Hi beautiful, here is an extended version of what you've just read on Instagram, so, welcome!
Throughout here, you'll find further links for you to read more, so jump to the nutrient that is of importance to you (it may be all of them!) and read the fine print on how you can learn more and take some action.
So here we go...
In the pursuit of optimal health, many of us grapple with persistent issues like skin problems, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, depression, low immunity, headaches, recurring gut problems, and more.
While these concerns may seem unrelated, they could share a common root cause: nutrient deficiencies.
So here’s a mini bible, and you can grasp why I added the foods I did into your foraged daily doses, because essentially it can be overwhelming considering every food and ingredient daily, and at the right doses.
Understanding the complex interplay of nutrients is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Consuming certain nutrients in isolation, often in the form of synthetic supplements, can lead to imbalances and deplete other essential nutrients. For example, ascorbic acid (synthetic vitamin c) can deplete us in copper, and copper is needed for iron absorption and metabolism. At the least, combine the food with a high quality synthetic source if absolutely necessary.
Let's delve into some key nutrients and the associated symptoms.
Zinc
Symptoms:
Skin problems, low immunity, gut problems, recurring infections, anxiety, white spots on nails, loss of smell, distorted taste, picky eating.
Foods to replenish you:
Oysters or oyster powder, liver, activated pumpkin seeds, high-quality zinc colloid if required under the guidance of a practitioner.
You can get your zinc levels tested through your preferred practitioner, or if you're yet to find one aligned, we also offer personalised consultations here. If you are consistently low, it can be due to an underlying infection and/or genetic differences where you require more!
Iodine
Symptoms:
Low energy, lack of clarity, brain fog, recurrent infections, PCOS, hormonal imbalances, low mood, impaired skin and/or hair health.
Foods to replenish you:
Kelp, other seaweeds, and a small amount in oysters.
You can get your iodine levels tested via a urine test through your preferred practitioner, or if you're yet to find one aligned, we also offer personalised consultations here. Take note that if you are having The Mothers Blend (or your child), then you are likely receiving a beautiful dose of iodine that is enough for you, however some individuals MOP up iodine for all varying reasons, so getting further testing can help determine whether double dosing or additional iodine drops may be helpful for a short time until you resolve the underlying cause of the extra need of iodine, as Foraged alone is incredible for iodine.
B12
Symptoms:
Brain fog, fatigue, headaches, migraines, mood issues, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, diarrhea, blurred vision.
Foods to replenish you:
Liver, other meats, and animal proteins.
You can get your B12 levels tested through your preferred practitioner, or if you're yet to find one aligned, we also offer personalised consultations here. If your B12 is remotely low, on a blood test, it means you absolutely need to take action as the test ranges are far too humble when it comes to B12.
Liver has 100x more B12 than a standard steak, gram for gram. Wild, right? This puts into perspective how much more powerful a little liver is when compared to the average red meat or other animal products. As you may know, liver is in The Mothers and Children's Blend, so if you are having that and still suspect low levels, look at your complete diet and other reasons as to why you may have a deficiency. Get tested, dive deep, and cater to your personal needs!
Iron
Symptoms:
Fatigue, pale lips, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, pounding sounds in ears, white spots on nails, easy bruising.
Foods to replenish you:
Liver, cod liver oil, vitamin C-rich foods, red meats, spleen.
For more information about Iron and to determine whether you actually have a TRUE iron deficiency (as your levels decline in pregnancy naturally), how to read your own test levels, and also the importance of not having more than 40mg of any form of synthetic iron as this can reduce your levels even further. The blog also dives deep into how and why individuals have seen profound results using the mothers blend - and you can read this article here.
Folate
Symptoms:Tinnitus, anxiety, depression, mouth ulcers, a red and sore tongue, disturbed vision, pins and needles, fatigue.
Foods to replenish you:
Liver, spinach, beetroot, asparagus, broccoli, fermented legumes.
Please follow this link to read an in depth article we have written all about supplemental folate, why to avoid folic acid, how to get it through food, when you may need supplementing, and what foods to combine it with and more.
Vitamin C
Symptoms:
Low immunity, skin problems, low adrenal function, easy bruising, histamine reactions.
Foods to replenish you:
Camu camu, citrus, berries, raw or freeze-dried liver.
Magnesium
Symptoms:Anxiety, mood issues, sleep issues, muscle twitches and spasms, abnormal heart rhythms, appetite issues, fatigue.
Foods to replenish you:
Magnesium baths, consume cacao, greens, and pumpkin seeds, supplement if needed.
I personally love sea mineral magnesium as a supplement, or when needed, magnesium bisglycinate along with the food sources and through the skin when possible too - recognising that since having two little ones, the moment to sit in a bath can seem (and be!) impossible, so consuming it where I can is incredible through supplement, food, and minerals!
If you've read this far, you would know that the integration of these nutrient rich foods into your daily routine extends beyond a quick fix. If you have questions or need further guidance to gaining understanding, better health, nutrient support during pregnancy or postpartum, suspect gut issues including unknown intolerances, parasties, yeast, bacteria and beyond, then don't forget that we now offer consultations.
You can also consider your own personal testing to determine what you truely need without just focussing on symptoms, you can order testing yourself here. So you can skip the need of seeing a doctor, to then get a referral, to then go to the pathology, AND THEN, go back to the doctor for results. Get your own referral HERE, go straight to the pathology and have your results in YOUR hands. Then you can take action!
From the bottom of my heart, I hope this helps!
With so much love,
Sheridan x