Fuel your body to stay alive

There is a lot of talk about how to "Bug Out" and get away from whatever apocalyptic event is taking place to get out of dodge. There are thousands of articles on weapons, vehicles, shelters, hunting strategies, and much more, all based on the first days and weeks you "Bug Out". This article is going to cover something I don't see a lot of discussion on in the initial phase of Bugging out, Vitamins. I think it is highly advisable to take a multivitamin in your bug out bag and here's why:

First of all, What is a multivitamin?
 A multivitamin is a supplement, either in pill or liquid form, that fills the void between what our body is designed to operate off of and what we are actually in taking through our diet. The human body NEEDS 13 essential vitamins to function properly vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, B12, and the 7 B-complex vitamins are critical in regulating the human body's performance.

Why do I need to take a multivitamin?

1. Most of us probably should be taking a multivitamin during our day to day lives, but the need for supplemental vitamins greatly increases once we are in survival mode.
2. Stress is a risk factor which needs serious supplementation. Odds are if something is causing you to "Bug Out" your stress level is going to be elevated.
3. Hard work is another factor that requires higher levels of vitamins. There is a reason body builders, distance runners, and professional athletes take supplements, their bodies need them. During the initial phase of bugging out you are going to be moving and shaking and burning all your stored up vitamins, thus the need arises to replace them.
4. Lack of sufficient diet. During the initial phase you are going to be moving and probably not eating well. You more than likely have food in your BOB, but it is more than likely high calorie freeze dried foods. This is great for energy and travel, but not good long term. Think of your body as a two stroke motor, it runs on gas and oil mixed together. Food is the gas, vitamins are the oil. High calorie food is great gas, but lacks severely in the oil category. You don't want to wait until you are out of oil and start having engine problems to think about replenishing oil, this is where the multivitamin comes in to play. It helps maintain your body and supplement the lack of a real diet during your initial phase of your new life.
5. Retain mental acuity. During any survival situation, but specifically the escape and evade portion your brain is your most powerful and necessary tool. Maintaining proper nutrient levels is going to keep you mentally sharp and able to make good decisions on what you need to do.

Does a multivitamin really work?

Yes. There are not too many things scientist agree on, but the fact that a multivitamin does supplement a lack in diet provided nutrients is something that is widely accepted. As far as the "right vitamin for you" that is for a doctor to advise you on, or for you to do your own research. No vitamin companies are paying me to write this article so I am not going to recommend any by name, but I will give you 5 factors to consider when selecting a multivitamin.

1. The amount of vitamins and minerals. Don't just assume more is better. Your body is designed to operate on certain amounts of different vitamins, getting one with too much of any type means you are going to have very nutritious poop and pee. While this may be good for the environment, it is ultimately a waste of money and effort.
2. The type of vitamins and minerals. What vitamins are in the supplement and what forms are they in is critical. For example, pretty much all multivitamins have Calcium, but it comes in different forms, Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. I am not an expert in the differences and how they react differently with the body, but it is something to consider when shopping around.
3. The quality. Just like anything else you are purchasing for your BOB research it. Get lab results, product reviews from independent sources, anything you can to determine the right one for you.
4. Your specific needs. Gender, age, diet and lifestyle are all factors you should consider when selecting a supplement. Again, do some research for what is right for you.
5. The price. Don't think because you are paying more you are getting a better supplement. Most testing shows that generic brands are just as effective as more expensive brands at supplementing daily nutrient levels. Don't spend a lot of money in the name of PREPPING!

How do I sustain taking a multivitamin indefinitely?

Bottom line up front, you don't. I pack my BOB for maximum sustainability, but this is something that just can't be reused or sustained. So here's my recommendation. Pack a standard 2 month supply (60 days). For the first 30 days take a pill every day. For the next 20 days (day 31-50) take a pill every other day. The next 30 days (day 51-80) take a pill every third day. For the next 40 days (day 81-120) take a pill every fourth day. Utilizing this method will get you through the first month, which should be the most demanding mentally and physically, then weens you off the supplement as you get more settled and have a better source of food and routine diet.

Hopefully this post has increased your knowledge on nutrition in survival and as covered something you didn't think of before. Please feel free to comment and give feedback on this blog. We have lots of ideas, but we also desire to tailor to what people want to know, it is also fun for us to research new stuff so give us some more ideas.