Phase Frame

I’m not a big believer in supplements. I think it is far better to get your nutrition naturally through foods. Primarily local, pastured raised meats and fresh vegetables. However, there are some deficiencies in the modern diet and lifestyle that can be assisted with supplemental vitamins and herbs.

The Supplemental Core

These are the most common, yet essential deficiencies. Addressing them will get you the biggest bang for your buck. Taking care of these core issues will normally have a calming effect, removing feelings of anxiety that your body produces that are intended to encourage you to seek out nutrition.

Zinc (Oysters, Chelated picolinate or orotate supplements)
Magnesium (Seeds, Dark Chocolate, Chelated supplements)
Iodine (Sea Food, Egg Yolks, Iodized salt, Kelp supplements)
Vitamin B12 (Wild Salmon, Methylcobalamin supplements)
Vitamin K2 (Pastured Egg Yolks, Grass Fed Butter, Mk-4 or Mk-7 supplements)
Selenium (Wild Salmon, Pastured Egg Yolks, Selenocysteine supplements)
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Wild Salmon, Fish, Pastured Eggs, Fish Oil supplements)
Vitamin D (The Sun, Vitamin D supplements)

The Supplemental Extra-Mile

Here are some supplements you may want to consider if you’re working out or just looking for that extra tweak:

L-Arginine – Helps increase blood flow throughout the body (can be used to improve muscle growth as well as sexual performance)

Creatine – A naturally occurring substance that let’s you push a little harder and recover a little faster during weight-training if you’re main goal is to gain strength and muscle mass. Makes you very thirsty, so you’ll need to fight to stay hydrated. Most experts recommend that you cycle in and out of use. I no longer use the stuff because it makes me feel bloated and thirsty and I sort of like the more natural, less bulky, toned look.

Tongkat Ali (Pasak Bumi, Eurycoma longifolia) – A naturally occurring root extract that raises testosterone levels and increases sexual endurance. It’s the only natural sexual supplement I’ve seen clear, unequivocal results from. I assume everyone’s body is different, so what has worked for me may not work for you.

Anti-oxidants: There are dozens of anti-oxidant fad products out there that are way over priced. In general, I recommend looking for products that have a high ORAC rating and can be blended into a drink like the Super Smoothie.

Astaxanthin: One of the best anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant products I’ve ever tried. Extremely effective. Even gives your body more time to spend under the sun without burning (literally a natural sun block that comes out in the oils of your skin)

So what are you thoughts on supplements? Do you have any recommendations that I’ve missed?