So I’m going out on a limb here and letting my fellow collegiettes in on a little secret of mine. It’s often referred to as a “freaky infatuation” by my parents and just plain weird by my girlfriends, but I’m oddly obsessed with vitamins. And I’m not talking about those little chewable gummy bears, or the so-called ‘chocolate’ vitamin squares, but real, natural vitamins that can do wonders for your health. With a collection of vitamins that spans my entire desk shelf, you may think I’m crazy. But with benefits like an improved immune system, clearer skin, and a better attitude, how could I not embrace the healing power of vitamins?
I sincerely doubt that we are getting our suggested daily vitamin intake from the food in the Pit. Combine that with the fact that we live in such close quarters, and you’ll realize we really need to make an effort to try and stay as healthy as possible. Yes, sleep and exercise help, but what you put in your body is just as important as what you do with it! With all the kinds of vitamins out there, I understand why it could be overwhelming to choose the ones that are best for you. But have no fear, collegiettes! Whether you’re kinda familiar with them (i.e. loading up on Vitamin C while under the weather) or totally unfamiliar, I’m here to let you know what pills you should be popping!
The Multivitamin
Every single woman should take a multivitamin, no excuses! There’s just no way even the healthiest collegiette is getting her full dose of vitamins daily. A multivitamin jar should be a staple in your dorm room. If you’re not taking one already, I really recommend you add it to your diet. Though no extreme miracle worker, a multivitamin will make you feel and look healthier all over. Most standard multivitamins include Vitamin A (great for eyes and skin), Vitamin C (which has awesome sickness prevention power), Vitamin D (to boost your mood), Vitamin E (a miracle worker for hair/skin/nails), Calcium (strong bones!), B Vitamins and Zinc (which helps to clear acne). Try to make sure your daily vitamin has these 7 components, at the very least.
Vitamin C
Most collegiettes load up on Vitamin C after their throat starts hurting, but the truth is, Vitamin C has not been proven to help treat existing colds, only to prevent them. That’s why you should take Vitamin C daily as a preventative measure. Though multivitamins contain a bit of vitamin C, the more the merrier for fighting off nasty communal germs. If you don’t feel comfortable swallowing another pill, you can try Emergen-C Vitamin C packets. They can be found at almost any grocery store. You pour them into a glass of water,which makes for a fizzy, colorful Vitamin C drink. They’re a fun and yummy way to take your vitamins … kind of like a healthier version of Crystal Light!
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Vitamin E
Not only does Vitamin E help grow longer and stronger hair and nails, it also speeds up the healing of dry skin (or a popped pimple). Vitamin E truly may be nature’s best kept beauty secret. You can take it orally or use it topically as an oil. If you want to improve the look and strength of your hair and nails, I recommend taking it in pill form. If you want to immediately soothe and moisturize dry skin, or help a popped pimple or scab heal, you can use Vitamin E oil right on the problem area. Jason’s 5000 IU Vitamin E Beauty Oil from Whole Foods is perfect for this kind of healing, and it smells delicious (like coconut)!
Though I’m a huge vitamin advocate, I always have to keep in mind that too much of anything, even a vitamin, can cause health issues. Collegiettes, please remember that although vitamins are healthy and for the most part harmless, you should never exceed the daily recommend amount of one. If you want to add more than these three into your diet, be sure to talk with your doctor first! I’m sure he or she will be impressed with your new vitamin knowledge.
We all have morning routines—get up, get dressed, brush teeth, head to Starbucks, and pray the line isn’t out the door. Next time, before you reach for your daily coffee, try reaching for your jar of vitamins. It’ll start your day off right. If you know you’re doing something great for your body as soon as you wake up, you’re bound to feel great all day, too!
*Photography by Lauren Friezo