Wellness supplements are supplements made up of vitamins, minerals, herbs and beverages designed to boost health. Although not regulated like drugs, wellness supplements may contain ingredients which may not be safe or helpful.
At its best, vitamins and minerals should come from whole food sources; however, supplements may also provide benefits if necessary.
Boost Your Immune System
The immune system serves as our body’s defense against germs, viruses and bacteria. It consists of physical barriers such as skin and intestinal epithelium as well as leukocytes which identify and destroy pathogens; along with inflammatory responses like white blood cell’s production and release of cytokines – which also plays a part.
Wellness supplements often claim to boost immune systems by adding essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and iron to diets. Zumpano states these supplements may be helpful when added as part of a balanced regimen; she advises seeking products certified as being free from contaminants by USP or NSF International logos.
No one-size-fits-all approach exists when it comes to improving immune health, though Hansen suggests eating a nutritious diet and practicing healthy habits like getting plenty of sleep, managing stress levels and forgoing tobacco and excessive drinking. You could also consider immune-boosting herbs, but always consult your healthcare provider first before trying anything new.
Strengthen Your Bones
Bone health depends on a combination of calcium and vitamin D; vitamin D deficiency has been linked to conditions like rickets and osteoporosis, increasing your chances of broken bones from falls or other trauma.
Diet is an effective way of meeting nutrient requirements for bone health; however, you may require additional vitamins and minerals as wellness supplements. When taking over-the-counter (OTC) products it’s important to consult your physician as these may interact with medications or cause adverse side effects.
Choose supplements made by reputable, research-oriented companies with ingredients proven effective through clinical studies. Look for United States Pharmacopeia or NSF International logos as evidence that the supplement meets contaminant-free standards. Your local health food store likely carries many nutrient options available for purchase including calcium and magnesium; best forms are magnesium glycinate and citrate which are more easily absorbed than magnesium oxide or hydroxide.
Support Your Energy Levels
Maintaining energy levels is vital to living a healthy life, so eating properly, engaging in physical activity and getting enough rest are all factors in maintaining high energy levels. Unfortunately, however, certain health conditions can contribute to feelings of fatigue; such as hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases or sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Wellness supplements can support the body’s natural energy production processes by filling nutrient gaps and improving digestion and immune function. Zinc is essential for healthy cells and improving immune system functions; other popular energy supplements include iron, B complex vitamins and vitamin D for strong bones; while herbal remedies like Ashwagandha may buffer stress while increasing resilience and energy.
If you’re seeking to use dietary supplements to increase your energy levels, consulting a clinician is important. They can determine the source of fatigue, assess any deficiencies in vitamins or minerals and suggest appropriate doses; plus they’ll keep an eye out for any adverse side effects from any supplements that might be added into your health record.
Help You Digest Food
If you suffer from stomach issues such as bloating, gas or diarrhea, the digestive health supplement industry could be your solution. Before shopping blindly for products promising relief from symptoms that don’t really exist yet, take some time to assess underlying causes before jumping to conclusions about which products might help.
Digestive enzymes help the body break down food into digestible components like carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates while protease breaks down proteins and lipase dissolves fats. Although our bodies produce these enzymes naturally, over-the-counter supplements may offer additional assistance with lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Dietary supplements can bring many advantages to your overall health. Before trying new supplements, however, always consult with a health care team member first; this will ensure you use safe and effective products without interfering with medications you’re already taking.
