It’s a Supplement Jungle Out There. What Works and Why. Bonus Guide and Tips.
I’m sure you’ve noticed, it’s a supplement jungle out there! There’s lots of noise and confusion around which supplements to take and why and countless dubious companies making products with questionable ingredients.
Especially now with everyone looking to boost immunity against COVID. This is really sad because the right supplements at the right time can make a 180 degree difference in an executive’s daily performance and recovery. I’ve seen it in myself and my clients for years.
In this post, I want to answer one of the BIGGEST questions I’m getting right now, “Which supplements should I really be taking?” within the context of my personal experience. Remember, I’m not a doctor and always recommend talking with your doctor before taking any supplements. But, as a national board certified health and wellness coach, functional medicine certified health coach, certified personal trainer, and an executive, I can share my personal journey and thoughts on supplements to help you begin to navigate the jungle!
AND I’ve added a BONUS GUIDE to download and CLEVER TIPS to help you along the way!
MY JOURNEY: Skeptic, Electric Pee, and Energizer Bunny:
Yes, that headline sums up how I started my supplement journey about fifteen years ago. A member of an elite fitness club in Chicago’s River North neighborhood and a marketing executive at the time, I met with a nutritionist to help boost my daily energy and performance.
Besides suggesting some odd dietary changes (which I can now honesty say didn’t make sense), she recommended several supplements. Even though I had been a skeptic for years regarding supplements, I thought I would give them a try. So I walked out with a bag full of plastic bottles and started taking them the next day. And here’s what happened:
My pee was absolutely electric … think Gatorade .. all day..
I couldn’t sit still in my desk chair. Just imagine the Energizer Bunny bouncing off the walls ..that was me! I was not looking for that kind of energy!
My stomach hurt. And I’ve never been prone to stomach aches or digestive issues.
I felt ridiculous for spending a lot of money and making myself feel worse.
I remained a skeptic for several more years until I met my Functional Medicine doctor and she prescribed my supplements.
No Longer a Skeptic and Incredible Daily Performance at 50
Where am I now on supplements? Well, first I’m no longer a skeptic. The right ones at the right time work! I have the blood tests to prove it. And I’m psyched to say that at age 50, my daily performance and recovery have never been better!
Is this solely because of taking the right supplements? Absolutely not. As you can imagine, I follow a deliberate lifestyle plan; however, I can honestly say following the supplement protocol prescribed by my Functional Medicine doctor took my body’s daily performance and recovery to a new level - that final piece in the 180 degree turn.
For example, in January 2020, I literally climbed my first mountain within hours of getting off the plane after hosting the Christmas holidays and launching a new business division in Q4. After the climb, I felt awesome, relaxed by the pool, headed out to a delicious dinner, drank a margarita, and slept like a baby.
So what happened all those years ago in Chicago? I believe it had to do with inferior ingredients and formulations (there have been amazing advancements) and not drinking enough water! Most of us walk around dehydrated.
Now back to YOUR BIG question, “Which supplements should I really be taking?”
I’m going to answer this in three ways:
Always ask your doctor. But, be prepared that many traditional MDs and DO’s have limited knowledge of supplements. It’s best to find a MD or DO trained in Functional Medicine who can order and read blood tests to prescribe your supplement protocol. If you need a doctor recommendation, ask me here.
Never buy cheap. There are some things in life that you can cut corners on but supplements are not it. Trust me. You will waste time and money and end up with electric pee and no results :(
I’ve created the Energy Boss Foundational Supplement Guide that you can download here. It runs through what I believe are key foundational supplements for executives, why, and the scientific links so you can read the research. Use this guide as a helpful resource with your doctor.
TIPS: Clever ways to use supplements in common every day scenarios (once approved by your doctor):
You ate too many sweets, you’re on a sugar high: Take 1 alpha lipoic acid, eat 2-3 oz of protein, and drink 12 oz of clean water
You feel that you might be getting a migraine: Take CoQ10 with 12 oz of water
You had a tough workout: Take vitamin C, magnesium, eat 4-6 oz of protein and 1/2 cup of carbohydrates, and drink 12 oz of clean water
You had too much wine before bed: Take 1 alpha lipoic acid, eat 2-3 oz of protein, and drink 12 oz of clean water
You are feeling stressed and want wine: Mix 1 scoop of magnesium into sparkling flavored water (ex. Spindrift) with ice
And just in case you’re wondering, here are the supplements that I take every day according to my doctor’s recommendations:
Multivitamin - nutrition insurance, I put in my morning smoothie
Ashwagandha - for healthy stress response
CoQ10 - supports optimal energy in your 40’s+, powerful antioxidant, strong anti-inflammatory, heart benefits
Vitamin D3: 5,000 IU - a MUST .. like brushing your teeth. Acts as a hormone in your body. (see guide)
Alpha Lipoic Acid - insulin regulation, liver detox, powerful antioxidant, cholesterol benefits
Vitamin E - powerful anti-inflammatory, heart and skin benefits
Fish Oil - joints, heart and cholesterol benefits
Fiber - heart and cholesterol benefits
Vitamin C: 1,000 mg - powerful antioxidant, immunity boost, post workout recovery
Magnesium - post workout recovery, relaxation, preparing for sleep
And don’t forget your water! Your body uses water as a catalyst for every chemical reaction in your body. Drink a minimum of 64 oz/day to replace the water used to breathe, perspire, and eliminate waste. IDEALLY, drink 1/2 your body weight in oz/day.
If you’re thinking, “I’d like to develop my own unique healthy lifestyle rather than any one-size-fits-all approaches,” then coaching may be right for you. Supplements are just one part of developing what works best for you and your wellbeing. If you’re ready, let’s talk and see if we’re a fit.