Setting goals can lead us to think about improvements in our health, which is often the case. These health and wellness goals can include topics such as getting enough nutrients through nutrition and supplementation, fitness and more. Take the right supplements to optimize your health. This can help you reach your wellness and health goals.
Best supplements for optimal health
Multivitamin
Multivitamins of good quality are essential for optimal health. According to the CDC the vast majority Americans cannot meet their nutrient requirements by diet alone. In a 2013 CDC report, only 13.1% met their fruit and vegetable needs. A number of studies have shown that produce today has lower levels than produce consumed in previous decades, most likely because soils are depleted.
One CDC study estimated that 90,000,000 Americans were deficient in Vitamin D, 30,000,000 in Vitamin B12, 18,,000,000 in Vitamin B6, and 16,,000,000 in Vitamin C. Another CDC report found that 90,000,000 Americans are vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 deficient. Multivitamins of high quality can help to support a healthy diet and ensure our bodies are getting the nutrients they need.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are a great way to get essential omega-3 fatty acid, which is important in regulating inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acid is essential for our health in a variety of ways, but can only be obtained by diet and supplementation.
Adequate Omega-3 levels are essential for cardiovascular, respiratory and immune health, as well as musculoskeletal. It has been proven that they regulate blood pressure, maintain a healthy body weight and regulate immune function.
They also support a positive attitude and promote muscle and joints health. In a 2006 study, Maroon & Bost concluded that fish oil supplements were as effective as many over-the-counter medications at reducing neck and lower back pain. To achieve optimal levels, most people need to take 500-900mg omega-3 fatty acid supplements. It is also recommended that people consume three servings of oily seafood (such as salmon, anchovies sardines and mackerel).
Magnesium
Magnesium an important supplement for optimal health, is needed for over 600 enzyme reactions within the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 75% of American adults do not meet the FDA Recommended Daily Intake.
People who are at the greatest risk for magnesium deficiency have high-processed food diets, blood sugar problems or diabetes, consume large amounts of alcohol or diuretics, suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, have taken long-term antibiotics or have vitamin D deficiency.
Low magnesium levels may cause issues with vitamin D, bone weakness, irregular heartbeats, irregular blood pressure, anxiety and irritability, as well as muscle cramps, twitching, and fatigue.
Vitamin D
The body is unable to convert sunlight into vitamin D due to a number of factors, including age, darker skin pigmentation and limited sun exposure during winter months. Many factors can limit the body’s capacity to convert sunlight into vitamin D. These include limited sun exposure in winter, darker skin, ageing, wearing clothes and sunscreen that block the sun.
Vitamin D is essential for bone integrity, neuromuscular function and muscle strength. It also helps maintain a healthy immune system, calcium absorption, and a normal blood pressure.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to stress fractures and injuries, as well as a higher rate of upper respiratory infections. It has been proven that supplementing with vitamin D can also improve migraine and headache symptoms.
Probiotics
Probiotics help maintain gut health and are therefore important supplements to optimal health. This is because we absorb nutrients from our gut. Probiotics help the gut to function correctly. Gut bacteria can also cause disease and illness.
It is vital to maintain a balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria. Even if you eat a healthy diet and take vitamins and other supplements, bacterial imbalances can cause nutrient deficiency. Probiotics are shown to support healthy immune function, inflammation control, brain health and weight management.
It can also help counter some of the side effects caused by common medications like NSAIDs or antibiotics.
Quality can be an issue for certain brands because nutritional supplements aren’t regulated.
Conclusion
You should always remember that the dose of supplements varies from person to person. Certain supplements may also interact with certain medications. Speak to your healthcare provider if you want more information about a supplement before taking it.