All About Protein Powders and Supplements I Use

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I've been receiving a number of questions asking about the supplements and proteins I use, so I thought I would corral them all in one spot. Generally, I don't take a lot of supplements unless things are really off with my body. In reading this book, I learned that so long as your gut is in good health and you're eating a varied diet with whole, high quality foods, your body should be able to absorb all the nutrients you need, and there shouldn't be a need for additional supplements unless suggested by your health care provider. If you're not quite there yet, you may want to look into gut healing. 

Below are the protein and pre-workout powders I use, as well as the handful of supplements I take mostly on an as-needed basis. Here's what I've got in my kitchen: 

Supplements and Proteins

1. Rootz Nutrition Protein Powder - I love this brand so much. It's a super small business run out of Los Angeles by a guy named Harrison and he's so dedicated to his product and his customers. This protein powder is made with Egg White Protein, Sacha Inchi Protein, and Hemp Protein. It also contains an electrolyte blend of coconut and banana; a superfood blend of Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Maca Root, Bee Pollen, Acai, Goji Berries, Blueberries, Royal Jelly; and a greens blend. It also has Natural Chocolate Extract, Natural Vanilla Extract, Stevia Leaf, Cinnamon, Sea Salt. That's it. Love it. I drink this once every other day, or every two days because I like to vary my post-workout proteins.

2. L-Glutamine Powder - L-glutamine is an essential amino acid needed by your body in large amounts. It's excellent to support digestive and brain health, muscle growth and athletic performance. I put a little in each protein drink I have after my workout. (Side note: L-glutatime is also really good for your dog's gut lining as well.)

3. Activated Charcoal - I never travel without activated charcoal. This isn't something I take regularly, but it is excellent if you've accidentally eaten something bad and feel like food poisoning is coming on. You can also take it as a remedy for bloating or gas, and it can used to treat alcohol poisoning and prevent hangovers. I want to point out that you don't want to take this daily because it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Instead, take it on occasion as needed. You never want to take it in conjunction with prescription medicine because it can interfere with its intended purpose and/or cause adverse reactions. More info here and be sure to ask your health care provider before trying anything new.

4. Prescript Assist Probiotic - This is a high quality probiotic that I like because they're designed to actually reach your digestive tract. Many others get burned up by stomach acid on the way down and never make it there. The casing they use is to designed to get through the stomach acid so that it effectively reaches your gut. I take this once every few days, alternating with another probiotic I like.

5. Betaine HCL - When my body is off, either from major travel or in times of high stress, I sometimes will take these digestive enzymes before meals (or especially before protein-rich meals), as this helps with digestion, especially the breakdown of proteins.

6. Adaptogenic Herbs - In times of major stress, I will take these adaptogenic herbs for about two or three weeks - sometimes up to six weeks, depending on how stressed I am. Adaptogens are a unique herbal blend to help support the adrenals, which are responsible for managing the body's hormonal response to stress. 

7. Oil of Oregano - This is a once in a blue moon kind of thing I'll take. Oil of oregano is extremely potent and is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. You can take it for various infections, but I'd suggest speaking with a nutritional therapy practitioner to see if it's right for you because it really it quite potent. I take it when I feel like I'm coming down with something. It's also good for an initial quick knock-out for candida. 

8. Biohm Greens Powder with Probiotics - I take these daily for their probiotic content and for micronutrient value. I put a scoop in my protein powder which makes my shake taste a little funky but I don't mind the taste if I know it's good for me.

9. Biohm Probiotics - For a probiotic pill, I vary between this one and the Prescript-Assist one I mentioned above. I like it because it's designed to neutralize and break through the digestive plaque barrier that protects bad bacteria and bad fungi that upsets the balance of your gut.

10. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides - I love adding collagen peptides to various foods for added protein. I will add it to my water, smoothies, yogurts - whatever. It's tasteless, so you really don't even notice it. It's excellent for hair, skin and nails, too.

11. Rootz Nutrition Pre Workout - I love this pre-workout so much. It is completely clean - no weird ingredients or fillers. It tastes delicious and it does not give you that jittery feeling that most pre-workouts do.

12. SFH Protein Powder - This protein powder is a tad more processed than I'd like (it has sunflower lecithin which is a lesser evil from the standard soy lecithin). But in a pinch, when I'm out of the Rootz Nutrition, it works. 

13. Vital Proteins Chocolate Whey Powder - I recently ran out of both my supply of SFH and Rootz, but I had this that Vital Proteins sent me ages ago. It is super high quality but there isn't any sweetness to it at all, so you may need to add a little stevia or something if taste is important to you.

I'd love to hear what pre or post workout products you take, as well as any supplements you take whether it's regularly or on an as-needed basis!