If you’re wondering “what supplements should I take?” this article suggests how most average folks can benefit from the following nutrition supplements:
1. Basic multi-vitamin/mineral supplement
Deficiencies in vitamins or minerals can compromise immune system function, increase hunger and cravings, and crash your energy levels. All vitamin supplements are NOT the same — it is important that you buy quality products from established companies that consistently test well in the lab for purity and labeling accuracy.
It is also important that you get a vitamin/mineral supplement that contains high-quality forms of minerals. In general, oxides and sulfates are not very good forms of minerals, so the stuff you buy off the shelf at Walgreens or WalMart is usually made from low-quality ingredients. You should buy high-quality vitamin/mineral supplements.
2. Essential fats.
Have you heard of Omega-3 fats? They are essential fatty acids that cannot be manufactured in the body — they must come from the diet. The bad news is that the typical American diet is very deficient in Omega-3s. Dietary sources of Omega-3s are primarily certain fish, flaxseed, and certain nuts.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been most widely studied regarding their effects on cardiovascular health. Increased consumption of fish oil capsules may help slow the progression of atherosclerosis, thereby preventing heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have a number of heart-healthy effects, including reducing triglyceride levels, raising levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, reducing levels of homocysteine, and reducing blood pressure.
Omega-3s are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and have been tried in the treatment of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with considerable success (especially in early stages of the disease).
Since DHA is important for normal development and function of the brain, current evidence suggests that omega-3 fats can improve symptoms of depression, and delay the progression of nervous system disorders like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. DHA is also often added to formula for premature infants and some regular infant formulas and foods. If you use fish oil supplements, be sure to use distilled fish oil capsules from reputable companies.
See also: Should you be eating more fat?
3. Phytonutrients.
These are plant-based compounds that improve immune system response, aid digestion, and help to maintain proper acid/alkaline balance. There are literally thousands of these phytochemicals, and they cannot be manufactured — you have to eat your veggies!
We sometimes recommend that folks use a powdered green drink to increase the amount of phytonutrients in their diets. A good green drink should include lots of different plants, such as barley grass, wheat grass, aloe, nettle leaf, shavegrass (horsetail), alfalfa leaf juice, dandelion leaf juice, oat grass, broccoli, kale, spinach, parsley, ginger root, and nopal cactus. Two fantastic products are Univera’s Metagreens and Rewind’s Green Superjuice.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are essential for digestion, immune system function, and hormone creation. Read more about probiotics.
No information published on this web site is intended to treat or prevent any disease or medical condition. You should always consult a qualified health care professional before undertaking any exercise or nutrition regimen.