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Products We Use
Click on images below for Amazon links to products that my husband and I use and find helpful. If you and your healthcare provider think they might be right for you, feel free to consider giving them a try.
Disclosure: This page includes affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Plant-Based Protein Powder (Vanilla)
As a milk-free and gluten-free gal with body composition goals, I’ve tried numerous protein powders over the years. This one takes the cake - it dissolves well and my husband, who used to use whey protein, even likes it! I mostly use this in my smoothies, but its taste and texture make it great to drink on its own, too!
Plant-Based Protein Powder (Chocolate)
I’m listing the chocolate and vanilla flavors separately, as they’re stars in our house and really deserve their own pictures in this lineup. A client recently tried this brand and shared her surprise that when you mix it with water, it almost tastes like you’ve mixed it with milk. My husband also mixes it with water as a quick midday protein boost for him while he’s on the run and on his feet all day at work (he’s a nurse).
Collagen Protein Powder (Unflavored)
We use collagen almost everyday. It helps my husband hit his macros early in the morning before he’s off to work (we mix it in his oatmeal) and I put it in my water bottle (with Creatine and BCAAs) for my workouts.
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Collagen Protein Powder (Unflavored)
This is another collagen that we also will use, typically when the Vital Proteins is not on sale. We use it in just the same manner. Having easy access to an unflavored collagen has made a world of difference for us when we need to supplement what we eat.
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Collagen Protein Powder (Unflavored)
Yes, a third option for collagen! There are few products for which we feel brand loyalty, and our collagen powders are clearly not one of them. We alternate between three and it really has just depended on what’s been available, what’s been on sale, and what’s convenient for us to get.
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Collagen Protein Powder (Chocolate)
I use the chocolate collagen differently than the unflavored one. Each morning I put this in my coffee - it’s been a great way to kick-off my days, especially when I’m tight on time. Also, the mocha taste starts my day on a delicious note! This is actually the best part of waking up. ;)
Pro Tip: The powder dissolves better when you stir with a whisk and not a spoon.
BCAAs (Multiple Flavors)
While there are many flavors offered, I chose the grape one for my photo because this is the one my mom liked. She has Alzheimer’s and BCAAs were a part of her early protocol, when she was more mobile. My husband and I still use this everyday and like several of their flavors. Grape will always have a special place in my heart, though.
Creatine Monohydrate
We both use creatine, and have for some time. I like the one from Thorne because their products are clean and what you see is what you get. My primary reason for taking creatine is for athletic performance, however there’s promising research about its benefits for brain health, too. Studies show it might help with “cognitive processing, brain function, and recovery from trauma.” Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist I follow and respect, also talks about the importance of its use for active people with menstrual cycles, and those in menopause too. If you’re active, you may want to add this to the list of questions to ask your provider, and see if it might be useful for you.
Ashwagandha Root Powder
Ashwagandha is one of the adaptogen powders we put in our smoothies. It “increases your dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) testosterone, thereby reducing cortisol and lowering anxiety and depression.” (Sims, Next Level, p. 68)
We incorporated it because of the anti-inflammatory and muscle recovery benefits. As always, If you’re interested in adding this to your regimen, consult your provider before beginning.
Curcumin Phytosome
If you’re going to include curcumin, which is a polyphenol and the active ingredient in turmeric, in your supplement regimen, this is one of the options out there. It’s from a company that’s known for the simplicity of their products (what you see is what you get), and it’s one I’ve taken for years, with great benefit to my joints. If this supplement interests you, remember to talk with your healthcare provider before starting it.
For my fellow research nerds out there, here’s one of several studies on the efficacy of the supplement: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1004
Omega-3s (Lemon Flavor)
Most Americans don’t get enough Omega-3 (anti-inflammatory) fatty acids, and they get too much Omega-6s, which can be inflammatory. Having a more balanced ratio of 6s to 3s is one way we can protect our brains. A lot of fish oil supplements out there make your breath and burps taste like fish; this one does not. My husband and I take it daily or on the days when we don’t get our Omega-3s from real food.
Again, consult your healthcare provider to figure out if an Omega-3 supplement is right for you.
Blackout Curtains
Considering the significant role that sufficient quality and quantity sleep (7-9 hours a night) play in our long-term brain health, blackout curtains for us were a must. In fact, catching quality zzz’s is a non-negotiable for our family. Go with any pattern of your choosing, but if you’re interested in going the tropical route, these are the curtains we have - and love. They’re lightweight and still get the job done.
Maca Root Powder
Maca root is another adaptogen known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. We add it to our smoothies, as it has a nutty flavor and goes well with our typical smoothie ingredients. This is a potent powder, and it’s not for everyone (for example, if you’re on thyroid meds, this is not for you), so if you want to try it, make sure your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead.
MCT Oil
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) is an oil that’s touted for its brain-benefits in dementia communities - both in research and in practice. We incorporate it as one of our fats, in smoothies, coffee, and/or my hubby’s oatmeal. It’s versatile and has a mild flavor so it won’t change the flavor profile of whatever you mix it in. MCT oil is a saturated fat, so if you are considering incorporating it, be mindful of the amount.
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