I had my yearly physical that my husband’s insurance requires, last week. Our awesome family Dr. ordered a slew of labs for me. Which I actually appreciate. It helps give me an idea of where I am and how I am doing. He has so far supported my decision for the way I am dealing with my health. In fact, at this visit, he said, “I am so proud of you! You are doing a great job!” Woo hoo!

As I said, he ordered a slew of labs. And guys! I was so excited! While I was interested in several of them, there were 2 in particular that I was anxious to see. My CRP (which tells you if there is inflammation in your body), and my Vitamin D levels. Well, ALL but 2 of my labs were NORMAL! NORMAL! This was the first time in 2 years my CRP was normal. And My vitamin D was the highest it has been in 2 years as well…and that is in the middle of winter and can’t get outside!

I said 2 of my labs were off, one my fasting glucose wants to be just slightly high, but my A1C was normal. And my LDL was a little high, but my HDL is so good that he wasn’t too concerned. I however, want that number down, so I will be adding some flax and other Cholesterol reducing items. For my sugar level, I am taking Ceylon Cinnamon Capsules, which also help with inflammation.

Before I get into some other supplements I use, please read the Medical Disclaimer. Always talk to your Dr. about taking supplements. Especially if you are on other medications. I have discussed all that I am taking with my Dr. You should as well!

Here are some of the other things I take and why. I started out very slowly, because I know this can be expensive. While I encourage you to try to get as much of these nutrients from your food, sometimes you just need a little help. I am hoping as my gut continues to heal, I will be able to remove some of these and get what I need from food.

(These are listed in no particular order.)

• Fish Oil – I like the Lemon one. It does not taste fishy at all. I keep it in the fridge, it makes it taste better.;) Take it right after a meal and that will keep you from “burping it” and tasting it later. I take this 2x’s a day. After breakfast and after dinner. Why? Omegas, heart health/cholesterol, and it helps with inflammation.

• Probiotics, Dr. Wahls suggests mixing up the ones you take to get a variety of good bacteria. My 2 favorites are Young Living’s Life 9 and InnovixLabs . It is important to get one with several billion CFU’s to get a good variety of healthy bacteria. Make sure whatever you choose is dairy free and gluten free. You should also always store your probiotic in the fridge and take it before bed, so it can work in your gut while your gut is “resting”.

• CureMed – AKA cumin/turmeric This is AWESOME for inflammation!

• L-theanine This is great for stress/anxiety. I never had much issue with anxiety prior to MS. But especially in the beginning I had some serious anxiety. While I started out taking this every 4 hours, I am down to one a day, and only add more if I feel extremely stressed or if I know I am heading into a stressful situation I will take one beforehand. It really helps you stay calm. It is all natural and great!

• High dose biotin helps add vitamin D and also helps with myelin repair!

• Lion’s Mane This is actually a mushroom, but sometimes I can’t handle the mental thought of certain foods. And this is one of them. While I can eat some mushrooms…have you actually SEEN this one?! LOL So I take it in capsule form. Dr. Wahls talks about this in her book as well. It has great support for memory, cognitive, and nerve support!

• Organ Complex again, this is one I take because there is just NO WAY I am eating liver, heart, brain, tongue…the extent of my organ meat intake will be shrimp and clams. And do you have any idea how much of those you would have to eat to do any good? LOL If you can tolerate organ meat, just eat about 12 oz a week and you are good. It has an array of health benefits, not to mention energy! I will continue to take these instead!

• Magnesium has a lot of benefits. pain relief, stress relief, sleep aid…to mention a few! This again is another one to take before bed. Another way to benefit from magnesium to to take epsom salt baths if heat is not a trigger for you. (In the beginning heat was a big trigger for me, but it seems to be getting better.) You may need to try a couple different types of magnesium to find the one that works for you. This is the one I am currently taking. I have also taken this one.

• CoQ10 helps with cognitive, and energy.

• Vitamin D Most people in the Northern US are vitamin D deficient. In today’s world too many of us spend way too much time inside and not enough outside! While I have taken measures to correct that for myself (when the weather is permissible) It is also important to keep your vitamin D up. I read somewhere, (I cannot for the life of me remember where) but I read, that those with MS have fewer flares if they keep their vitamin D levels up. So I try! Discuss with your dr. what is the right dosage for you! I take a little more in the winter than I do through the months that I can get outdoors!

• L-glutamine helps in aiding gut healing.

• B12 Methylation complete helps with myelin repair, and B vitamins as well.

• Calcium I like to take Young Living’s Super Cal Plus. I may get enough from my greens I eat, but I guess I just feel better, since I cannot have dairy.
• and last but certainly not least Alpha lipoic acid helps with nerve support and antioxidants!

I am sure there are other things out there, and there are other things I do and use, but I think this is probably already an overwhelming list. I certainly did not start all these at once. I gradually added to my supply over the course of the year. I researched, and added one at a time. I suggest you do the same! And of course, talk to your Dr about these things! Hope you all have a lovely week! <3