A common question I’ve been asked ever since I started my fitness journey 10 years ago is, “What supplements should I be taking? Should I be taking these?” It can be hard to determine which supplements you actually need and which ones you don’t. In an ideal world, your diet would be pristine, your gut would never need to be healed, and you would be able to absorb and digest all of the micro- and macronutrients that you need. Unfortunately, that scenario just isn’t what is taking place in the twenty-first century.
Even with all that we know about nutrition and science, our Western diet is filled with nutrient-poor and calorie-dense processed foods, GMOs, and pesticides. Our soil has even become devoid of nutrients, which means that the whole food grown in it has declined in nutritional value. On top of the declined nutritional value of food, and toxins that we’re exposed to, our stress levels have skyrocketed and many people deal with gut issues.
All of these issues are why we can longer get vitamins and minerals from food alone, and why I believe everyone should use a few key supplements to maintain optimal levels of nutrients. Not all supplement brands are created equal either. There are a lot of supplement companies that claim to be “healthy”, but as soon as you read the ingredient list in their supplements, they’re packed full of fillers and “proprietary blends” – meaning anything could be in it. Protea Nutrition is the best supplement company I’ve found thus far.
Even if you’re the healthiest person you know, it’s likely that you may be deficient of some vitamins and minerals. Even people that eat Paleo or mainly “Bro Foods”, will do blood work and come back with some nutrient deficiencies. Since there’s no way to know which nutrients you’re deficient in without proper testing, taking a high-quality multivitamin is a great start! I take Nourish+ because it was developed to provide a premium blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and fruits in a great-tasting powder for superior absorption. By utilizing the best forms of ingredients, Nourish+ ensures that you are getting the proper nutrients when you need them the most and helps boost your body’s natural immune system.
Unless you eat 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals. Vibrant+ provides essential plant nutrients that are crucial for overall health and well-being, ensuring that your daily diet doesn’t fall short. It contains a blend of micronutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins sourced from reds, greens, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. The Digestive Enzyme blend, composed of specialized enzymes, supports digestion and the absorption of vital nutrients, combating issues like bloating and promoting a more efficient digestive system. Additionally, Vibrant+ targets your microbiome, enhancing the presence of beneficial bacteria to positively impact mood, immune system function, and digestion.
Struggle to get enough protein in? You’re not alone. If you’re trying to build or maintain muscle mass, you should be getting about .8-1.2g per pound of body weight per day. So if you weigh 160lbs, that means you should be getting anywhere from 128-192g of protein. An easy way to add in more protein is with protein powder. I typically add 1 scoop of VePRO to my oatmeal each morning or I drink a smoothie with this added in after my workout.
Being a woman isn’t easy. Our hormones fluctuate by the day, and with that so does bloating, mood, and energy. I try and combat this by taking Baseline+. It is an exclusive blend of nutrients designed to support healthy female hormone levels. Benefits include weight management, a healthy complexion, and increased energy and focus. Look forward to decreased bloating and improved mood with Baseline+
It goes without saying that everyone has unique nutrient needs since we’re all biochemically different. I am clearly not a doctor or dietician. And therefore can’t know what one individual needs, so if you want to know what specific nutrients you’re deficient in, I suggest getting blood work done and speaking to your doctor. However, with all of that being said, Protea Nutrition provides a variety of high-quality supplements packed with vitamins and nutrients that I think everyone would benefit from taking.