How to Start Supplementing for Your Best Overall Health – Have you ever thought about whether your body is getting the vitamins and nutrients that it needs to function optimally?
The majority of people don’t (which is one of the many reasons why we’re experiencing so many rampant health crises in our society), but many begin thinking about it more once they hit their mid-thirties and early forties and the inevitable breakdown of certain systems begins to occur.
Supplementation becomes important as you age because nutrient absorption and metabolism tend to decline, leading to potential deficiencies. Additionally, certain vitamins and minerals become more critical for maintaining overall health and preventing age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular issues. Supplementation can help bridge nutritional gaps and support optimal health and well-being as you age. But, as always, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs and won’t interact with any medications you may be taking.
Supplementation is unique for every person depending on their age, gender, goals and current level of health, but there ARE several things that everyone can and should take daily in order to function better and assist in preventative maintenance for their body. Remember- it’s ALWAYS easier and better to prevent something before it starts than it is to fix it later.
That being said, here are the daily supplements that I personally take and that I recommend to every single one of my clients, regardless of their age, gender, or current level of health, in order to feel their best and protect their bodies for as long as possible:
1.) Magnesium- this mineral has literally changed my life.
I take 450mg before bed every night, and my mood, sleep and general sense of ease and relaxation have all dramatically improved.
In addition to being fantastic for sleep, mood and overall nervous system support, magnesium may help alleviate muscle cramps and spasms and contribute to better bone density, which may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Magnesium also helps regulate insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. And some research suggests that magnesium may help prevent or reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.
It’s natural, cheap and with a long list of potential benefits like this, there’s no reason not to try it for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference for you.
2.) Vitamin C- it’s essential to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of vitamin C.
However, most people don’t get enough fruits and vegetables in their daily diets, so taking 1,000mg of vitamin C in a capsule or a powder that’s dissolved in water every day can have tremendous benefits for your overall health.
Vitamin C is well known for its role in supporting the immune system. It helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and viruses.
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body and is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that is crucial for maintaining the health of skin, joints, bones, and other connective tissues, which helps with the appearance and elasticity of your skin.
Vitamin C also helps with allergy relief and stress reduction and may be good for your heart health, eye health, and ability to absorb iron from foods.
3.) Superfood powders
Red and green powders, also known as superfood powders or greens powders, are dietary supplements made from a blend of various fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other plant-based ingredients.
They are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, offering numerous health benefits for people who don’t get enough fruits and veggies in their daily diet (which is the vast majority of us).
Here’s a breakdown of red and green powders:
Green powders: These typically contain a mixture of nutrient-dense green vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and spirulina, along with other ingredients like wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella. They are high in chlorophyll, vitamins (such as vitamin K and folate), minerals (such as magnesium and potassium), antioxidants, and fiber. Green powders help support detoxification, boost energy levels, improve digestion, and enhance overall health and well-being.
Red powders: These usually include a combination of red fruits and vegetables, such as berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), beets, tomatoes, pomegranates, and red bell peppers. They are rich in vitamins (particularly vitamin C), minerals (such as potassium and manganese), antioxidants (such as anthocyanins and lycopene), and phytonutrients. They’re great for supporting heart health, promoting healthy aging, enhancing skin health, and reducing inflammation.
Both red and green powders can be conveniently added to smoothies, juices, water, or other beverages as a quick and easy way to boost nutrient intake. You can also buy them in capsules from companies like Balance of Nature. However, it’s essential to choose high-quality products made from organic ingredients without added sugars, fillers, or artificial additives, so always be sure to read labels and reviews and know what it is that you’re buying.
4.) A daily multivitamin
There are many to choose from, so just choose a reputable brand and a formula that you like.
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