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Supplements that keep me in check!!

Sep 5, 2024

9 min read

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I get asked a lot what supplements I use, and why; so here is a list of different supplements I have tried and why I use them! I hope these help everyone as these things are usually very dependant on personal experiences etc. Most of these minus the Moju can be found in my Tik Tok showcase or via my Amazon Storefront.


Biotin; also known as Vitamin B7, is commonly recommended for hair loss due to its key role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Here's why biotin is considered beneficial for hair health:

1. Supports Keratin Production: Biotin is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair. Adequate biotin levels can help strengthen hair strands, improve texture, and enhance overall hair health.

2. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth: Biotin supports metabolic processes, helping convert nutrients from food into energy. This process is important for maintaining hair follicle health and promoting hair growth, particularly if you are deficient in biotin.

 3. Prevents Hair Thinning: A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and even hair loss. Taking biotin supplements may help reduce thinning and restore the thickness of hair by addressing this deficiency.

 4. Improves Scalp Health: Biotin helps keep the scalp healthy by supporting the production of fatty acids, which nourish the scalp and hair follicles. A healthy scalp is crucial for optimal hair growth and reducing hair loss.

 5. Restores Hair After Damage: For individuals dealing with hair loss due to damage, biotin can help with hair repair by strengthening the hair shaft and improving the resilience of new hair growth.

Does Biotin Work for Everyone?

While biotin can be beneficial for those with a deficiency, there’s limited evidence suggesting it helps with hair loss for individuals without a deficiency. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to determine if biotin supplementation is right for you.





I use Nutrition Geeks Biotin with added Selenium & Zinc: https://amzn.to/47dWwBc


 

Collagen; can be beneficial during weight loss for several reasons, as it supports various aspects of your health and body composition.

Here are the key benefits of collagen during weight loss:

  1. Preserves Muscle Mass: Collagen contains specific amino acids (like glycine and proline) that support muscle tissue. During weight loss, maintaining muscle mass is important to keep your metabolism active. Collagen helps repair and preserve muscle, which can prevent muscle loss as you shed fat.

  2. Promotes Skin Elasticity: Rapid or significant weight loss can sometimes lead to loose skin. Collagen is a major component of skin and helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. By supplementing with collagen, you may reduce the risk of sagging skin during weight loss, keeping your skin looking more toned.

  3. Supports Joint Health: Weight loss can put extra pressure on joints as you increase physical activity. Collagen supports joint cartilage and can help reduce joint pain or stiffness, making it easier to stay active during weight loss.

  4. Increases Satiety: Collagen is a protein, and consuming enough protein during weight loss can help increase feelings of fullness. This may help reduce cravings and overeating, making it easier to stick to a calorie deficit.

  5. Improves Gut Health: Some studies suggest that collagen supports gut health by strengthening the gut lining. A healthy digestive system is important for absorbing nutrients efficiently during weight loss, and collagen may help reduce gut inflammation and support overall digestion.

  6. Supports Hair and Nail Health: During weight loss, particularly with restricted diets, it’s common to experience hair thinning or brittle nails. Collagen provides the building blocks for strong hair and nails, helping prevent these issues as your body adjusts to your new nutrition plan.

  7. Helps with Recovery and Exercise: Since exercise is a key part of many weight-loss journeys, collagen helps in muscle recovery and reducing joint discomfort, allowing you to stay consistent with your fitness routine.

  8. Boosts Metabolism Through Protein Intake: Collagen is a form of protein, which can slightly boost your metabolism. Protein takes more energy to digest than carbs or fat, and consuming collagen as part of your diet can help your body burn more calories throughout the day.

By supporting muscle maintenance, skin elasticity, joint health, and digestion, collagen can enhance your weight loss experience while helping you maintain a healthy, toned appearance.






I switch between Applied Nutrition Collagen Powder (with added Hyaluronic Acid and Biotin): https://amzn.to/3Xhl3kc and Healu Liquid Collagen: https://amzn.to/3ThcJ2X


 

Vitamin D3; often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," plays an important role in various bodily functions, and there is evidence suggesting it may support weight loss efforts.

Here are the key ways Vitamin D3 can influence weight loss:

  1. Improves Fat Metabolism: Vitamin D3 helps regulate the body’s ability to break down and use stored fat for energy. Adequate levels of Vitamin D3 may promote better fat metabolism, making it easier for the body to burn fat during weight loss efforts.

  2. Supports Muscle Function: Vitamin D3 is essential for muscle function and strength. Since lean muscle mass boosts metabolism and helps burn more calories at rest, maintaining adequate Vitamin D3 levels can support muscle health, particularly during weight loss when muscle preservation is key.

  3. Reduces Fat Storage: Some research suggests that Vitamin D3 influences the storage of fat in the body. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with increased fat storage, especially in the abdominal area. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 may help reduce fat accumulation and support a leaner body composition.

  4. Regulates Appetite: Vitamin D3 may play a role in regulating hormones that control hunger and appetite. It is thought to affect leptin, the hormone that signals satiety. When Vitamin D levels are balanced, it can help reduce overeating and curb cravings, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss.

  5. Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress: Vitamin D3 is known to boost serotonin levels, which can help improve mood and reduce stress. Stress often leads to emotional eating or cravings for unhealthy foods, so maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels can help manage stress-related weight gain.

  6. Supports Insulin Sensitivity: Vitamin D3 improves insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Better blood sugar control can reduce spikes in insulin, a hormone that promotes fat storage, especially around the abdomen. This can make it easier to lose weight and prevent insulin resistance, which is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

  7. Combats Inflammation: Obesity is often associated with chronic inflammation, which can slow metabolism and make it harder to lose weight. Vitamin D3 has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, potentially making it easier to achieve weight loss goals.

  8. Increases Energy Levels: Vitamin D3 plays a role in boosting energy and improving physical performance. When your energy levels are higher, it becomes easier to stay active and engage in regular exercise, which is essential for weight loss.

  9. Helps with Fatigue and Sleep: Low levels of Vitamin D3 have been linked to fatigue and poor sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for weight loss, as it regulates hormones like cortisol, which can trigger fat storage when elevated. By improving sleep quality, Vitamin D3 can support weight loss efforts indirectly.

Does Vitamin D3 Alone Cause Weight Loss?

While Vitamin D3 can support the weight-loss process, it is not a magic solution on its own. Its benefits are best realized when combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and overall lifestyle changes. For individuals with a Vitamin D deficiency, supplementing with Vitamin D3 may enhance weight loss efforts by improving metabolic health, reducing cravings, and supporting muscle function.


I use Nutrition Geeks Vitamin D3 & K2: https://amzn.to/3XtOFfE


 

Vitamin B12; also known as cobalamin, is essential for many body functions, particularly those related to energy production and metabolism.



 


I use Vivo Life Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid: https://amzn.to/4dSdRCa


 

Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form of magnesium that offers several health benefits due to its combination of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid.

 

Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Improves Sleep Quality: Magnesium glycinate has a calming effect on the body and brain. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters that promote relaxation, while glycine has been shown to improve sleep quality. Together, they can help reduce insomnia and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

  2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Magnesium plays a critical role in regulating the body's stress-response system. Magnesium glycinate is particularly effective in reducing anxiety because of its calming properties, thanks to both magnesium and glycine, which help lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

  3. Supports Muscle Health: Magnesium is essential for muscle function, including muscle relaxation. Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for reducing muscle cramps, spasms, and soreness, making it useful for athletes or those with muscle tightness.

  4. Enhances Bone Health: Magnesium works alongside calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones. Magnesium glycinate is easily absorbed by the body and can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

  5. Supports Heart Health: Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm and can lower blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health. Magnesium glycinate, in particular, is gentle on the stomach and does not have the laxative effect associated with other forms of magnesium, making it a good option for long-term heart health support.

  6. Improves Cognitive Function: Magnesium supports nerve function and cognitive health by regulating neurotransmitters and maintaining normal brain activity. Magnesium glycinate can help improve focus, memory, and mental clarity.

  7. Balances Blood Sugar: Magnesium plays a role in glucose metabolism, and taking magnesium glycinate can help stabilize blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

  8. Helps with PMS Symptoms: Magnesium is known to help with common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and cramps. Magnesium glycinate’s calming effect can further reduce PMS-related discomfort.

  9. Supports Gut Health: Unlike some forms of magnesium that can have a laxative effect (e.g., magnesium oxide), magnesium glycinate is gentle on the digestive system and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset, making it suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.

  10. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Both magnesium and glycine have anti-inflammatory effects. Magnesium helps reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of health issues like heart disease and arthritis.

Overall, magnesium glycinate is highly absorbable, gentle on the stomach, and particularly beneficial for managing stress, improving sleep, supporting muscle and bone health, and promoting overall wellness.



I use Nutrition Geeks Magnesium Glycinate 3in1: https://amzn.to/3ZcOs1K.


 

Probiotics; can be beneficial when taking GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide or liraglutide) for several reasons, mainly due to their impact on gut health and metabolism. GLP-1 medications, commonly used for weight management and type 2 diabetes, work by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar, insulin response, and appetite. However, these medications can sometimes affect digestion and gut function. Probiotics help counterbalance these effects and support overall health.

Here's why probiotics are useful in combination with GLP-1 medications:

  1. Improves Gut Health: GLP-1 medications can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or bloating. Probiotics help balance gut bacteria, improving digestion and potentially reducing these symptoms. They promote healthy bowel movements and reduce digestive discomfort, making the medication easier to tolerate.

  2. Supports Digestion: GLP-1 medications slow down gastric emptying, which helps with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, but it may also lead to bloating or discomfort. Probiotics aid in digestion by supporting the breakdown of food and improving nutrient absorption, helping to minimize digestive issues associated with slowed gastric emptying.

  3. Boosts Metabolism: Some strains of probiotics are linked to improved metabolism and weight management. Since GLP-1 medications aim to regulate glucose levels and support weight loss, probiotics may enhance these effects by supporting healthy gut bacteria that play a role in metabolism and energy balance.

  4. Enhances Immune Function: Probiotics help boost the immune system by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Since gut health is closely tied to immune function, taking probiotics can help prevent infections or inflammation, which is important for overall health, particularly when taking any medication.

  5. Reduces Inflammation: GLP-1 medications can sometimes cause mild inflammation in the digestive tract due to changes in how food is processed. Probiotics help reduce gut inflammation by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria, which can improve gut barrier function and prevent harmful bacteria from causing inflammation.

  6. Promotes Weight Loss Synergy: Both GLP-1 medications and certain strains of probiotics, like Lactobacillus gasseri and Bifidobacterium breve, are associated with weight loss. Combining these can create a synergistic effect, where the appetite-suppressing and metabolic benefits of GLP-1 medications are enhanced by the gut-balancing effects of probiotics.

  7. Improves Nutrient Absorption: Since GLP-1 medications can alter digestion, probiotics help ensure that nutrients from food are absorbed efficiently. They promote a healthier intestinal lining and can help improve the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, which is especially important during weight loss.

  8. Reduces Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of GLP-1 medications. Probiotics, particularly those with strains like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, help regulate bowel movements by promoting healthy bacteria that improve gut motility, thereby alleviating constipation.

  9. Maintains a Healthy Microbiome: GLP-1 medications can sometimes affect the balance of gut bacteria by altering how food is processed and absorbed. Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall health.

In summary, taking probiotics alongside GLP-1 medications can help alleviate digestive side effects, support gut health, enhance metabolic function, and improve overall well-being, making the weight loss and health benefits of the medication more effective and sustainable.






I have tried a few different options so far and my favourites are Known Nutrition Pre and Pro Gut Support https://amzn.to/4cRqpIJ and Moju Raspberry Gut Health Shot (code gives 50% off first order). http://rwrd.io/seehmjn?c


 

Sep 5, 2024

9 min read

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