32 THE QUEENS COURIER • WELLNESS • MAY 21, 2020 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
wellness
The best probiotics and supplements
to take during coronavirus pandemic
BY HESTER ABA
editorial@qns.com
@QNS
It’s natural that we’re all a little bit
more concerned about our health right
now as we live through these strange
times. While my diet probably has never
been worse (hello quarantine baking!)
I’ve been trying to fi t in daily workouts
and have added some supplements to try
to boost both my mood and my immune
system. And to give myself the illusion
of controlling my destiny when literally
nothing else in my life is under control
(cue hysterical laughter)… Here are
7 brands I tested to help improve my
health:
Seed Daily Synbiotic
Th e Science Bit: Seed is both a pre- and
probiotic specially designed for women,
containing 24 potent strains of bacteria
that have been clinically proven to
not only ease digestion and signifi cantly
increase folate production, but to also
contribute to cardiovascular health and
improve dermatological health.
My Take: Seed is a pricey investment,
and I hemmed and hawed a lot before
pulling the trigger, but out of my whole
supplement arsenal, these have been
the game changer. While I haven’t seen
noticeable digestive changes, I credit
the clearing up of my hormone-related
chin breakouts to these babies. I might
be in quarantine, but I’ve never had better
skin. Shame only my family gets to
see it! Seed’s Probiotics are a subscription
model, so you commit to paying
$50 per month and each month’s package
of pills comes in fully biodegradable
and recycled packaging. Per Seed’s recommendations
I started by taking one
capsule a day and increased to two a
day (on an empty stomach) aft er a couple
of weeks.
Nobi Nutrition Magnesium
Complex Premium
Th e Science Bit: Magnesium is a mineral
that keeps blood pressure normal,
bones strong (especially important for
women heading towards menopause) and
heart rhythm steady. If you lack magnesium
in your diet you’re at risk for
increased infl ammation which in turn
can lead to heart disease, diabetes and certain
cancers.
My Take: Knowledgeable nutritionist
pals of mine say, “If you only take one
supplement, make it magnesium,” and I
happily follow their advice. When I pop
one or two magnesium capsules right
before bed, I fi nd I sleep more deeply and
am less likely to wake up during the night.
I don’t know whether this magnesium is
better than others – it’s just easily available
on Amazon.
Thorne Vitamin D/K2 Liquid
Th e science Bit: Vitamin D3 can help
to support the immune system and helps
to move calcium from the bones to the
bloodstream when it’s needed. In this liquid
supplement (which is an easier form
of Vitamin D for the body to absorb)
it’s combined with Vitamin K2, which is
essential for normal cell formation and
the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular
system.
My Take: It’s a bit tricky to try to
drop the little droplets directly into your
mouth, so I drop them onto a teaspoon
and then lick the spoon aft erwards. I
also give this to my kids on a daily basis
because none of us are getting enough sun
while we’re stuck indoors for most of the
day! It has no taste at all, so there are zero
complaints.
Liposomal Glutathione
Th e Science Bit: Glutathione is one
of the body’s most powerful detoxifi -
ers. It can support healthy immune function
and can neutralize a broad spectrum
of free radicals. Glutathione can protect
our cells from damage caused by peroxides,
pollutants, metals and more, and can
improve metabolic energy.
My Take: I keep this little bottle in the
fridge, and take two pumps fi rst thing in
the morning. You hold the liquid in your
mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing,
at which point one of my kids is sure to
ask me a question so I have to frantically
point to my mouth and signal before they
ask again and again. It’s a fun game.
HUM Nutrition’s Moody Bird,
Arctic Repair and Red Carpet
Th e Science Bit: HUM recommends
this trio of supplements for moms. Red
Carpet contains black currant seed oil,
gamma linolenic acid and vitamin E and
promises glowing skin and shiny hair.
Arctic Repair contains wild arctic lingonberry
seed oil which has been clinically
shown to rejuvenate the skin and reduce
wrinkles. Moody Bird contains dong qui
and chaste berry and is your monthly ally
vs. PMS.
My Take: I love this trifecta of supplements
from HUM, all of which feel very
gentle on my stomach with no nasty
aft er-taste. Th e Arctic Repair and Red
Carpet I take on a daily basis, while the
Moody Bird I take for the week leading
up to getting my period. My hair
is defi nitely in much better condition
than before I started taking them, but
that could be aided by the fact that I’ve
stopped applying any heat treatments to
my hair also.
Welle Co’s “TheSuper Elixir”
and “The Super Booster”
Th e Science Bit: Th e Super Elixir by
Welle (Elle Macperhson’s wellness brand)
is a cult product in Australia, and contains
a combo of 45 naturally derived
ingredients, including whole foods, herbal
extracts, vitamins, minerals and probiotics.
My Take: I fantasize that consuming the
Elixir and super-boosters will magically
transform me into tanned and toned Elle
MacPherson, and they are delicious additions
to your daily smoothie or blitzed
in a blender with just some coconut
water. I love choosing a diff erent Super
Booster every day, with my fave being the
Women’s Libido and Hormone Support.
Th e Pineapple and Lime Elixir fl avor is
super-yummy but friends swear by the
vanilla fl avor.
Sun Potion’s Lion’s Mane and
Astragalus Herbal Supplements
Th e Science Bit: Lion’s Mane is a “mind
power mushroom” that may support
memory, mental clarity, nervous system,
athletic recovery, balanced mood
and immune strength. Astragalus Extract
is a traditional Taoist herb which may
strengthen and protect the skin, metabolism,
immune response and energy levels.
My take: Adaptogens are so hot right
now, but it can be hard to know where to
start. I add these supplements to herbal
tea, stir them into yogurt (they have hardly
any taste) or add them into smoothies.
We’re all focused on physical health right
now, but we need to also prioritize mental
health, and whether it’s placebo or not,
I feel like my brain runs a little smoother
for WFH and homeschooling when I’ve
had my daily dose of these!
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