It may be surprising to hear that many people lack in key vitamins and minerals. Despite efforts to be healthily, many Americans are not reaching the recommended dietary amounts and are therefore susceptible to illness and disease. While processed food and junk food play a role, modern farming practices have also led to lower nutrient density in fruits and vegetables compared with 100 years ago. With that in mind, below are some of the top supplements you can take to optimize your health.
Multivitamins
In an ideal world, we would obtain all our nutrients from the food we eat. However, factors such as the availability of processed food, junk food, and added sugar, stress, etc., mean that we are sometimes deficient in key vitamins and minerals. In fact, some of the biggest deficiencies among Americans are in Vitamins D, B12, B2, and C. Multivitamins are thus an important supplement to add to your diet for healthy living.
Zinc
While zinc deficiency is less common than vitamin deficiency, it is an important mineral to take because of its role in immunity. Zinc is also said to be helpful for wound healing, brain function, and for your sense of taste and smell. If you don’t want to take a zinc supplement, good food sources include red meat, chicken, oysters, chickpeas, and nuts.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another brilliant supplement for optimal health. Not only is it responsible for over 600 enzyme reactions in the body, but it can also help with nervous system regulation, muscle movement, blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, and more. There is also evidence-based research that indicates magnesium is helpful for migraines, PMS symptoms, inflammation, diabetes, and depression. Magnesium supplements are available in health food shops. Otherwise, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent food sources.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is one of the newest supplements to enter the market, and research into its effects are still new and ongoing, with nothing being confirmed. However, many people are using CBD oil for issues like chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and insomnia as they believe it might help. The best way to source CBD oil is to go to an authorized supplier like Itgel CBD, where you can find tinctures, gels, and edibles.
Probiotics
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that aid digestion and maintain healthy flora levels in our gut. This is important because an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria can lead to health problems down the line. Found primarily in fermented foods, probiotics are often lacking in our modern diets, which is why many people take probiotic supplements. Some of the best natural sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha. While food sources are good, supplements allow you to obtain much higher amounts of probiotics and in multiple strains. Check out your local health food store for details.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is another supplement that is lacking in many modern diets. Providing the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is important for regulating inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for healthy cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, and respiratory health. To ensure you’re getting adequate amounts of omega-3, experts recommend that you take about 500 to 900 mg per day. Fish oil supplements are available in capsules at health food stores. Alternatively, sources of fish oil include cold-water fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines), nuts, seeds, and plant oils.