Are dietary supplements beneficial? Many people ask themselves this question, and the answer is yes. Many supplements help restore balance in the body, and every person should consider incorporating the following supplements into their daily routine.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins restore balance in the body while promoting optimal health. The CDC reports most Americans no longer meet their nutritional requirements through their diet alone. They fail to consume the needed fruits and vegetables to remain healthy. In addition, the produce Americans consume today lacks the essential vitamins and minerals found in the same foods decades ago. Experts believe this is because the soil in which these foods are grown has been depleted.
Tens of millions of Americans don’t have enough vitamins B12, C, B6, and D in their body, according to the CDC. In addition, those over the age of 50 typically consume inadequate amounts of folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E in their diets. A high-quality multivitamin helps overcome these deficiencies and ensures the body works as nature intended. When a person is considering adding a supplement, they need to put multivitamins at the top of the list because those supplements help restore balance in the body.
Ginseng
This herbal supplement qualifies as a nootropic thanks to the benefits it provides for the brain. Individuals who find they are stressed should take ginseng because it calms them. In addition, ginseng provides antioxidant support while boosting brain function. Many people choose to consume ginseng naturally, as it comes in root form. They eat it raw, much as they would a carrot.
Other individuals find they prefer to steam the ginseng lightly before consuming it. It may also be incorporated into teas or homemade soups, providing them with an earthy taste. However, ginseng also comes in tablet, capsule, oil, and powder form, making it easy for every person to find this supplement in a form that is palatable to them.
Fish Oil
The body needs omega-3 fatty acids to regulate inflammation. However, that is only one reason a dietary supplement of this type is of benefit to humans. A person can only take these substances in through their diet or supplementation, as the body doesn’t naturally make them.
When the body doesn’t have enough omega-3, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, and musculoskeletal health may suffer. The fatty acids help with blood pressure regulation, healthy body weight maintenance, immune function regulation, and mood, as well as joint and muscle health. Maroon and Bost conducted a study in 2006, which found supplementing with fish oil is as effective in treating lower back and neck pain as over-the-counter medications.
Most people find a 500 to 900mg dose of omega-3 fatty acids is enough for this substance to reach optimal levels in the body. In addition, people should consume oily fish three times each week, as they also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
L-theanine
Individuals who drink black or green tea may have enough L-theanine in the body. For those who regularly consume other beverages and forego tea, however, it may be wise to take an L-theanine supplement. This amino acid helps reduce stress responses in the body while promoting relaxation and arousal. In addition, mental focus increases when a person consumes L-theanine. With ample levels of L-theanine in the body, uers will feel calm, and their creativity will increase.
People who don’t drink tea should consider taking a 200mg dose of L-theanine twice a day. It comes in both pill and powder form. However, it is best taken with caffeine, as this provides a brain boost without the energy spike seen when caffeine is consumed alone. Those who are undergoing chemotherapy should speak to their doctor before taking L-theanine because it may reduce the efficacy of their medications.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps keep the body in balance by assisting in over 600 enzyme reactions that occur in the body. The World Health Organization estimates that 75 percent of American men and women today don’t meet the FDA’s recommended daily intake of magnesium. In particular, those who eat lots of processed foods, anyone with diabetes, alcoholics, and men and women with a vitamin D deficiency are most at risk of a magnesium deficiency. Anyone with weak bones, irregular blood pressure, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, muscle cramps, or blood sugar issues should speak to their doctor to see if they need a magnesium supplement.
Vitamin D
Almost 90 percent of the population does not take in enough vitamin D. The sun alone is not enough to provide all of this vitamin the body needs to remain in balance. In addition, sunscreen and clothing that protect the body from harmful UV rays limit the amount of vitamin D taken in naturally. During the winter months, vitamin D levels drop even more, as the sun’s rays are too weak to provide enough of the vitamin. Individuals who are older or have dark skin absorb less vitamin D from the sun as well.
The body needs vitamin D for neuromuscular function and bone integrity. Without enough vitamin D in the body, the inflammatory response is negatively affected, and the body cannot absorb calcium as well. Other problems associated with a vitamin D deficiency include blood pressure issues, muscle weakness, and a poor immune response.
People who take in the appropriate amount of vitamin D are less likely to experience stress fractures. Athletes use this vitamin to protect against injuries, and many people find they experience fewer upper respiratory tract infections when they supplement with this vitamin. In addition, it has been shown to help those who suffer from headaches and migraine symptoms.
Glucosamine
Humans lose cartilage over time. This flexible connective tissue is found throughout the body, such as on articulating surfaces of the joints. Over time, this connective tissue wears away, which can lead to pain. A glucosamine supplement reduces joint pain and stiffness when taken daily. In addition, it prevents the progression of osteoarthritis in the joints.
Probiotics
Gut health is essential to overall health, and probiotics work to restore balance in the gut. That’s important, as this is where nutrients are digested and absorbed. The beneficial bacteria work to ensure the gut functions properly by restoring the balance between good and bad bacteria. Any imbalance can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
This remains true even when the person eats a healthy diet and supplements with vitamins and minerals. Regular use of probiotics helps regulate inflammation while supporting healthy immune function and brain health. In addition, probiotics counter the harmful side effects seen with certain medications, such as antibiotics.
Choose dietary supplements carefully, as they are not regulated. Only purchase high-quality items, and use the right dose of each supplement. Finally, speak to a doctor before trying any new supplement, as they may interfere with medications currently being taken. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and get medical advice before trying anything new, as nobody wants to harm their health in the process of trying to improve it.
