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When Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins, Minerals and Other Supplements?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:24:47 +0000

Joe Boland via Dr. Axe – When is the best time to take vitamins: morning or night? The timing of supplements can influence their absorption and effectiveness. Taking vitamins and supplements is a great way to support overall health, but timing matters when it comes to maximizing their benefits. Utilizing supplements at the right time can enhance their absorption and effectiveness, which begs the question: When is the best time to take vitamins and other supplements? While some vitamins and minerals work best when taken with food, others are better absorbed on an empty stomach. In addition, certain combinations can enhance or inhibit absorption, making it crucial to plan your intake accordingly. Understanding when to take supplements can help optimize their benefits. This guide, supported by scientific research, will help you determine the best time to take vitamins for maximum impact. When is the best time to take vitamins: morning or night? The timing of supplements can influence their absorption and effectiveness. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B vitamins, can provide an energy boost, making them ideal for the morning. Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K, are best taken with meals for improved absorption, particularly meals with healthy fats, such as coconut oil, eggs, avocado, etc. On the other hand, some minerals, like magnesium, have a calming effect and may be better suited for nighttime use. While many people take their vitamins in the morning out of habit, the best time depends on the type of vitamin and how your body absorbs it. However, whenever you find is best for you, whether out of routine or for how you’ve found your body best responds, is the best time to take vitamins and other supplements. In fact, studies have relayed that taking vitamins consistently at the same time each day helps with adherence and absorption. Best time to take water-soluble vitamins Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B-complex vitamins (including B12, B6 and folate), dissolve in water and are best taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. They dissolve in water and are not stored in the body, requiring regular intake. Vitamin C Vitamin C is best taken in the morning or midday on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. It’s a good idea to use your vitamin C early in the day to support immune function and reduce fatigue. Sunlight and other factors can lead to oxidation of vitamin C, which could lower its effectiveness. That’s why it’s recommended to take it early and store it in a cool, dark place. Ingesting probiotics with vitamin C can also lead to better absorption. B vitamins Research has shown that B vitamins help convert food into energy, making them most effective when taken in the morning. Since they play a role in energy production, they are best taken early to avoid sleep disturbances. You can take B vitamins with food, but it’s not necessary. It’s a good idea to take them with water or your morning beverage of choice. Taking B vitamins together, such as in a B-complex supplement, is ideal, as they work better together. Using them in combination with probiotics can also enhance their absorption. B-complex vitamins include: Vitamin B1/thiamine Vitamin B2/riboflavin Vitamin B3/niacin Vitamin B5/pantothenic acid Vitamin B6/pyridoxine Vitamin B7/biotin Vitamin B9/folate (folic acid) Vitamin B12/cobalamin The best time to take vitamins that are water-soluble is typically considered early and on an empty stomach, but you can take them any time of day that works for you. They also can be taken with or without food, along with water or your drink of choice. Best time to take fat-soluble vitamins Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in the body’s fat tissues and liver. These vitamins require dietary fat for optimal absorption, making them most effective when taken with a meal containing healthy fats. To maximize benefits, take fat-soluble vitamins with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here’s more on when is the best time to take vitamins that are fat-soluble: Vitamin D Studies have indicated that taking vitamin D with a meal containing fat increases its bioavailability. For example, a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that vitamin D absorption improved significantly when taken with a fat-containing meal. Doubling up by pairing vitamin D and vitamin K is a good idea, as vitamin K helps your body absorb more vitamin D. The best time to take vitamins D and K together is typically thought to be in the morning or afternoon, when the sun is out, since sunlight is the main way humans obtain vitamin D. Vitamin A Vitamin A is best taken with meals that contain healthy fats like olive oil, avocado or nuts to optimize absorption. It can be taken any time of time, and it’s a good idea to take it with the same meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) every day if possible. Vitamin E Research has shown consuming vitamin E with healthy fats can boost its absorption greatly, so the best time to take vitamins like E is mealtime, whether that’s morning, noon or night. Vitamin K As mentioned, the best time to take vitamins that are fat-soluble are mealtimes, but vitamin K is a bit unique compared to other fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin K stands out due to its three distinct forms: phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinones (vitamin K2) and menadione (vitamin K3). K1 and K2 are found in foods (K1 in leafy greens, K2 in some animal foods) and often included in supplements, while K3 is rarely found in either. Both K1 and K2 can be taken at any time of day, but K2 supplements are best absorbed when paired with a meal or snack containing fat. For optimal results, try to take vitamin K separately from vitamins A and E, as they may interfere with each other’s absorption. On the other hand, combining vitamin K with vitamin D can be beneficial, as they work together to maintain healthy calcium levels and support strong bones. Best time to take multivitamins Multivitamins contain a mix of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, making their timing slightly tricky. The best approach is to take them with a meal containing some fat to aid in fat-soluble vitamin absorption while ensuring water-soluble vitamins are utilized effectively. Multivitamins contain a combination of vitamins and minerals, some of which require fat for absorption while others do not. Because they often include B vitamins, which can boost energy, it is generally best to take multivitamins in the morning with food. Iron or magnesium However, if a multivitamin contains iron or magnesium, taking it later in the day may be preferable to avoid potential stomach discomfort. Research does suggest that taking multivitamins in the morning with breakfast improves compliance and absorption. Whether you opt for morning or night, consistency is key, so try to take your multivitamin at the same time each day if you can. Best time to take prenatal vitamins Prenatal vitamins are crucial for maternal and fetal health, often containing iron, folic acid and DHA, which are crucial for fetal development. Research has found that taking prenatal vitamins with food can reduce nausea, a common concern for pregnant individuals. Because iron absorption is optimized on an empty stomach but can also cause discomfort, taking prenatal vitamins with a light meal, such as breakfast, is recommended. Pregnant women can be prone to having sensitive stomachs during the morning, though, so some may prefer to take prenatal vitamins with dinner before bed. Here is a bit more on some prenatal vitamins to consume and the best time to take vitamins for pregnancy: Folic acid: Best taken in the morning on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Iron: Should be taken separately from calcium-containing foods or supplements, as calcium inhibits iron absorption. DHA (omega-3s): Best absorbed with a meal containing healthy fats. It’s best to take prenatal vitamins at the same time every day for consistency’s sake. Best time to take minerals and other supplements When is the best time to take vitamins, minerals and other supplements not specified above? Here are some recommendations: Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach but can cause stomach irritation. It’s best taken in the morning on an empty stomach with vitamin C for enhanced absorption, but it should not be taken with calcium or caffeine, which can make it harder to absorb. Ideally consume iron one to two hours before or after a meal. Known for its muscle-relaxing and sleep-promoting effects, magnesium may be best taken at night. You can also take magnesium in the morning with food or split into two doses divided between morning and night. More specifically, magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate are better to take in the morning since they aid energy levels, while magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride may be best to take at night since they promote sleep. If consuming high doses (more than 500 mg) of calcium, split intake into multiple doses for better absorption. Similarly to iron, zinc should be taken one to two hours before or after eating a meal, and you can ingest it with or without water. You should not take it with fiber, calcium or iron, which can interfere with absorption. What vitamins should not be taken together? Certain vitamins and minerals can interfere with each other’s absorption: Calcium and iron: Compete for absorption. Take iron supplements separately from high-calcium meals or supplements. Zinc and copper: High doses of zinc can interfere with copper absorption. If supplementing both, take them at different times. Vitamin C and B12: Some research has suggested that high doses of vitamin C may reduce B12 absorption when taken together. Consider spacing them apart. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): Avoid taking high doses together, as they may compete for absorption. Vitamin C and iron: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, but taking excessive amounts together may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It is best to consume them in moderate amounts. Calcium and magnesium: These minerals compete for absorption, so taking them together in high doses may reduce their effectiveness. Consider spacing them apart. Zinc and magnesium: High doses of zinc can interfere with magnesium absorption. To optimize benefits, take them at different times of the day. Conclusion Taking vitamins and supplements at the right time can enhance their effectiveness. To maximize the benefits of vitamins and supplements, it’s essential to take them when they can be utilized best and with the right combinations. Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B-complex vitamins are best taken in the morning on an empty stomach, while fat-soluble vitamins should be taken with meals. Minerals like magnesium and iron have specific timing requirements for optimal absorption. For instance, magnesium may work better at night, and some nutrients should be spaced apart to prevent absorption interference. However, consistency appears to be the most important factor, so really the best time to take vitamins, minerals and other supplements is whenever you can on a consistent basis. Following a well-planned schedule based on research-backed guidelines can help you get the most out of your supplements. By aligning your supplement intake with your body’s needs, you can maximize their health benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your supplement routine. To read the original article click here.

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Acid Reflux Medication Interferes with Vitamin and Mineral Absorption

The AHA! Team — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:15:21 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. It is estimated that a staggering 20% of the the U.S. population suffer with symptoms of acid reflux. While proton-pump inhibiting (PPI) drugs, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium, bring welcomed relief from the symptoms of acid reflux, habitual use of these pharmaceuticals over time can be a health risk, increasing the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, and heart disease. Understanding the cause of acid reflux Acid reflux is caused by the incomplete closure of the sphincter valve – located between the stomach and the esophagus. When this occurs, harsh stomach contents can splash back up across the delicate lining of the esophagus and the throat, nose, and other vulnerable tissues. Most commonly, acid reflux can cause pain in the center of the chest and, at times, an acidic taste in the mouth. While uncomfortable, the true concern is that – left untreated – symptoms of acid reflux will lead to esophageal cancer and other related changes down the road. But one thing should be made perfectly clear: toxic medications will never cure this problem. The dangers of PPI drugs and acid reflux What many acid reflux sufferers don’t realize is that medications to treat their heartburn and other symptoms come at a hefty price. There are Prilosec side effects, for example, that may go unnoticed for months or even years. Using PPIs to gain some control over symptoms may seem helpful, but these medications don’t stop the physical reflux of digestive enzymes, bile, and corrosive food/drinks flowing into the delicate esophageal lining. Continued exposure to the acids and protein-digesting enzymes in stomach fluid can bring about precancerous changes, such as the development of the condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Reducing stomach acid is also likely to interfere with your body’s ability to extract vitamin B12 from foods. Research shows that most oral acid-suppressing medications, including PPIs, decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 from foods. In one study, 75 percent of PPI users were deficient in vitamin B12, compared with just 11 percent among non-users. Gut problems can be life-threatening Regular use of PPIs may also lead to low blood magnesium levels. Symptoms include fatigue, unsteadiness, numbness/tingling, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. However, magnesium levels can return to normal when PPI medications are halted. PPI use can also lead to poor calcium absorption, increasing the risk of bone fractures. These medications are also associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and even risk of death due to heart attack. PPIs inhibit the normal production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule vital for normal blood vessel function. Lower your risk of disease with natural solutions Avoiding the use of PPIs in favor of natural solutions to acid reflux and heartburn results in fewer unwanted impacts on your health. Often, dietary and lifestyle changes hold the key to diminishing occurrence. Avoid processed and “rich” foods, particularly desserts. Do not overeat, and chew your food – very well. In terms of a plant remedy, check out this article about how slippery elm can help you. If you are a smoker, acid reflux is yet another reason to quit. If you still have acid reflux symptoms, consult a trusted holistic physician with experience in natural remedies – including essential oils and herbs – to help guide you toward a full recovery. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Lifeextension.com To read the original article click here.

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Zinc Shows Promise as Emerging Treatment for Yeast Infections

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:06:09 +0000

University of Exeter via Newswise – New research could one day pave the way for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, by shedding new light on how microbes in the body absorb zinc. Around three quarters of women develop vaginal yeast infections at least once in their lifetime, and approximately 140 million women globally suffer from recurrent infections. Recurrent yeast infections can have an enormous impact of quality of life. Existing anti-fungal treatments are not always effective and resistance against these treatments is developing. Around three quarters of women develop vaginal yeast infections at least once in their lifetime Thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida. There are a number of species of Candida, but the one that causes most yeast infections is Candida albicans. Now, new research, funded by Wellcome and published in Science Translational Medicine and led by the University of Exeter’s MRC Centre for Medical Mycology has found that the trace mineral zinc could play a surprising role. Just like us, Candida albicans needs zinc in its diet and this yeast produces a molecule (Pra1) which tries to scavenge zinc as a food source. Now, researchers have found that this molecule triggers an inflammatory response, which they believe is responsible for many cases of thrush. Wellcome Trust Senior Fellow Dr Duncan Wilson, of the University of Exeter’s MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, led the research, and said: “Recurring thrush can be deeply distressing and problematic, and we urgently need new treatments. Our new finding on zinc is very exciting, because it suggests that simple provision of zinc could block the production of the inflammatory Pra1 molecule, but we’re not in the position to make treatment recommendations at this stage. We need larger scale trials to confirm the effect. Please don’t apply any products that are not designed for the genital area, as zinc can be toxic at high concentrations, and it could be extremely unsafe.” Zinc could block the production of the inflammatory Pra1 molecule In lab experiments, the team found that manipulating genes so that Candida albicans does not produce Pra1 prevented inflammation. They went on to find that applying relatively low levels of zinc in mice blocked Pra1 production and prevented inflammation. This is important because it is inflammation that causes the burning, itching symptoms of thrush. The research team also recruited women who had been experiencing vaginal infections at least once every three months. The women applied a vaginal moisturizing cream which contains a small amount of zinc nightly for two weeks, and then twice a week. Of six women who completed the study and had vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush), five of them did not experience reinfection over the three-month study. Dr Wilson said: “These findings are very encouraging, although the number of participants is small. We are now carrying out a larger clinical trial to confirm that zinc treatments are effective. In the longer term, we hope this could be a promising strategy for a condition could evolve resistance to treatment. “We’d been studying this Pra1 molecule for more than ten years to understand its role in zinc scavenging – this research shows the fundamental importance of basic research of this nature, which can help shed light on how our bodies work and sometimes provide surprising routes to new treatments.” The paper is entitled ‘Zinc prevents vaginal candidiasis by inhibiting expression of an inflammatory fungal protein’, and is published in Science Translational Medicine. The research is supported by the Exeter NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. To read the original article click here.

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7 Benefits of a Bone Broth Fast: Stronger Gut, Skin + More

AHA Publisher — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:44 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – By now you might be familiar with bone broth and all this time-honored, traditional food has to offer — collagen, amino acids and numerous trace minerals, just for starters. Maybe you’re now looking to take things to the next level and try a bone broth fast, but you aren’t quite sure how to safely go about this. As you’ll learn, bone broth is one of the most nutrient-dense, healing foods for the digestive system and therefore a great way to kick off a healthier way of eating and to help resolve symptoms related to poor digestion and other concerns. What Is a Bone Broth Fast? A bone broth fast involves drinking bone broth several times per day but not eating much other solid food. Although it’s been consumed around the world in one form or another for thousands of years, bone broth is made from animal parts that in modern times are normally discarded. These include bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments — all of which aren’t edible on their own but make nutrient-packed additions to slow-simmering stock. Bone broth is boiled slowly over several days — normally with veggies, an acid and fresh herbs in addition to animal parts — allowing all of the ingredients to release their stored nutrients. There are several kinds that are most popular, including chicken bone broth and beef bone broth. Fasts are not for everyone, and sometimes certain kinds can pose risks since they involve consuming little nutrients due to greatly reducing calorie intake. However, if you make a good candidate, consuming bone broth is ideal for a fast because it’s chock-full of both macronutrients and micronutrients. Within fish, chicken and beef bone broth, you’ll find amino acids (which form proteins) like glycine, arginine and proline; vitamins and minerals; collagen; electrolytes; and even antioxidants like glucosamine. One of the things that makes a bone broth fast stand apart from other types of fasts is that it’s an ideal way to obtain more collagen, a type of protein needed to create healthy tissue found throughout the body. Collagen is found inside the lining of the digestive tract, within bones in bone marrow, in skin, and in the tissues that form joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Within collagen are other special nutrients, including amino acids like proline and glycine, plus gelatin — each of which has its own unique functions. Benefits Why is bone broth good for fasting? The benefits of consuming bone broth while fasting include: stronger immunity against common illnesses or allergies reduced symptoms related to digestive disorders like leaky gut syndrome, IBS or IBD generally enhanced digestion with fewer cases of bloating, diarrhea, gas, acid reflux and constipation healthier joints, ligaments and tendons more youthful-looking skin thanks to collagen stronger bones higher intake of importance minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium and more Before we dive in to the advantages of consuming bone broth, let’s first talk about the many benefits of fasting. Fasting, when done right and by the right people, has been shown to promote better health by: improving weight loss and helping with weight maintenance reducing fasting insulin levels and normalizing blood sugar activity lowering cholesterol promoting the secretion of human growth hormone, which is important for burning fat having positive effects on body mass and health markers in professional athletes reducing risk for diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart complications normalizing appetite by controlling hunger hormones like ghrelin lowering triglyceride levels even slowing down the aging process and increasing someone’s life span Here’s more about how a bone broth fast can benefit you: 1. Improves Digestive Functions Bone broth is a natural source of collagen, a type of protein that’s needed to form tissue that makes up the lining of the GI tract. Collagen protects and soothes the lining of the digestive tract and can aid in healing leaky gut syndrome, IBS symptoms and acid reflux. It’s been shown that patients with IBD produce less collagen in their digestive systems. Increased intakes are capable of helping strengthen and normalize mucus membranes in the GI lining, closing tiny junctures and stopping indigested food particles and chemicals from leaking out of the gut into the bloodstream. When collagen breaks down, gelatin is formed, which is known to help people dealing with food allergies and sensitivities to foods, such as cows’ milk and gluten. Gelatin in bone broths contains “conditional” amino acids called arginine, glycine, glutamine and proline, which have certain anti-aging effects and promote probiotic balance and growth. 2. Makes Your Skin Glow Collagen helps form tissues found in skin that give it strength, smoothness, elasticity and youthful appearance. In fact, studies have found that higher intakes of collagen are associated with improvements in skin barrier functions, increased hydration and reductions in signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines and sagging. Although you likely won’t notice any improvements within just a few short days, higher collagen intake is also known to decrease the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite develops due to lack of connective tissue, which is made from collagen. 3. Supplies Important Minerals Some fasts fail to provide important trace minerals that we need for ongoing energy, immunity, digestion and more. Because bone broth is made from animal bones and parts that are concentrated sources of numerous minerals, it provides minerals and electrolytes, including calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfate and fluoride. This can help prevent an electrolyte imbalance, dehydration that can occur during a fast, fatigue, brain fog, moodiness, and muscle spasms or weakness. 4. Helps Prevent Muscle Wasting It’s possible during a fast to wind up losing some weight, which can really be due to muscle (and therefore strength) loss. Luckily during a bone broth fast, you still obtain amino acids, such as glycine and proline, that help prevent the breakdown of valuable protein tissue found in muscles. In fact, a bone broth fast might even help you with muscle recovery, reduce joint pain (since collagen is known to fight symptoms of arthritis) and even relax tense muscles naturally. Glycine is an important amino acid for actually building muscle strength, ushering nutrients into cells to be used for energy, controlling blood sugar levels and even synthesizing human growth hormone. Because glycine plays a role in the process of gluconeogenesis, which takes place in the liver, it can provide cells with an energy source even when little calories or carbohydrates are consumed. This, in turn, can help prevent sarcopenia, muscle wasting as we age. 5. Helps Detoxify the Liver and Digestive System Consuming bone broth is an effective way to boost your supply of the antioxidant glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful detoxifying agents. Glycine is a precursor needed for the production of glutathione, which helps the liver flush out excess chemicals, stored hormones and other waste. Other minerals, acids and electrolytes can also boost detoxification processes, including acetic acid (found in apple cider vinegar, which is often added to bone broth recipes), magnesium and sulfate. 6. Boosts Immunity Bone broth fasts can increase beneficial bacteria living in the gut, and gut health is highly correlated with stronger immunity (not to mention many other aspects of health, like hormonal balance and weight regulation). Good bacteria in the gut (often called probiotics) can actually turn on certain genes that help regulate inflammation and turn down numerous types of unwanted symptoms. 7. Can Improve Sleep, Memory and Cognition The amino acids found in bone broth act like inhibitory neurotransmitters for the production of chemicals and hormones that help us sleep, think clearly, stay motivated, remember information and make decisions. Higher intake of glycine, for example, has been found to help people who can’t sleep get better rest, lower symptoms of anxiety, improve mental performance and even enhance memory. Bone broth is also a great way to obtain electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium and sodium, that sustain energy and assist in muscle, nerve, digestive and cognitive functions. Magnesium, for example, is known to help decrease headaches, restlessness, muscle spasms during sleep, muscle pains and digestive discomfort. How to Do It New to drinking bone broth and/or fasting? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the process: How long should you do a bone broth fast? Most people do this type of fasting for a period of three to four days, while consuming several quarts of bone broth daily and eliminating many problematic foods. Plan to fast for a period of three to four days. This amount of time is best for helping kill off harmful bacteria in the gut, repair the GI tract and repopulate the gut with probiotics. Longer than this might be tolerable for some, but it also raises the risk for more problems, fatigue and deficiencies in certain groups of people. If you plan on doing intermittent fasting, a longer duration up to 90 days might be beneficial. How much bone broth should you drink during a fast? Each day you ideally should consume between three to four quarts of bone broth. Making the broth yourself is the best way to ensure it’s high-quality and doesn’t cost you too much. About 12 ounces is the proper amount for one serving. You should consume this 12-ounce serving about five times a day — 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., for example. What foods should you definitely avoid while fasting? While fasting, you’ll ideally not eat anything at all, unless you’re doing intermittent fasting and it’s within your “eating window.” It’s ideal to eliminate all problematic and inflammatory foods during a bone broth fast, including grains, packaged/processed snacks, added sugar, FODMAP foods/complex carbohydrates, sweetened drinks, dairy and refined vegetable oils. Within your eating window, you can include as many healthy fats, clean proteins, fruits and veggies as you choose. Can you drink water on a bone broth fast? Drinking water is definitely encouraged. This helps keep you hydrated and can make fasting easier in general. How should you make and store bone broth? Plan to make your broth one to two times in a large batch and refrigerate/freeze small portions to keep them fresh throughout the fast. Drink broth throughout the day as you’d like, adding ingredients like salt, pepper, vinegar and seasoning for extra taste. You can reheat cooled or frozen stock on the stovetop, whisking it and skimming off the fatty/oily surface if you’d like to (although this is nutrient-dense and should be kept for cooking later on). Are there different methods of doing bone broth fasting? Bone broth fasts can be customizable to fit your needs and goals. They don’t require buying lots of expensive supplements, going for very long periods without eating “normally,” or much risk and investment. Here are several ways you can try a bone broth fast safely: You may want to practice intermittent fasting by going without any food for 12–15 hours of the day (usually through the night and morning), although this isn’t necessary for everyone. You might choose to utilize a combination of different stocks (chicken bone broth, beef bone broth and fish stock, for example) or stick with exclusively beef stock if you have a very sensitive system since this seems to be most well-tolerated. Try a bone broth fast as part of the GAPS diet protocol, eliminating problematic foods to test your response, or include bone broth in a FODMAP diet or specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) if you know certain carbohydrates cause your symptoms to worsen. It’s also a good idea to consume probiotics/fermented foods during the fast and afterward to boost intake of healthy bacteria. Even if you aren’t looking to do a formal fast but still want to take advantage of bone broth’s benefits, you can start by consuming eight ounces of broth once or twice daily as a soup, a plain beverage or within other recipes. Who Should Do It? How do you know if a bone broth fast is right for you? The people who can benefit most from fasting with bone broth include: those with digestive disorders (like leaky gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or IBS) anyone struggling...

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

AHA Publisher — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 08:00:23 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – How do you make beef stew from scratch? It’s actually not as hard as you might think, especially if you’re using this beef stew slow cooker recipe. With delicious and nutrient-rich ingredients like grass-fed beef, carrots, parsnips and hearty beef broth, this just may be the best beef stew recipe you’ve ever tasted! Unlike stove top beef stew recipes, you don’t have to worry about watching or stirring with this easy version of a classic recipe. This recipe for beef stew only takes about five minutes to physically make, and the rest is just effortless cooking time. If you’re wondering, “How do you make beef stew on the stove?” You could use the same ingredients listed here, but you would have to brown the meat and the onion, combine all of the ingredients in a large pot, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low and then let it simmer for two hours, stirring every so often. But if you want a quicker, easier recipe, stick with the directions I’ve laid out here. Get ready to create one of the tastiest beef stew recipes around! Key Ingredient Switch-ups Homemade beef stew recipes provide a comforting mix of flavors, textures and warmth that can’t be beat, especially in the colder months of the year. Many people are looking for an old-fashioned beef stew recipe to experience that same goodness they loved eating as kids. How do you make old-fashioned beef stew? It’s really not very different from this beef stew recipe at all, yet here we are making a few significant ingredients switch-ups! Parsnips: An old-fashioned beef stew meat recipe typically contains potatoes, but I’m using parsnips here instead because of their notable nutrition as well as their distinct earthy flavor that pairs so well with beef. Avocado oil: Unlike old-fashioned beef stew recipes, I’m also leaving out the unhealthy refined vegetable oil and using avocado oil instead. I’m also keeping this recipe completely gluten-free by using arrowroot starch rather than wheat flour. Nutrition Facts Is beef stew good for you? One of the best ways to answer this questions is to show you its impressive nutritional content. One serving of this easy beef stew recipe contains about: 450 calories 38 grams protein 18 grams fat 32 grams carbohydrates 5.2 grams fiber 14.5 grams sugar 106 milligrams cholesterol 770 milligrams sodium 8,383 IUs vitamin A (over 100 percent DV) 33 milligrams vitamin C (37 percent DV) 4.2 milligrams iron (23 percent DV) 679 milligrams potassium (14 percent DV) 34 micrograms folate (8.5 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams thiamin (8.3 percent DV) 92 milligrams calcium (7.1 percent DV) 1.2 IUs vitamin D (6 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (5.9 percent DV) 51 milligrams phosphorus (4.1 percent DV) 16 milligrams magnesium (3.8 percent DV) 0.5 milligrams vitamin E (3.3 percent DV) 0.4 milligrams niacin (2.5 percent DV) 0.2 milligrams zinc (1.8 percent DV) How to Make This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe How do you make homemade beef stew? It’s truly a 1-2-3 process with this recipe. You cut up the vegetables, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and then let it cook for hours. Yes, that’s it! As you may have guessed, this low and long cooking time results in a incredibly flavorful stew that is perfect for lunch or dinner. A too thin or too thick beef stew recipe misses the mark, but I think you’ll find that this upgraded yet perfectly basic beef stew recipe has a consistency that is just right. If you have the time, don’t forget about my beef broth recipeso you can make this recipe even more homemade. Ok, let’s get started! First, you’ll need to get your veggies sliced and diced. Now you have the mushrooms, onions, parsnips and carrots cut up and ready to go into the pot. Add the chunks of beef to the slow cooker and then begin adding the vegetables. Add in all of the remaining ingredients, including the flavor-boosting spices. Last but not least, add in the fresh herbs. Cook on low for six to eight hours. Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve. I hope you enjoy this healthy take on a good old-fashioned beef stew recipe. Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe DESCRIPTION With delicious and nutrient-rich ingredients like grass-fed beef, carrots, parsnips and hearty beef broth, this just may be the best beef stew recipe you’ve ever tasted! INGREDIENTS 2 pounds grass-fed beef stew meat 4 carrots, coarsely chopped 2 parsnips, coarsely chopped 2 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 6 ounces tomato paste 2 cups fire-roasted tomatoes 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1 onion, sliced 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 3 sprigs thyme 3 bay leaves 2 tablespoons avocado oil 4 tablespoons arrowroot starch 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon black pepper parsley, for garnishing INSTRUCTIONS Place all ingredients into a slow cooker except for the parsley. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Top with chopped parsley and serve. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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