Stressed!? What Your Body May Be Craving:

When you’re feeling extra stressed, your body is working overtime to keep up.

That means a higher demand for nutrients, like:

✨Magnesium

We need magnesium for sleep, relaxation, and muscle recovery. But the more stressed you are, the more magnesium you burn through 🔄making you feel even more stressed.

✨B Vitamins

We need B vitamins for energy, brain function, and the production of stress hormones. Some studies show that supplementing with B vitamins can actually help people feel less stressed.

✨Vitamin C

Your adrenal glands release vitamin C along with stress hormones—and stress increases your demand for it. Since humans can’t make vitamin C, we have to consume it.

Here are some ways to nourish your body when stressed:

✔ Eat nutrient-dense foods

✔ Consider high-quality supplements for extra support

✔ Try adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha or rhodiola, to support your stress response

Nutrients are just one piece of the stress puzzle—and no, a handful of supplements won’t make stress disappear.

But they may help your body respond better.

Needing supplement guidance? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cantrell to discuss the best options for YOU!

Nutrients Over Calories!

All calories are not created equal 💥

Let’s take salmon vs. hot dogs:

For the same number of calories, salmon is loaded with healthy omega-3s and B vitamins, but the hot dog? Mostly sodium.

This is exactly what we mean by ✨nutrient density.

Nutrient-dense foods deliver more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds per calorie, compared to “empty-calorie” foods.

It’s like…

🫐 Blueberries vs. Gummies

For the same number of calories blueberries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Gummies? Pure sugar.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes vs. Potato Chips

For the same number of calories, sweet potatoes give you beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.

Potato chips? Processed oils, sodium, and empty carbs.

Whereas any calories will fill you up, nutrient-dense foods actually fuel your health.

They lower inflammation, balance hormones, support digestion, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

✨ That’s why we do things differently around here ✨

We don’t believe in just counting calories. We help our clients transition to nutrient-dense foods that support long-term health.

We’re here to support anyone ready to take their health seriously.

#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #columbusga #colga #nutrients #omega3s #bvitamins #nutrition #foodisfuel #fuelyourbody #foodismedicine #foodasmedicine #vitamins #vitaminrich #nutrientdense

Supplements for Seasonal Support ❄️

3 Supplements to Consider for ❄️Seasonal Immune Support

But first to be clear:

“Seasonal support” supplements are meant to strengthen immune function over weeks or months—not to be confused with “temporary support” products, which are best taken when you’re already feeling unwell.

Here they are!

1️⃣ Reishi

Reishi is a medicinal mushroom, traditionally used as an adaptogen to support stress resilience. It is rich in beta-glucans, which modulate immune function over time. Powdered reishi can be mixed into coffee or brewed as tea.

2️⃣ Probiotics

Since 70%-80% of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut, a healthy gut microbiome is essential for supporting immune defenses. Probiotics can be consumed as supplements or in fermented foods.

3️⃣ Vitamin D

Especially during darker months, consuming enough vitamin D is essential for immune function. Studies show that low vitamin D levels increase the risk and severity of infections. Vitamin D can be taken as pills. If you don’t know your vitamin D level, ask to get it checked!

📌Save this post for later!

References:

-Chen SN, Nan FH, Liu MW, Yang MF, Chang YC, Chen S. Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial. Foods. 2023;12(3):659. [link]

-Wimalawansa SJ. Infections and Autoimmunity-The Immune System and Vitamin D: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3842. Published 2023 Sep 2. [link]

-Yuan C, He Y, Xie K, Feng L, Gao S, Cai L. Review of microbiota gut brain axis and innate immunity in inflammatory and infective diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2023;13:1282431. [link]

My Favorite Antioxidants for Mitochondria 🧬

⬇️ WHY WE NEED ANTIOXIDANTS ⬇️

Antioxidants protect our cells from toxins and free radical damage, but they are especially important for protecting our MITOCHONDRIA.

(for those in the back row—check out my recent posts about mitochondrial function 😉)

The thing is that mitochondrial DNA is less protected than nuclear DNA inside cells, so it is even more susceptible to damage from toxins.

Here are some of my favorite antioxidants to protect mitochondrial function:

▪️ Resveratrol

▪️ CoQ10 (CoQ10)

▪️ Acetyl-l-Carnitine

▪️ Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

It also helps to eat lots of fruits & veggies 🥦🫐🍅🥑🍋

When you’re ready to stop grabbing random supplements from the shelf of the health food store and instead get a personalized plan from a professional, message me for how to get started or visit our website to schedule your first appointment. 🙌

Multivitamins: 3 Questions to Ask

What to look for in a good multivitamin ⤵️

Taking a multivitamin can fill in the gaps of your diet and make sure you don’t miss out on important vitamins and minerals over time. Even people who have healthy eating habits can optimize their nutrient intake with a multivitamin. But the question is:

How do you choose the best one?

When I’m evaluating the quality of a vitamin, I ask these 3 questions:

1️⃣ Is it age-appropriate?

Children need lower amounts of most vitamins and minerals than adults, teenage boys need more zinc to support hormones, menstruating people need more iron to replace lost blood, and older adults have a higher need for vitamins like B12. That’s why it’s helpful to choose a multivitamin formulated for the right age and stage.

2️⃣Are the nutrients bioavailable?

By “bioavailable,” I mean the nutrients are both easily absorbed and readily utilized by the body. For example, methylcobalamin is preferable to cyanocobalamin (these are both forms of vitamin B12) and magnesium glycinate is preferable to magnesium oxide.

3️⃣What are the “other” ingredients?

Some vitamins are loaded with artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and binders. Jump to the “other ingredients” to make sure the product is actually going to help rather than harm your health.

When I’m working with my clients on their nutrition, I recommend professional-grade supplements available through our convenient online dispensary. Most healthcare providers are not educated in nutritional supplements, but it’s something we specialize in.