By Audrey Sckoropad
This year, why not give the gift of wellness to our loved ones, or at least contribute to their health by giving comprehensive supplements that promote good immune health? I think this kind of gift is very appropriate in the current situation.
There are a variety of supplements available, and you may be wondering how to choose the best ones for your loved ones. The key, in my opinion, is to take into account the person’s lifestyle, to recommend supplements that can support their good habits and to choose products that are effective and safe. I offer here three sets of supplements classified by level: beginner, intermediate and expert.
The beginner
The beginner is someone who has a fairly normal lifestyle, who is not pushing themselves physically and who is open to learning more about the benefits of certain natural remedies and supplements. For this person, I have selected the following supplements:
- Probiotics are beneficial bacteria similar to those found in the body. They primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract and help maintain the microbiome in balance. Probiotics can be consumed in the form of food, fermented beverages or supplements. There are many strains of probiotics, and each helps create the healthy mix of organisms that live in our digestive system. I like the line of probiotic drinks from Quebec-based Bio-K.
- Natural Remedy for Colds and Flu. This year, there is a product that I plan to offer to everyone around me: the Echinaforce hot drink from A. Vogel. It is a wonderful blend of fresh, organic elderberry and echinacea. This product has been clinically proven to help prevent and treat colds and flu. This syrup is not too sweet and mixes well with a little warm water, or even a smoothie or non-alcoholic beverage.
- Vitamin D3. The sun’s rays are becoming scarcer and the hours of sunlight are greatly reduced during the winter months. The result? Our reserves of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D, drop. Whether it’s for bone health, calcium absorption in the intestine or the ability of our white blood cells to fight infections, vitamin D plays a fundamental role in the body’s functions. It is recommended to take a vitamin D supplement during the winter months. For vegetarians, vitamin D3 is a good choice because it comes from lichen rather than sheep lanolin.
The intermediary
This individual maintains healthy habits, enjoys physical activity, is curious and takes pleasure in discovering new foods and supplements to strengthen their immune system.
- Magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in more than 300 essential enzymatic reactions, particularly energy production. Magnesium deficiencies are a major cause of fatigue, and it is often necessary to use dietary supplements to make up for these deficiencies. The recommended daily intake of magnesium is, on average, 350 mg for an adult. However, the SUVIMAX study conducted from 1994 to 2002 revealed that 77% of women and 72% of men have an intake well below this recommendation. Depending on the form of magnesium you choose, you will get relaxing or energizing effects, and the supplement will be involved in preventing muscle damage or improving cardiovascular health.
- Vegan sprouted protein to add to smoothies, brownies and homemade bars. IronVegan offers a complex of five organic sprouted grains that provide the full spectrum of amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids required for muscle repair.
The expert
This person exudes wellness through their healthy lifestyle and passion for natural and organic options. They are probably a fan or connoisseur of basic supplements, smoothies and green juices. For this person, it may be worthwhile to choose a new product that will introduce them to what’s new in health in the food and supplement aisles.
- Mushroom-based tonic. Host Defense brand MycoShield spray combines five powerful species of mushrooms: agaric, red reishi, chaga, birch polypore and turkey tail mushroom. The synergy of these five mushrooms provides an ideal immune “shield” for prevention, to be used at the first signs of microbial contamination or as a winter tonic.
- Great food to add to smoothies. I really like the ashwagandha booster smoothie from Organic Traditions. Ashwagandha is one of the most important plants in Ayurveda, an alternative form of medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. The powder is extremely concentrated. One-eighth to one-quarter teaspoon of smoothie booster can be added to 8-16 ounces of water, coconut water or any other drink, smoothie or recipe. Make warm tea-like infusions by adding the powder to warm (not boiling) water, adding a natural sweetener of your choice.
