3 SUPPLEMENTS YOU SHOULD BE TAKING DAILY TO STAY HEALTHY
Walking through the health supplements aisle for the first or fiftieth time can be confusing and overwhelming. Even if you eat a healthy diet it can be difficult to get the recommended daily amount of some nutrients. Investing in a strong nutritional foundation supported with quality supplements is part of a preventative medicine plan to stay healthy and vibrant. Following are the top three supplements worth your hard earned money for daily support of your health and wellness:
1. A good multivitamin with minerals
We have a huge need for protective, health-supporting nutrients to help us combat the daily assault of living in a polluted and stressful world. Think of a multivitamin as a little insurance policy to help protect your body against the vitamin and mineral shortfalls that can occur even in diets that are rich in healthy foods.
By gifting your body multivitamins with minerals, you’ll also be optimizing cellular function, which helps make all your systems work consistently at their peak, instead of sputtering through the day.
When making a multivitamin selection, look for vitamins A, B, C, D, K and E as well as folate and the trace minerals such as zinc, selenium and chromium. Look for capsule form with an easily absorbed enteric coating versus harder-to-digest tablet versions.
Always take your supplements with food to assist with absorption and prevent the queasiness that can sometimes occur on an empty stomach.
2.Probiotics
Probiotics are another good foundation supplement. Ever heard the saying, ‘Constipation is illegal’? For so many reasons this is true. A good probiotic muscles out the bad bacteria and in doing so improves bowel movements and aids in digestion. Good gut bacteria can help us lose weight, enhance your immune system, decrease pain associated with inflammation as well as make some nutrients and vitamins that we need. Take a probiotic supplement with at least 15 billion live bacteria from one or more of the Lactobacillus family. It’s generally best to take one capsule before bed.
3. A supplement high in omega-3 fatty acids
Fish oil supplements are rich in the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are vital to good health. They support your body’s ability to prevent chronic diseases and help protect it against inflammation. They also promote a stronger immune system; cardiovascular, joint and vision health; strengthen skin, hair, and nails; and enhance nutrient absorption, metabolic function as well as attention, mood and memory skills. In short, fish oil is seriously good stuff, but as with Vitamin D, you can’t make your own omega-3 fatty acids, so you’ve got to get it from outside sources. Fatty fish and fish oil supplements are your best sources.
Look for a brand that contains both EPA and DPA, the two key healthy fats in fish.
Before taking any supplement you should check with your physician.
Remember, the best way to supplement is with food that includes a rainbow selection of vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats.