugol’s) and restore their amounts. The protocols we have seen start with 1 drop and work up (see a protocol here but there are many you can research), and expect some detoxing symptoms at first.
Creatine is a peptide, which is a small chain of amino acids. It has an amazing array of benefits, including but not limited to; mental acuity and cognitive function (with almost nootropic-like effects), staving off muscle loss (especially as you age), hormone balance, stabilizing glucose, repairing and building of muscles, improving heart health, increasing bone density, and much more. Where is creatine found? The best source is in muscle meat. But unless you are eating 2 lbs of meat or more per day, you need to supplement to get the recommended 5 g a day.
Another important fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin E is critical for detoxing the nasty PUFAs that have infiltrated our food supply, helping to protect cells against oxidative damage. That alone is enough reason to take it every single day, forever. It is necessary for the blood vessels (where PUFAs do some of their worst damage) and also the skin.
Originally called Restore, this is a product we discovered many years ago. It completely transformed our gut health, and we have taken it ever since. What does ION* Gut Support do? You can find out more here but in simple terms it helps seal the gut barrier. It provides redox signaling molecules that help your gut biome (the little creatures living there that you need to stay healthy) communicate and thrive, protecting the lining of your gut from invaders, and allowing your gut biome to diversify. And because your gut and your brain are so intricately linked, this product will benefit your mind as well.
As always, consult with a health professional to explore how supplements can benefit you and contribute to your journey towards a healthier and more vibrant life.