♥ Happy December 1, 2023!
Lindsey Riel Girl Mom | Texan | Web Designer
Sharing my favorite supplements is something I’ve always been super passionate about. I actually found a post from back in 2011 that I wrote with my favorites, and it makes me laugh because I’ve come so far!
As a teenager I suffered from migraines so intense I’d end up in the emergency room after a few days of being in bed with my head under a pillow. Several Neurologists later, I discovered I’m allergic to aspartame. The Neurologist that helped me understand this back in 2000-something, before any sort of health movement took place, had me read a book by Dr. Hyman. That book sent me down a rabbit hole of nonstop learning that continues to this day.
If I can use a supplement for something to improve my quality of life, and avoid prescription medication, sign me up.
Note: I’ve been able to monitor the effects these supplements have had both in the way I feel, and using my Whoop app. If you’re unfamiliar with what a Whoop band is, it’s a health monitor that takes things next level. A lot of professional athletes wear them because of the in-depth metrics it provides.
Why?
Stress, anxiety, mental fatigue.
What Does It Do?
I’ve heard and read about this supplement for years, but only recently began using it myself. Needless to say, I wish I’d have tried it sooner. You’ll find this in a lot of nootropic formulas for focus. I take one if I’m super anxious, or if my brain is overstimulated, and usually before bed either way. It has a very subtle calming effect that can only be described as feeling as though your “normal” baseline was restored. You don’t get a weird hazy feeling, or any of the awful side effects a prescription medication would give you. It’s just… normal. I take 100mg instead of the recommended 200mg because I’ve never needed more than that. A lot of the bottles you’ll find online are 200mg, but I would start with the 100 and just take another one if you need it.
Why?
Stress, anxiety, mental fatigue.
What Does It Do?
There are several different kinds of magnesium, but the one I take daily is Magnesium Glycinate. Huberman, and all the online health gurus preach magnesium supplementation, so I found the one that works best for me and take it before bed with my L-Theanine. My Whoop sleep metrics improved drastically with this combo.
Why?
Self-explanatory.
What Does It Do?
If you’re looking for a water pill, don’t. Get this stuff instead.
Why?
Everyone needs fiber!
What Does It Do?
These are Beauty Fiber Pills for Sparkling Skin, Bloating Relief & Weight Management. Another thing all of the super smart health people on the internet will tell ya, is you need fiber. I love this brand.
Why?
Brain fog, muscle growth, recovery, hydration, mood, exercise performance… and the list goes on.
What Does It Do?
Creatine is perhaps the supplement I hear about most these days, for all the above mentioned reasons, and then some. I was skeptical that it really improved anything that much, because it sounded too good to be true, but as soon as we began incorporating it in our daily routine I noticed a huge difference in my mood and just how I felt overall. If you don’t try any of the other supplements I mentioned, try adding creatine into the mix.
Why?
Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, whatever you want to call it. This helps your brain laser focus.
What Does It Do?
I’m one of those who didn’t discover they had ADD until I was in my 20’s. It wasn’t until my 30’s that a doctor prescribed Vyvanse, and then Adderall. I’d heard horror stories about addiction with those things, so asked to be put on the lowest dose possible, and extended release. At first I thought it was a miracle drug, but quickly realized it was making me super anxious and less productive overall. I dove into nootropics and tried a few, with mediocre results. I then researched even further and discovered one of the main ingredients in each cognitive function related formula was Alpha GPC. I freaking love this stuff.
Why?
Energy! Focus! Metabolism! and nervous system support.
What Does It Do?
If you’re tired all the time, chances are you need to drink more water and get better sleep, but if you’re doing that and still tired – it’s likely you need a B Complex supplement. Thorne is an amazing brand, and this formula covers all your bases.
These are my regular go-to supplements, but if there’s something you’re looking for not listed above, leave a comment below and I can shoot you a recommendation. If you found this post while looking for ways to improve your overall health, don’t forget to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. You’ll get crazy energy from that, and feel so much better.
