Wondering which supplements to take?
If you suffer from any kind of intestinal inflammation, chances are you’re not getting all the vital nutrients you need from your food. Here are the basics we have used to support the body’s own powerful healing mechanisms.
Remember to discuss all supplements with your doctor and check for any drug interactions.
ONE – Cod Liver Oil – Wisdom of the Ancients
The ancient Vikings, fishermen, and Hemmingway’s “Old Man” all knew the ancient benefits of cod liver oil. The gold or brown elixir relieved sore muscles and bolstered their bodies after battling the elements for countless hours along Scandinavia’s sharp, rugged islands and mainland coasts. The British recognized it as a remedy for rheumatism in the eighteenth century. It reached its peak of popularity in the US in the early 20th century.
Cod liver oil’s health-building properties are now known throughout the world. It’s packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and the powerful omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Scientific studies have shown its ability to reduce inflammation and support immunity.
We’re hard-core fans of the stuff and drink up the unflavored, liquid version. However, you may want to start with the flavored variety. How about cherry, lemon, orange, or mint?
Still squeamish? Start with capsules.
TWO -Vitamin D – Not a Vitamin?
It may come as a surprise, but the “sunshine vitamin” is actually a hormone! The benefits? Vitamin D supports strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Can it make you happy? Try it and let us know.
Ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate dose of Vitamin D3. You can also boost your levels with a walk in the sunshine, egg yolks, liver, and saltwater fish (try some cod liver oil) [1].
THREE – Probiotics
According to research by Dr. Whitney Bowe of SUNY, Brooklyn, and Dr. Alan Logan of the Integrative Care center of Toronto, microbiota in the gut and oral probiotic supplements can “influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycemic control, tissue lipid content and even mood itself.”[2]
Find a brand that works for you, switch it up from time to time, and supplement include fermented foods and beverages like goats milk yogurt, raw sauerkraut, kombucha, homemade lacto-fermented kvass, and homemade pickled veggies in your diet.
FOUR – Multivitamin
Even with a stellar, veggie-packed diet, you might not be getting or absorbing enough of the basics. Get help with a good quality supplement to cover your bases. We like the Garden of Life brand, available from Vitacost.
FIVE – B-12
The Linus Pauling Research Institute at Oregon State University found that people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease are often low in vitamin B-12. Their bodies are unable to absorb what they need from the food they eat.
To boost your B-12 levels fast, use a sublingual supplement or spray [3]. Find one without sugar or artificial sweeteners. Try a naturally-fruit juice sweetened version or a tablet form designed to dissolve under the tongue.
SIX – Vitamin C
Vitamin C fights microbes and supports the work of killer cells in the immune system. And a 2006 study shows that vitamin C may help your body lower CRP inflammatory markers, one of the big Crohn’s benchmark indicators for recovery [4].
SEVEN – Turmeric
Ayurvedic practitioners have relied on the power of Turmeric for centuries. The dark golden-yellow powder contains anti-inflammatory curcumin.
Use it with black pepper for better absorption. Mix with goat’s milk yogurt to soothe a flare-up. My favorite way to take turmeric? A delicious Indian curry or delightful Moroccan tagine.
Remember to check with your doctor to avoid drug interactions with potential blood thinners (especially important with cod liver oil and turmeric).
Sources:
[1] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamind.html
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038963/
[3] http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminB12/
[4] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/3/567.full.pdf
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