My Daily Vitamin Supplements

Let’s talk about vitamin supplements!

I would say I eat a healthy diet of food but I have always taken a selection of daily supplements to stay all topped up on certain vitamins.

If you search the internet there is a tonne of research on why we should be taking daily vitamins and why we should not. I think that this can be a controversial topic as some dietitians and doctors would say that you shouldn’t need to take these supplements if you eat healthy but on the flip side others would say you should. The reason for this is because even if you eat a well balanced diet, you can’t measure how much of a certain vitamin you are putting in your body and your body can suffer a deficiency.

I have lost count how many blood tests I have had and that isn’t including the ones I had during my pregnancies. During both of my pregnancies I was borderline anaemic and this was the case even with me taking my pre-natal multivitamins, so I was given a supplement of iron tablets to take. Since being pregnant I have continued to take supplements but specifically the vitamins my body needs.

Here are the daily supplements I take which have, for me, shown to be beneficial, as a recent blood test shows I am no longer anaemic or have any other deficiencies.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

I was recommended Evening Primrose Oil by a family friend who told me all the ways it helps women’s health. After I stopped breastfeeding my periods returned and they were all over the place and at times I would bleed for weeks. I was feeling exhausted and cramping all day every day. I had repeatedly visited my GP and then was referred to a Gynaecologist where I had an internal scan and check and everything showed normal (thank goodness!) The doctor decided it was a hormonal imbalance and that it would clear up by itself or I would have to think about the Mirena contraception, to which I said no! I refused to put any more hormones in my system when my body didn’t feel it’s self to start with.

This is when I decided that I wanted to try taking Evening Primrose Oil supplements and I am so glad I did!! Within a month the bleeding had stopped, I then started having normal and regular periods and I no longer have any cramping..and I mean I never get them anymore, at all!

CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM

I no longer drink cow’s milk as my stomach and head do not react very well to it, thankfully I seem to be ok with certain cheese and yoghurts. I have switched to nut milks and coconut milk which taste amazing and are full of lots of vitamins and nutrients but they do not hold as much Calcium as cow’s milk, so I take supplements.

I also take Magnesium with my Calcium tablets which help promote good health. Some of the benefits of taking Magnesium are:

• Increases energy in the body
• Calms nerves & anxiety
• Helps aid sleep
• Aids digestion
• Relieves muscle aches
• Helps prevent migraines

COD LIVER OILS & OMEGA 3, 6 & 9 OILS

I don’t eat a lot of fish or oily fish so I was told taking supplements would help all though I know they are not as good as the real thing. No matter how much I try I struggle to eat fish regularly, I cook fish at home for the children but I can only eat a little bit.

Fish oils are full of a lots of vitamins that help the body, skin and eyes. Omega 3 fish oils are great healthy fatty acids that the body needs to help support your immune system, teeth, bones and muscles. So if you are not eating as much fish as your should or are like me you don’t like fish, make sure you are taking these supplements or eating other foods that have good fatty acids, like eggs and dairy products.

WHAT I THINK ABOUT TAKING VITAMINS LONG TERM

I personally have noticed the improvement in my health and well-being through taking daily vitamins. If you are unsure what your body is lacking, see your GP or a Dietitian or ask the Healthcare assistant in your local Health Food store or Boots. I get all my supplements at Boots as they are great value for money and always have an offer like 3 for 2. Boots online also offer a service that can help you find the right supplements for your needs, which you can find here.

If you are interested in living a healthier lifestyle check out my tips here and some of my healthy food recipes here.

Do you take daily vitamins? What works for you?