Today I am sharing all about the supplements we take as a family. Our favourites, and why we take them! If I had one advice it would be, start sooner rather than later!

Quick links

Multivitamin

Even with a perfect diet, the combination of many things –including our depleted soils, the storage and transportation of our food, genetic alterations of traditional heirloom species, and the increased stress and nutritional demands resulting from a toxic environment – make it impossible for us to get the vitamins and minerals we need solely from the foods we eat!

Thus taking a multivitamin is essential. This is a great podcast by Dr Hyman, Dr. Elizabeth Boham, and Dr. James DiNicolantoni on why we need to turn to certain supplements to combat the nutritional deficiencies—like vitamin D, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, and more!

Ningxia Red is a powerful antioxidant supplement drink made from wolfberry puree, blueberry, plum, cherry, aronia, and pomegranate juices, grape seed extract, Yuzu, Tangerine, Lemon and Orange essential oils, stevia and pure vanilla extract for flavour, and naturally occurring preservatives for stabilisation.

Ningxia Red supports immune function, liver function, and eye health and is reported to increase energy. (I can tell you it's more than reported to increase mine. I can tell within minutes how different I feel after drinking it!)

It is the highest known protection against the dangerous superoxide free radicals, as documented in the S-ORAC test conducted by Brunswick Laboratories. It is rich in ellagic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it has 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, beta-carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E.

It is an excellent whole-food source of nutrients that gives energy and strength to the body without harmful stimulates. It also has an amazing low glycemic index of 11 that does not spike the blood sugar levels. Read all about our ningxia red friend here, and where to get it!

Ningxia Red bone broth Tea-

Our kids love to drink 60 ml of ningxia a day, though often especially during school term, they will have a ningxia bone broth. Which includes half a sachet of ningxia red, teaspoon of manuka honey (above 500mgo.) 4 tablespoons of chicken bone broth, (locally made, frozen liquid organic) and topped with hot water.

Probiotic

Probiotics are critical to protecting and rebuilding the gut. They compete with bad gut bugs and yeast, modulate intestinal function, and are essential to changing and improving immune function. They are also anti-inflammatory, they help us break down food, and they build nutrients. Did you know not all probiotics are the same? Many probiotic supplements you see lined the shelves contain 1 to 10 billion CFU per dose. I first started taking a probiotic for my gut health journey, back in my early 20’s after an exceptionally bad parasite experience!! And four years ago after learning that many probiotics contain synthetics I switched to Life 9 probiotic. (which is from Young living) It is a proprietary, high-potency probiotic that combines 17 billion live cultures from 9 beneficial bacteria strains that promotes healthy digestion, supports gut health, and helps maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system.

Life 9 includes 9 probiotic strains for full-spectrum gut support:

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Bifidobacterium lactis

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus salivarius

Streptococcus thermophilus

Bifidobacterium breve

Bifidobacterium bifidum

Bifidobacterium longum

Did you know that your body contains about the same number of gut bacteria molecules as it does cells for the rest of your body? It’s no wonder then that your gut is so important to your health. Your skin and digestive system alone host about 2,000 different types of bacteria. - Dr Axe

You can get Life 9 here. Reach a minimum order of 100pv and get wholesale! Combine your favourites to create an order that works for you. Read more here

Gut health awareness has skyrocketed over the last couple of years in kids and we're now understanding how good bacteria balance and strong diversity can help enhance our children's health and wellbeing. Our kids have Bioceuticals powder suited for their age, mixed in their smoothie or porridge daily.

Collagen

First, I think a good question to answer is “what is collagen”? Collagen is a type of protein – it is what gives structure to your skin, bones, tendons, organs, teeth, muscles, and blood vessels. It’s what makes our skin plump and soft, our hair and nails grow long and strong, our joints move smoothly, and strengthens our bones and muscles.

Did you know that collagen comes in various types? Collagen supplements are derived from sources such as cow, chicken, fish, or eggs. Each type offers unique benefits, so claiming that one is superior to another may not be accurate. In fact, there are over two dozen different types of collagen, each with distinct functions. Therefore, the choice of collagen depends on your specific health goals. Here's a guide to the most popular options available

Type I Collagen: This type is the most abundant collagen in the human body and is found in bones, tendons, skin, and connective tissues. It provides tensile strength and helps maintain the structure of these tissues.
Type II Collagen: Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage, which cushions joints and provides flexibility and support. It's essential for maintaining joint health and mobility. This is best taken in bone broths made from beef and chicken. (I’ll share what bone broth we use below!)
Type III Collagen: This type is often found alongside type I collagen and is abundant in tissues such as skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. It provides structural support and helps maintain the integrity of these tissues.
This is the one below we have been having, and found the most clean on the market,

Super Vitamin D

Do you know the important role that vitamin D plays in your body? Do you take Super Vitamin D?

Several studies show an association between individuals with higher levels of vitamin D and a lower risk of disease. This shows the importance that vitamin D may have in overall health and wellness.
Vitamin D helps support a healthy immune system, bone growth, and healthy muscle--- it plays a key function in respiratory health and through innate and adaptive defense mechanisms vitamin D supports the body’s respiratory immune system.
It also has an important role in calcium absorption. Calcium and vitamin D work together to protect your bones—calcium helps build and keep your bones strong (along with other important functions), while vitamin D is what helps your body absorb calcium.
Some studies also show that vitamin D may play a role in regulating mood. Clearly, vitamin D is integral for your body to function optimally, so how do we get more vitamin D?!
Vitamin D is produced in the body but only after exposure to UV rays from the sun. Most people do not receive enough sun exposure for their bodies to make sufficient amounts of vitamin D, which results in the need for supplementation.
Young Living’s Super Vitamin D contains a proprietary formula and delivery system that is highly absorbable, vegan-friendly, and is completely synthetic free. This dissolvable tablet is infused with Lime Vitality essential oil and well as Melissa plant oil. The sweet combination of vitamin D and organic lemon balm extract helps support mood and hormone regulation. The formula contains no gluten, soy, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, or nut-containing ingredients and offers 250% of the daily value of vitamin d.
Supplementing with vitamin D, especially during winter months when our sun exposure is limited, is an easy way to boost healthy immune systems. We get out Vitamin D from Young Living, along with the Ningxia Red and life 9! See ALL the options here! Safe for everyone in the family! Effects of antioxidant supplement on immune health and physical wellbeing

Bone Broth

What is bone both?

For thousands of years, there have been traditional foods like fermented vegetables and cultured dairy that have been touted for their health benefits, but one common healing food that is now being recognised for its incredible health benefits is bone broth. Bone broth can be included in basically any healing dietary program as an effective way to help heal the digestive system, reduce fermentation in the gut, lower gas accumulation, and prevent gut permeability and inflammation.

Why is bone broth good for you? Nutrition researchers Sally Fallon and Kaayla Daniel of the Weston A. Price Foundation explain that bone broths contain minerals in forms that your body can easily absorb:

calcium
magnesium
phosphorus
silicon
sulphur
and others
“A study of chicken soup (broth) conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center wondered what it was in the soup that made it so beneficial for colds and flu. Researchers found that the amino acids that were produced when making chicken stock reduced inflammation in the respiratory system and improved digestion.
Also, research shows it can also boost the immune system and help overcome disorders like allergies, asthma and arthritis.
But it’s important to understand that most store-bought “stock” and “broth” today aren’t bone broth or, in some cases, even made from animals. Instead, companies use lab-produced meat flavours in bouillon cubes, soup and sauce mixes.” - Dr Axe

As a family we have a bone broth daily. I have an organic chicken bone broth locally sourced and made. *(p.s you can make your own!)* I add a small teaspoon of Manuka honey for the kids or mix it with Ningxia and warm water for a Ningxia bone broth tea! We mix it with meals too.
I have a beef bone broth from Best of the Bone, every morning with hot water. Australian made Grass-fed bone broth gelatin concentrate with bio-fermented coconut, lemon myrtle, papaya leaf and turmeric. 25 billion good gut bacteria per serve! It tastes so good! I don’t eat beef, drink drink the best part for health. **This is where I source it from.**

Magnesium

Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff—whether it is a body part or even a mood—can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. This critical mineral is actually responsible for over 600 enzyme reactions and is found in all of your tissues—but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain. I loved this podcast by Dr Hyman about magnesium deficiency. “You must have it for your cells to make energy, for many different chemical pumps to work, to stabilise membranes, and to help muscles relax. Yet, so many of us are deficient in this important mineral.”

Magnesium: Meet the Most Powerful Relaxation Mineral Available

Magnesium can help support sleep, muscle cramps, help calm feelings, support digestive system and so much more!! We get a liquid magnesium from our holistic Doctors, and each of us have a dropper daily! I also love Megacal from young living, which is mixed with calcium! Another important ingredient we need.

Vitamin B’s

After I learnt about a genetic mutation that myself and the kids have, ‘MTFHR methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, ‘we have included an extra source of vitamin B’s for overall health support. With MTFHR methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and to keep methylation running smoothly you need optimal levels of B vitamins. Folate, B2, B6, B12, and betaine are all needed in adequate amounts for methylation to work as it should. Without enough, methylation breaks down, and the results can be really catastrophic. Myself and the kids get regularly tested for what our bodies need! Each month it varies what bonus B vitamins we may need. You can read all about MTFHR here, and why finding I have this mutation has been life changing!!!

I hope you found this post helpful!

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided here is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your medical routine.

Feel good from the inside out.