Supplements…. they can be tricky. What works for one person might not work for another. It definitely depends on what that person CURRENTLY needs, physically and mentally. Not to mention how their body reacts to certain homeopathic ingredients, ya know?
That being said, the Kiwi has to be EXTRA careful with taking certain supplements due to the racing/drug testing protocol. Heck, caffeine was once banned on the banned substance list. Good thing it’s not anymore! And me? Well, I have a sensitive stomach, so it’s always hit or miss with that works.
Okay, let’s get to these supplements. And just to let you know, we’re not telling you to go take them, we’re just simply stating how they’ve worked for us. Disclaimer in layman’s terms. Mmmm k?
First let’s talk about a new source of Non GMO Omegas Oils. Be Bright Superfood oil from Coroemega.
Coromega is one of my favorite fish oil supplements. Yes, I eat a lot of fish anyway, but I like that Coromega has Vitamin D added for absorption.
Be Bright is their new Superfood oil and I’m totally diggin it. It’s made of plant based oils and seeds.
We like to alternate our Omega sources between plant based and cold water fish. I find it beneficial to vary our sources of nutrients, just like you would your daily intake of vegetables. Ya know?
This creamy oil tastes like hemp and avocado combined. I’ve been adding it to my smoothies and mixing into gluten free oatmeal.
Next up is Coconut Charcoal. Yes, I said Charchoal.
![image[2]](https://www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/image21.jpg "image[2]")
This is not a supplement we take daily. It’s more of a detox supplement. Even though I hate the word detox, it’s the best way to explain it’s usage.
Here’s what charcoal is used for –> Thanks to Wellness Mama and Bulletproof Coffee for the info.
- Activated charcoal is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous or toxic substances up to 60%. (Toxins from low quality, processed food, and environmental pollution)
- It works by adsorbing chemicals, thus reducing their toxicity (poisonous nature), through the entire length of the stomach and small and large intestines (GI tract).
- Activated charcoal itself is a fine, black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.
- It’s uses as a detoxification agent go well beyond just ingestion. It can be used to cleanse your teeth and face, effectively removing toxins from these areas, as well.
How we’ve been using this? I mainly use it when I travel, have too much wine (hey, it happens), or when I have gone to eat out and feel like the food was poor or had hidden gluten in it. Yes, that happens too. So I’d say I take this 3-8x a month. And when I do, I definitely feel better the next day, stomach and all. Could be placebo, could be real deal. Either way, I’m enjoying it as a “safety net” you might say.
Last but not least, more ADRENAL support. I’d say these supplements are more for the Kiwi, but I have taken both when under a lot of stress (mentally and physically). We take these in phases, not continually.
![FullSizeRender[1]](https://www.cottercrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FullSizeRender1.jpg "FullSizeRender[1]")
The reason I really like the Cortisol Manager is because it helps the body with regulating the natural rhythm of your cortisol hormone (high in morning, low at night).
The two ingredients we have found most beneficial when regulating cortisol and and adrenals are below.
phosphatidylserine
– phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid nutrient that is most concentrated in organs with high metabolic activity, such as the brain, lungs, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle. Phosphatidylserine supplementation has the potential to attenuate the serum cortisol response to acute exercise stress. (Source and Study)
Ashwagandha
– an herb with an adaptogenic benefits. Adaptogens are substances (a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and herbs) that help naturally regulate your response to stress or environmental changes – Source
So why the two? When my husband races a lot, it can be stressful. Especially with back to back races, long hours of travel, exposure to sun/toxins, etc. I like to have him take this the week of the race and after to help off set any additional stress.
AdreCor doesn’t have either phosphatidyleserine or Ashwagandha, but it does have another propriety blend of minerals and adaptogens that I like. Plus 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) which supports the nervous system. You might want to read the difference between folate and folic acid here! Super important! I have been taking this on and off when needed.
Again, every one responds differently with supplementation. I would definitely talk to your practitioner before taking any of these (I did). But it’s good to know what’s out there and what’s working.
Have a MARVELOUS Monday.
Any new supplements you have found worked well for you?
Cheers,
LC
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Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 13, 2014 at 5:29 AMI’ve thought about trying a fish oil, but still haven’t tried one.
And as for charcoal, I hear a lot of people say it helps ease a “gluten-ation” problem, but I’ve never tried it!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
October 13, 2014 at 5:52 AMI’m not knowledgable in the way of supplements so this is helpful. I don’t take any supplements on a regular basis but do try to get in probiotics from fermented foods and supplement if any of us have to go on antibiotics. Does the charcoal have any negative side effects?
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 6:05 AMI have not seen any negative effects. But i don’t use it every day. Mainly when i eat out and maybe don’t know the ingredients, like Rebecca mentioned. Glutenized. I think it helps a lot with easing my stomach
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
October 13, 2014 at 5:41 AMI don’t take any supplements right now. I have taken fish oil in the past, but got out of the habit and didn’t start again. I should because I know I don’t get enough omega 3s from food.
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 6:05 AMi have found that the kids really like the coromega too!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
October 13, 2014 at 6:20 AMLove these! I used to love taking ashwagandha until my dr. told me it decreases estrogen. oopsy.
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 6:38 AMhmmmm, how much were you taking? It depends on what you take it with.
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 6:39 AMI wouldn’t take it just by itself. I’m curious about your doctor. haha. sorry
CARLA says
October 13, 2014 at 6:20 AMOOOH I did the coromega ages ago…for the CHILD when she was tiny!
I need to get back to it, too.
Amanda @runtothefinish says
October 13, 2014 at 6:27 AMOh you know I’m interested!! hoping I get a cortisol test completed soon to see where that’s at
Marcia says
October 13, 2014 at 6:39 AMI love those fish oil packets for travel!
I have taken charcoal (Caveman is a fan) when feeling awful after over indulging and it was amazing.
Also a fan of adaptogens.
Need to check out these cortisol ones!
Jennifer FIsher says
October 13, 2014 at 6:44 AMI do take some . . . . at this point, not sure what they are really good doing, or if actually ARE doing good things for me and if I stopped then I would really like crap. agggggh
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 6:55 AMwhich ones?
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
October 13, 2014 at 6:54 AMSuper informative Lindsay! I’m definitely intrigued by the first one.. I don’t take many supplements other than vitamins but I know I should do some research to figure out what would be beneficial to add to my diet.
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 3:00 PMI actually think you’d like the superfood oil for recipes too. It’s pretty creamy!
Maureen says
October 13, 2014 at 7:40 AMI need to look into the charcoal one….a few weeks ago we had dinner at a relatives house and I was so sick the next day {pretty sure the meal wasn’t GF like I was told}. This would have hopefully helped. Oh, and for when I drink wine. 😉
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 3:06 PMyes, totally bring that stuff to dinner. I do!
Megan (The Lyons' Share) says
October 13, 2014 at 7:51 AMI definitely believe in rotating supplements. Aside from the fact that I love experimenting, which makes me rotate a bit, I believe that our needs change dramatically over time.
I am all about the charcoal after too much drinking :), and have tried ashwaganda before, but the Coromega and the 2 specific adrenal supplements are new to me. Do you have a specific way to check the quality / bioavailability / etc. of each brand of supplements before trying? I usually Google / try to check Labdoor but don’t have a reliable resource.
Love learning from you – thank you for sharing!
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:38 PMSo I usually go by this article with bio-availability. http://chriskresser.com/the-definitive-fish-oil-buyers-guide. And as I mentioned in our tweet, i rotate oils. The coromega is good for travel, ya know? But I do have a krill oil i love as well.
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy says
October 13, 2014 at 8:07 AMMarvelous shares! I needed exactly to hear the adrenal support supplments as I suffer from fatigue and a weak adrenal system. How much do they cost?
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:40 PMDo you have a practitioner you can talk to before purchasing these? Or even an apothecary? they usually carry these supplements and you can talk with their nutritionist, etc.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
October 13, 2014 at 8:23 AMAwesome info here. I’ve never personally tried activated charcoal but have heard how powerful it is. And Ashwaganda is great for hormone/thyroid help, too!
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:59 PMI knew you’d love!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
October 13, 2014 at 8:30 AMGreat post, Lindsay! I love learning about new supplements (even though I try to keep mine to a minimum) but these are 3 I’ve definitely been curious about recently. I haven’t heard of this brand of fish oil and have just been taking the same capsules I’ve been using for the past year or so, but would love to know the same info as Megan regarding a source that publishes the bioavailability of the supplement. Do you know of any aside from Labdoor? I see they gave Coromega a C but would love to see other opinions as well, in addition to a source that also provides this sort of info for adrenal supplements. Regarding the charcoal, I’ve heard Dave Asprey talk about it so so much but haven’t tried it yet. I’m thinking I should give it a go, mostly in travel situations or if I suspect gluten, as you said – it happens!
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:46 PMHere’s what i said to Megan – So I usually go by this article with bio-availability. http://chriskresser.com/the-definitive-fish-oil-buyers-guide. And as I mentioned in our tweet, i rotate oils. The coromega is good for travel, ya know? But I do have a krill oil i love as well.
Meg @ A Dash of Meg says
October 13, 2014 at 8:33 AMawesome post babe!!!!! 🙂 i think we need to chat!!!!!! i have something to share with you 🙂
misszippy says
October 13, 2014 at 8:39 AMThese were really interesting to learn about–all of them new to me! I’m not much of a supplement person, but at 48, I have started using a natural menopause supplement (lots of black cohosh) just to keep any symptoms at bay. Getting old is so much fun! ; )
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:47 PMbeing a woman in general is fun. HA
Jody - Fit at 56 says
October 13, 2014 at 8:41 AMNever heard of these Lindsay! Very interesting!!!!! I may have to check into that stress one! 😉
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:51 PMi’ve been needing it more lately. haha, you know
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
October 13, 2014 at 10:00 AMVery interesting! Especially about the charcoal, been hearing a lot about that.
I currently take cod liver oil and a magnesium (pure pharma M3) supplement daily – my muscle recovery has improved so much since the M3!
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:50 PMoh those are great supplements, for sure!
Sarah says
October 13, 2014 at 10:16 AMI will have to check into the superfood oils, looks like it would be great addition instead of trying to rotate all the time as I use almost all of them (except Black Cumin Seed Oil, and I eat chia seeds but not the oil).
I find the charcoal interesting as it was suggested when we were in Ireland. As I avoid dairy and there weren’t many other options there (and being there for a month it was hard) it was suggested as something to take to help when I did have dairy. Luckily I actually tolerated the small amounts of dairy I had there and have since tried to balance a little better back home.
Yes supplements aren’t a one size fits all and I love that you added that as well as your thoughts. Thank you for sharing!
Umm caffeine ban, no coffee, that’s crazy! 😉
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:48 PMI totally thought of you with this superfood oil. I thought you’d love in your smoothies! let me know if you try the charcoal.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
October 13, 2014 at 10:18 AMGood stuff! You know I’m all about your supplements. The digestive enzyme has done wonders along with Whole 30 diet.
Jen says
October 13, 2014 at 10:21 AMI need to finally get around to trying some omega-3 oils! I am taking a adrenal supplement with ashwagandha to help regulate the hormones. I had no idea what it was (or how to say it) when my dietician first gave it to me! hah.
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:52 PMit’s actually fun to say! ASSHHHH WAAAA GAAAAHHHHN DA. LOL! Barleans also is another great omega 3 oil
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
October 13, 2014 at 10:52 AMI’m not much of a supplement person but that might just because I’m lazy and cheap haha! Seriously, I’ve started taking a multivitamin (about time) and have been thinking that I should take fish oil supplements too. Thanks for the great info!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
October 13, 2014 at 12:05 PMMmmmm… that oil sounds delicious. Charcoal scares me – I watched someone have to drink it once. Not pleasant. However, if it can help with the wine… I wish I had some with me for this Vegas trip. 😉
Lisa @ RunWiki says
October 13, 2014 at 1:12 PMI use many supplements and EFA’s, but have never tried this brand, it looks really high quality… one thing that I think is so important when making a choice to buy them. You have to look at supplements the same way we look at food– non gmo, organic, etc. Nice review and information lady!
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:49 PMYes, exactly. I usually go by Chris Kresser’s info bio-availability. http://chriskresser.com/the-definitive-fish-oil-buyers-guide. And I rotate oils ans supplements. The coromega is good for travel, ya know? But I do have a krill oil i love as well.
char eats greens says
October 13, 2014 at 2:20 PMI definitely have been eyeing up Ashwagandha lately, so I would put that on my list or the coconut charcoal…super cool! Great post 🙂
LCCotter says
October 13, 2014 at 2:55 PMlet me know if you talk with your practitioner about taking them. I love these supplements but they are so individualized, ya know?
ellie @ fit for the soul says
October 13, 2014 at 3:07 PMI think I want to check Coromega out!! I don’t know if it’s the appealing packaging or your descriptions, but it’s working. 🙂 Greg is especially crazy about finding amazing supplements so who knows?
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 6:57 AMhaha the packaging is so clean looking, ya know? i love it too
Jessica Joy says
October 13, 2014 at 5:55 PMOooh, trying new supps sounds like fun! That superfood oil looks amazing. Oh my goodness. My friend used to take charcoal because she said he makes your farts not smell….haha. I never tested it. Thanks for the post. It’s got me thinking. : )
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 6:52 AMbahaha no wonder i liked it!
GiGi Eats says
October 14, 2014 at 12:32 AMCan you cook with that oil, or should I just chug it?! I need a Coromega Oil Keg… So I can do keg stands!
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 7:02 AMohhh good question. I have baked with it though. And keg stands sound good to me!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
October 14, 2014 at 3:21 AMI am so intrigued- bookmarking this post to do more research- especially adrecore!
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 7:03 AMhow are you doing these days? I need an update on that!
Tara Newman says
October 14, 2014 at 5:53 AMWell, you know I am going through a personal experiment with this at the moment. Off supplements and feeling better than when I was on them. I saw that charcoal and bookmarked to look at for a later time. Might get some. Travel is a major trigger for me! Wild symptoms when traveling. And don’t get me started about eating out and what is hidden. Yeah, buying it 🙂
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 7:04 AMi think you’d actually like it. Not every day but definitely when traveling.. RACING
Tina Muir says
October 14, 2014 at 6:02 AMHave not heard of any of these, but I think I need to. My body is rather sore right now, and I could use some help! Especially with the adrenal support, I need to get my stress levels to calm a little….
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 6:52 AMwe need to email again. I can tell you what worked for james!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
October 14, 2014 at 10:48 AMA creamy and tasty fish oil??? Oh my!!!
I need to take some sort of supplement – currently other than apple cider vinegar – am not taking any. I started lifting – a little more than I used to and I have been incredibly sore making me question if I was that out of shape to begin with (?!)
🙂
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 2:07 PMOh then a good high quality fish oil and Vitamin D supplement would be good. I’d check out http://www.chriskresser.com for info on supplements
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
October 15, 2014 at 1:05 PMThanks so much!
Danica @ It's Progression says
October 14, 2014 at 1:53 PMSupplements can definitely be tricky, and I think that’s mostly because there are so many out there with poor, synthetic, chemical ingredients! That’s scary. Finding good quality ones that you personally benefit from is tough but worth it.
Standard Process is my favorite brand – I take their probiotic (Lact Enz) and their Cataplex C (whole complex vitamin C) every day.
LCCotter says
October 14, 2014 at 2:02 PMI used to take cataplex C and A! love standard process as well. The apothecary i go to carries it. And yes, supplements can be just like food… all hype and poor ingredients. Or vise versa.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
October 14, 2014 at 2:21 PMYou never fail to teach me something new. I had no idea that charcoal could be taken to detox the body… I’ve heard of it for the face, and I know that the vet gave it to my dog once when he was throwing up and we thought he might have gotten into some kind of chemicals, but that was about the extent of my knowledge on it.
Right now, the only supplement I take is a vitamin D3, and that’s mostly because we’re at a higher risk of deficiency being this high north. I used to take a multi, but found it really upset my stomach so I stopped.
Carla says
October 19, 2014 at 2:25 PMInteresting. I don’t really take supplements now but I’m looking for something for my joints. I’m sure if I dig through your site I’ll find something. 🙂
The thing about charcoal makes since to me since it is used for people who overdose. Only in a different amount and a different way. But I see the correlation.
LCCotter says
October 19, 2014 at 10:01 PMHave you tried cosamine? For joints?
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
October 26, 2014 at 6:44 PMYour posts are always so knowledgeable. You keep me well informed in a way I can understand. My supplements are a daily vitamin, an extra C and some D’s because I live in Ohio and we don’t get a ton of sun year round. We’re all pretty much D deficient up here. 🙂