During my sophomore year of college, I fell extremely ill with mononucleosis. My recovery was very, very long (over seven months), and my body was very, very weak. I was exhausted all the time, my appetite was iffy at best, and my muscles had wasted away to nothing. It was terrible! A few months into my mono marathon, I began researching natural ways to boost my energy and feel better overall–and that is when I discovered the power of vitamins!
Since then, I’ve taken an assortment of vitamins each night before bed. I change what I take based on my body, the season, etc. Here are the vitamins that I’m taking everyday at present! (Note: Of course, the best way to nourish your body is to eat well. Also, I’m not a doctor.)
1 | Vitamin C
Why I take it: it’s an immune system booster (especially when weakening is due to stress), and it protects against cardiovascular disease, eye disease, skin wrinkling
What I’ve noticed: I have gotten sick far less since I’ve started taking Vitamin C regularly. I used to have a killer immune system, but after mono, it was significantly weakened. That being said, since I’ve started taking Vitamin C daily, I rarely get coughs and colds, and when I do, I seem to recover more quickly.
Where I buy it: HERE // more information HERE
2 | Vitamin B-Complex
Why I take it: So many reasons! The B vitamins work together to protect my immune system, support healthy hair, skin, and nails (B7 and Biotin are the same thing), hormone support, stave off stress and anxiety, and help convert food into energy
What I’ve noticed: I have noticeably more energy when I take my Vitamin B-Complex. I originally only took B-12, but once I learned how much the B vitamins work in tandem, I started taking this B-Complex.
Where I buy it: HERE // more information HERE
3 | Magnesium
Why I take it: supports nerve, heart, and muscle function, helps build bones, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, is often referred to as “nature’s antidepressant”
What I’ve noticed: Magnesium is my favorite vitamin and would easily be my choice if I ever had to choose just one to take for the rest of my life! Whereas I used to get daily physical anxiety (like a racing heart, shaky hands, tightness in my chest), I almost never do anymore. In fact, over the past year, I’ve kept track of my physical anxiety. It was consistently affecting me about 20-25 days a month pre-Magnesium. Now, I haven’t had a day with physical anxiety in three months. Three months! Plus, it seriously takes the edge off of my menstrual cramps, which are notoriously bad. I love my Magnesium!
Where I buy it: HERE // more information HERE
4 | Folic Acid
Why I take it: Folic Acid helps my body produce and maintain new cells, helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer, helps prevent jumpy legs (the worst), sleep problems, and depression. It is recommended that women of childbearing age take Folic Acid daily as it is critical for fetal development and a deficiency can lead to birth defects.
What I’ve noticed: I hate having jumpy legs (or restless leg syndrome), it is the worst. Since I’ve taken Folic Acid, I haven’t had that terrible jumping-out-of-my-skin feeling once. Yay!
Where I buy it: HERE // more information HERE
5 | Zinc
Why I take it: may reduce the length of colds, helps fight infections and heal wounds, supports the immune system, and supports enzyme functions
What I’ve noticed: Much like Vitamin C, I’ve noticed that I’m healthier overall and overcome sickness more quickly since I’ve started taking Zinc. I usually only take it during the winter months!
Where I buy it: HERE // more information HERE
Oh, and I count out my vitamins for the entire week and put them in a small Nalgene brand travel container (this one). My container lives in my nightstand so that I can take my vitamins before I go to sleep each night! Works for me!
// What vitamins do you take each day? Which are your favorites?
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I love reading other people’s vitamin/supplement regimes! Right now I take a multivitamin, fish oil supplement, biotin (but I may switch to a b-complex now!), and probiotic!
I love reading other peoples’ regimes, too!! Thanks for reading mine! 😉
xo,
b
This is great!! Thanks for posting. I too take a probiotic and fish oil supplement everyday! I just started taking vitamin D recently after learning that I had a deficiency- my doctor recommended taking a combination calcium/D pill because they absorb better.
Hi Heather! Thanks for reading! 🙂
xo,
b
After finding out about having a dairy/gluten intolerance, my doctor put me on a probiotic, calcium/magnesium powder supplement, iron, and Vitamin D/K drops. I live in Wisconsin where the sun doesn’t shine for months in the winter and I always notice a significant improvement in my health when I take them. Thanks for this post because it reminds me why taking vitamins are so important for our health.
Yay! Go vitamins! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
xo,
b
I need to start taking all of these! For the same reasons (it seems) that you do. I notice such a difference with magnesium and vitamin B. I am bookmarking this post for my next pharmacy run! 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading + commenting! 🙂
xo,
b
Curious if there’s a reason you take them at night and not another time of day. Is that what’s recommended or is that just the most convenient time for you? I’m thinking about a vitamin regimen now!
I definitely recommend a vitamin regimen! Obviously! (I would start with b-complex and magnesium since they’re my favorite and then try others as you see fit!)
I take them at night for a couple of reasons. I don’t always eat a substantial breakfast (it takes a few hours for my appetite to kick in), and I don’t like to take vitamins on an empty stomach. (I have a very sensitive tummy!) The magnesium helps me sleep/relax, so I like taking that before bed. Also, vitamins (esp. mag and C) sometimes get my digestive tract going and I’d rather have to go potty in the morning than sometime during the day when I may be out of the house. Finally–and this may be arbitrary “Blair Science”–I like the idea that my vitamins have several consecutive hours to be absorbed! 🙂
Hope that helps!
xo,
b
I’ve been thinking about taking magnesium because I’ve heard it can help with cramping! I used to get (and still do 90% of the time) cramps that make me vomit/have me bed bound for two full days. It is the WORST.
I also get the WORST cramps of all time. I completely, completely get it. Magnesium has really helped to manage my pain. I can definitely tell a difference in the months where I take magnesium each night and the months when I’m less consistent due to travel/etc. I still have to take a lot of Aleve/Advil for two or three days in order to manage my pain. (I basically blacked out last month because of the pain!) Anything to make it even a little better is worth it to me! Hugs! Cramps are just the worst.
xo,
b
Hi Blair! I just found your blog and am really enjoying your posts. I was wondering why you do not take a multivitamin instead, or in addition to your other vitamins? I do not take anything currently, but would like to start. Thanks!
Loved reading your blog, generally I read blogs on health, vitamins and supplements. Appreciate your effort for drafting the piece. What I have noticed is you have not stretched the topic unnecessarily and gave your views up-to the mark.