Vitamins?? Yes, please!

I am sort of a "health nut" and I am an avid believer in the benefits of vitamins.  I took a class in college called "Wellness" (Aka: middle school health) and I distinctly remember being caught off guard when the professor told the entire class that you don't need to take vitamins if you eat a healthy, balanced diet. That's totally not true, and I know this from experience. I eat fairly clean (natural foods- lean meat, veggies, fruits, raw nuts, whole grains, and as little processed food as possible) and can still tell a major difference when I don't take my vitamins. I specifically remember one time that I didn't take them for a whole month (simply because I kept forgetting to buy them) and I felt SO sluggish! Finally I realized what I was missing.  A friend of mine's mom owns a gym and is a major guru, and she explained to me that even with a a healthy diet we are still lacking lots of the vitamins and nutirents our bodies need to be as healthy as possible.  The reason for this because of all the preservatives in our foods and the lack of nutrient-rich soil.  Plus, the average person does not eat enough of the right foods in the right forms (yes, even steaming veggies for a long time causes them to lose nutrients). SO, after lots of research and many years of being a vitamin freak, here is a sneak peek into my vitamin cabinet along with an explanation of WHY I take each of these:

What I take:

1. A multivitamin: I take one specifically for women. And I do mix it up, sometimes taking one for active women, metabolism support, or weight control. 

2. Super B:complex-energy! The B vitamins help convert food into energy and are beneficial in helping the nervous system function normally.

3. Vitamin C: immune support. I'm a teacher, so I think this, along with lots of hand sanitizer, helps to keep me healthy.  Vitamin C cannot naturally be retained in the body, so we have to replenish it.  It supports the immune system by neutralizing free radicals and helping iron get absorbed in the body.

4. Glucosamine Chondroiton: joint support. I have done a lot of high intensity, high impact activity throughout my life.  This is almost like "joint lube" (sorry, that sounds gross!) that helps maintain strong, healthy and flexible joints.  (Warning, this one is expensive, but so worth it!)

5. Flaxeed Oil: (FYI: I sneak ground flaxeed in our food whereever I can as well...oatmeal, PBJ's, grilled meats) These little guys are packed with TONS of benefits....like essential omega 3-s we often don't get in our diet, promoting cardiovascular support. It can help restore the body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins and has been linked to helping depression. I prefer these over fish oil (they are basically the vegetarian version of fish oil) simply because they have the same benefits and don't make you burp those nasty, fishy burps.

6. Burdock root: This is an herb (has to be bought somewhere like The Vitamin Shoppe or an herbal store) that is supposed to help with acne. I'm not sure if it actually works or not, but I know my face is clearer than it once was, so I've just kept it in my regimen.

A few tips:

*Brands don't matter....store brands have the same ingredients and are typically cheaper.

*NEVER take vitamins on an empty stomach! Yikes!!  I always take mine in the morning after a big breakfast, but I have read that it's better to take them at night before bed.

*Drink LOTS of water.  Hydration is SO important for your health anyway, but especially when taking lots of vitamins. (Did you know that the best way to tell if you're drinking enough water is the color of your urine? We're aiming for clear, ladies!) Water helps ensure the vitamins are getting to the right place in your body.

*Your body will get rid of any extra vitamins you don't need (which is why your pee may be really bright or neon when you first start taking them- remember, drink more water!).  I never take two of something, even if the directions recommend it. 

Hope this helps!!