What Supplements We Take and Why

WENDY

1. Vitamin D: 
Living in NYC, it can be challenging to get enough sunlight (which results in Vitamin D synthesis). I take 1000 IU of this Vitamin D3 capsule daily.

2. Probiotics: 
I just started using this line of Probiotic Acidophilus supplements, to promote an overall healthy GI tract. I take one cap daily.

I’ve been using this site to choose my supplements. They conduct independent testing of supplements based on label accuracy, product purity, nutritional value, ingredient safety, and projected efficacy. I love this site because they also provide a ranking for each product based on quality AND value- which helps you choose a good product that is also within your budget.
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JESS

1. Probiotics
Like Wendy, I also take probiotics daily. Different probiotics are good for different functions within the body. I like to take a probiotic that’s good for women’s health, so I focus more on the strands lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. If you are looking more for GI support, acidophilus (which is the probiotic Wendy takes) is great for you. Here is a brand I like.

2. Fish Oils
Fish oils are tricky because you want to focus more on EPA/DHA vs Omega 3s. EPA/DHA is the active form of Omega 3, so you are better off going straight to the source. These are often more expensive, especially if you take more than 1 gram of EPA/DHA (which I do), so I try to save moolah by copping them at Target or Costco.  I usually recommend fish oil to my patients with high triglycerides and cholesterol who do not eat fish at least 3 times per week. I take this for general heart health and dryness. My optometrist also noted that my eyes were very dry from contact lenses and recommended fish oil to help. It is also a good mood booster.

3. Magnesium
A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with a condition called chronic daily headaches, which is where you basically have headaches for most days out of the month that aren’t really associated with any cause. Since then, I have been taking 400mg of magnesium every day, as studies suggest it’s helpful for people who suffer with chronic headaches and migraines. You have to stay consistent with it, and make sure to take for at least 3 months to see results. Some people find that magnesium is also helpful in alleviating constipation.

4. CoQ10
CoQ10 is great for people who take cholesterol lowering medications also known as statins. There is also research that shows it’s beneficial for people who suffer from chronic daily headaches. I take 100-200 grams of this daily.

5. Riboflavin (or Vitamin B2)
Another goodie for people who have chronic daily headaches or migraines.  Studies suggest that taking high-dose riboflavin (400 mg/day) seems to significantly reduce the number of migraine headache attacks.

As always, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.