Restore Health With These 6 Nutrients

Rebuilding your health is daunting. You may not know where to start.

But there’s good news! In your lifetime 98% of the cells in your body will die and be replaced with new cells. Hence, this time next year you will be a different person. Perhaps you’re not as old you think 😉

Why do we age? We age because of DNA mutation accumulation and mitochondrial damage in our cells (yes, aging can be prevented!). If your body is toxic, your newly developed cells will be too. So it’s up to you to create an environment in which your cells can grow and divide into healthy, new cells. Supplementing with the nutrients I mention below will give you a head start.

Are vitamin supplements helpful?

The evidence is out and experts are not optimistic about supplements. Studies show that vitamin supplements do not extend life, reduce mortality, or ward off heart disease.

And I agree. Most of the multi-vitamins on the market are garbage. The truth is, your body will only recognize nutrients from whole foods. Supplements are made from lab chemicals and extracted from rocks. The body views synthetic supplements as foreign supplements and might even mount an immune response towards them. Due to the cheap binders in the synthetic vitamins, we can’t even be sure we absorb the nutrients!

Do not waste your time with multivitamins and synthetic supplements, however, there are excellent food-based supplements on the market. While I don’t condone trying to get all of your nutrition through supplements, incorporating nutrients that detoxifies your body and reduces inflammation will speed up the process of healing. This is your first step in your journey towards health.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” regimen, however, the following nutrients are beneficial regardless of your age, sex, ethnicity or health condition.

 

Fish Oil : Rebuilder,  Anti-Inflammatory

Supplementing with fish oil is one of the single best things you can do for your health. I immediately felt better after a few days of supplementing with fish oil.

Fish oil is an extremely effective anti-inflammatory. Studies show that fish oil is equally as effective as ibuprofen in reducing arthritic pain and it’s safer! Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that participate in anti-inflammatory biological pathways in your body. Animal based omega-3 gives you the most benefits but if you are looking for a vegan alternative, flaxseed oil is an option. Our bodies ability to produce the enzyme required to convert the fatty acids in flaxseed oil is impaired. Hence, fatty acids from flaxseed oil convert at a low ratio.

Other benefits: Fish oil also aids in the digestion of absorption of calcium and other minerals. Not to mention cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D.

I recommend 3,000 mg of fish oil.

Probiotic: Rebuilder, Immune System Enhancer

My last post highlights the benefits of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion, absorption and protect your immune system. Do not depend on yogurt to get probiotics. Look for a supplement that provides at least 10 billion CFUs and multiple strains. It takes time for bacteria to colonize in your gut so take it everyday!

Chlorella : Detoxifier, Superfood

Chlorella is a fresh water algae that is rich in Chlorophyll.

Yes, I am asking you to consume algae!

Chlorella is an ancient algae, dating back 2 billion years ago. Chlorella is the first form a of plant with a well-defined nucleus. Chlorella has the highest amount of chlorophyll than any known plant. Chlorophyll participates in the process of photosynthesis, which allows plants to absorb energy from light. You can see why it gives us amazing vitality!

Chlorella is one of the best detoxifiers in the world. Taken as a supplement, chlorella boosts the immune system and increases the oxygen content of the body.  Chlorella also helps chelate heavy metals eliminating them from our circulation.

 

Vitamin D: Immune System Builder

Alert! Vitamin D supplementation is not a fad!

Vitamin D deficiency is very dangerous. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to over 100 diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases and diabetes.

Why is vitamin D so important? Well, it’s actually not a vitamin. It’s a hormone that modulates the immune system and helps you absorb minerals. If you’re not getting enough sunlight (none of us are unless you live on a tropical island) you are probably deficient in vitamin D. You’ll find that if your levels are sufficient you will not get sick. In fact, flu season should be renamed vitamin D deficiency season!

Take 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. The best source of vitamin D is from cod liver oil in which it occurs naturally. You’ll find that it will take much longer to raise your vitamin D levels with an artificial supplement. Use cod liver oil instead!

 

Mineral Complex : Fixing  Deficiencies

Minerals are an important building block for basic health. Without minerals, such as magnesium, chromium and copper, your cells are unable to function properly. A body with sufficient minerals is able to utilize vitamins, fats, enzymes and carbs. As a population we are chronically deficient in minerals. We should be getting minerals from food that grows in the ground, however soils are mineral deficient due to heavy fertilizer use, erosion and abuse.

Opt for an organic, liquid mineral complex that includes herbs and bee pollen, which will help you absorb the minerals. Make sure to take a fish oil with the mineral complex for optimal absorption!

 

Iodine : Hormonal Balance

It’s time for the USDA to wake up and start acknowledging that the population is deficient in iodine. Iodine is commonly prescribed for the thyroid, however other tissues need iodine to function, including the ovaries and bone marrow. Iodine in not only antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal but it also competes for absorption with harmful metals such as bromine, chlorine and fluoride.

Our farmed fish and seafood is not rich in iodine and therefore, our best source of iodine is enriched salt. I recommend J Crows Lugol’s iodine!

 

What to Skip

There’s so much junk on the market today and a lot the artificial supplements can be harmful to your body. Here’s a few products that you don’t need to waste your money on…

Multi-vitamin : Most multi-vitamins are artificial and cannot be absorbed in the body. Studies show that we are not any better off taking multi-vitamins. Unless you can get a whole food based multi I say skip it and get a liquid mineral complex instead.

Whey protein : Among the protein powders whey is the most ubiquitous, however, I’ve always opted for a plant based protein. Whey is mass-produced and contains a lot of preservatives, sugars, and artificial ingredients. Not to mention it comes from cows! Be kind to the planet and buy a plant based protein that has the same muscle-building benefits as whey. Some great plant based proteins include pea, hemp, brown rice or choose a blend of these!

Pre-workout supplements : Just eat a banana. That’s all I have to say about that.
While these nutrients can contribute to excellent health, I want to be clear: rebuilding your health will take more work. Take a look at how much time you spend outside, your stress levels, what you eat, how active you are, etc. As long as you are contemplating making these change it will all start to come together!