Collection: HBD supplement and skincare hub

Welcome to our HBD supplement and skincare hub. We have chosen the products on this site to complement each other but also, more importantly, to complement YOU!

These are the products that are, in my opinion, some of the best. The ones that offer the best value for money and that have the fewest excipients (added ingredients which do not add to nutritional value). The collection will morph and change as supplements from new companies are developed and as new products emerge from existing companies.

It goes without saying that you do not ‘have to’ take any supplements, whether you’re following the programme or not, if you prefer not to. I personally take these supplements (and more) and give them to my family too, because I don’t believe we can get everything we need in our daily diet. You can read more about my thinking on supplements on the first blog post we put up.

Multi vitamins/minerals

Biocare Female Multinutrient - 3 capsules per day
Biocare Male Multinutrient -2 capsules per day

A multi vitamin/mineral is a good way to ‘cover your bases’. These two have high levels of active (methylated) b vitamins, and minerals including zinc, chromium and selenium as well as 1000iu vitamin D. Men and women naturally have different requirements for micronutrients. The women’s multi contains more magnesium and iron, whereas the men’s multi doesn’t contain iron but does contain nettle and lycopene, for prostate health.

Supplements that I take, which can be taken alongside the multi include:

Bonusan Magnesan Forte. Magnesium (energy, sleep, bones, blood pressure). The multis above contain 100mg for women and 50mg for men. But many will find that around 400-600mg may be a better dose. NB taking too much magnesium can result in diarrhoea. Experiment with your dose
Viridian Extra C. Vitamin C (energy, stress support, immune). The multi formulas both contain 250mg but I take an extra 500-1000mg 2-3 times a day (with or without food)
Wiley’s Finest Wild Alaskan Peak EPA. Fish oil (inflammation, stress support, heart and eye health) 2 of these with breakfast
Solgar Starflower oil (hormones, inflammation, skin) 1 with food in the evening
Good Health Naturally Astapure Astaxanthin (inflammation, skin) 3 with breakfast
Allergy Research Vitamin D3 Complete (immune, skin, mood, bones) The multi formulas contain 1000iu vitamin D but 2000-3000iu can safely be taken in the winter. 1 with breakfast – this also contains the other fat-foluble vitamins, A, E and K

Sleep and/or nervous system support

New Nordic Melissa Dream (sleep, relaxation) take 2-3 at bedtime if needed
Wild Nutrition KSM-66 Ashwagandha (nervous system, relaxation) take 2 capsules, with or without food, 1-4 times per day
Viridian Calcium, magnesium & Zinc (may help with restless legs, sleep) a teaspoon in water before bed
Viridian Rhodiola (stress and for added resilience) 2 capsules, with or without food, once or twice a day

Digestive support

Cascara Compound (constipation) see the Cascara page for more info and dosage
Betaine HCl with Gentian Bitters (digestion and absorption of proteins & minerals) NB not to be used by those with stomach ulcers. 1-3 at the start of each meal
Viridian Magnesium Citrate powder (constipation) dissolve in water and titrate the dose as needed
Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar (digestion, cravings) add to water with meals and/or use on food/as salad dressing
Probiotic e.g. Symprove (original flavour) buy direct from www.symprove.com)

Support for cravings

Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar (as above)
Viridian Trace Mineral Complex (can be useful for 2-4 weeks at the beginning of the programme in conjunction with any of the other supplements listed) 1 capsule with breakfast

Other supplements that can be taken alongside the multi vitamin/minerals

Viridian Sports Electrolyte Fix (for optimum hydration) add to water
Viridian High Potency B12 (especially important for vegetarians and vegans. NB B12 is depleted by Metformin/Glucophage) 1 with breakfast
Biocare Zinc Ascorbate (white spots on fingernails, stretch marks, frequent colds and flu can all indicate increased need for zinc) 1-2 with food once a day
Wild Nutrition Thyroid Connect (thyroid support, containing extra iodine, selenium and zinc) 2 capsules with or without food in the morning
PharmaNord Omega 7 Sea buckthorn Oil (dry skin/mucous membranes/eyes) take two capsules twice a day with food for the first month, then reduce to 2 capsules once a day
Biocare Methyl B Complex (energy, mood) take 1 capsule with breakfast or lunch