What I Take for Supplements (and Why)

Illustration by Shore Creative

I will admit, I love my supplements. Honestly I was kind of a skeptic, but the more consistent I’ve been with taking them, the more I realize how much they have an impact on my health, well-being and skin. Some of these have been recommended by my doctor, and others I discovered through research, articles, and friends. I get lots of questions about what I use regularly, so I wanted to share some information about the supplements I take and why. Just a reminder, I am NOT a doctor. The supplements I take work for me, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are right for you. Please do your own research and consult your physician before adding supplements to your diet.

Everyday Supplements

Beauty Chef

I don’t know that I have a favorite from Beauty Chef. I alternate between the Collagen, Hydration and Antioxidant Beauty Boost Concentrates. Every morning I’ll add one to a big glass of water and drink it before my coffee. I definitely notice a difference in my overall skin and gut health when I take it regularly.

Vitamin D

Many people are deficient in Vitamin D. Particularly for someone like me that lives in a place where sunlight is quite lacking for a good part of the year, it can’t hurt to take a Vitamin D supplement.

Magnesium

Magnesium has a whole host of health benefits including acting as an anti-inflammatory, help relieving menstrual symptoms, improving bone health, preventing migraines, and relieving anxiety. I take it before bed.

RMS Beauty Probiotic + Prebiotic

This is probably my number one, can’t live without supplement because it definitely helps keep my skin clear. I took it for a month straight and saw a huge improvement in my skin. I ran out, and stopped taking it, and my skin was a mess, so of course I ordered it again and my skin improved. I take this every day and I never travel without it. It’s a really high quality probiotic and is ideal for travel because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

RMS Beauty Digestive Enzyme

I don’t take these everyday but I bring a few when I travel and take after a large or heavy meal to help with digestion.

B12 w/ Folic Acid and B6

Everyone assumes if you’re taking this you’re trying to get pregnant. Yes, it is often recommended for pregnant women or women trying to conceive, but in my case, B12 helps protect against anemia and is essential as a supplement to my mainly animal free diet. Folic acid is essential in the production of red blood cells.

Spirulina

I got Spirulina powder from Thrive market that I add to smoothies regularly (and usually manage to get away without Craig noticing it’s in there).  It’s a superfood packed with nutrients including amino acids, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, E, and B-12.

Ashwagandha

I don’t take the powder form of Ashwagandha every day (it doesn’t taste ideal) but I try to have it a few times a week. I usually mix it with mint tea and manuka honey to mask the flavor. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen meaning that it can help your body manage stress. It can also improve brain function and memory, manage symptoms of stress and anxiety, and decrease inflammation. It can also help balance hormones.