“My Team” — Supplements

It’s that time of year, when everyone is coughing and sneezing.  I’ve had years in the past when it’s seemed like I’ve caught every bug that goes around, but for the past few years, I find I don’t get sick that much (especially considering how much I am exposed to, with being around germy kids so much.)

Sometimes people ask, “What do you do?”  I think they hear that we’re vegetarian and they automatically assume that means we’re health conscious too.  Or maybe they are just curious.  So for what it’s worth, here’s what I do:

1.  B12 shots

I have a monthly B12 shot.  I started doing this when I turned 40.  I believe all vegetarians should supplement B12 regularly, and the sublingual tabs aren’t well absorbed over age 40.  This great Wall Street Journal article explains more about it.  I usually get my shot at Dr Kelly Austin’s office when I’m doing in Rancho Bernardo.  Walk-in shots are available at Henry’s/Sprouts but they cut back their schedule quite a bit.

2.  Neti pot and salt water gargle

If I ever feel like I’m getting a sore throat or nasal congestion, I immediately gargle with some warm salt water.  I also try to remember to use my neti pot daily.

3.  The BEST vitamin D

Doctors are now attributing low vitamin D levels to just about everything under the sun.  (Get it, “the sun”?)   More and more mainstream doctors are checking D levels as part of a routine blood screening.  According to a nutritionist I saw earlier this year, the vast majority of people he tests come up a little low.  He also believes government recommended levels should be raised so even if your level is “fine” it really might not be optimal.

I started taking a liquid form made by Biotics:  Bio-D-Mulsion Forte.  One drop has 2,000 IU which is 500% of the daily value.

4.  Vitamin C

I try to eat some type of C-rich food daily.  This time of year it winds up being two or three Cuties tangerines.  I am such a nut, by the way!  I have been walking right past our beautiful tangerine tree for over a month, then BUYING Cuties at the store.  Duh.  Our citrus trees ripen in the winter.  I also like to eat red or orange bell peppers, which are high in C.   I also like to add citrus to my water (more on that below) or drink True Lemon in water (which contains 25% DV) or Emergen-C (which contains a mix of vitamins and also 1,000 mg of vitamin C.)

5.  Warm drinks

I drink tea!  And I drink it warm (even when it’s hot outside.)  I try not to overdo it on the caffeine.  I do drink caffeinated tea in the morning. I usually have one or two large mugs.  Then I switch to herbal tea for the rest of the day.  I also like to drink half a lemon in hot water.  Most days I do this once or twice.  Yes, I am an old lady!  I remember my Grandma Pearl’s sister Aunt Bea used to do this.

COMING SOON:  more of “the team”