Vitamins, minerals, and herbs found in wellness supplements can support optimal health. But before beginning any new supplement regimen, consult with a qualified healthcare provider. They can assess your nutrient requirements individually as well as whether certain ingredients might interact with current medications or exacerbate specific medical conditions.
Idealy, your diet should cover all your nutritional requirements; however, supplements may fill any gaps due to increased exercise, seasonal allergies or medical conditions.
Vitamins
Acquiring the proper vitamins is an integral component of overall wellness. Vitamin supplements help your body metabolize fats, convert carbohydrates to energy, and prevent disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the ideal way to obtain vitamins; however, if your daily eating plan cannot provide all of these essential nutrients then general health supplements or multivitamins may provide additional support.
Vitamins are organic substances produced in our bodies to assist various metabolic processes, and should be consumed through food sources. Too many vitamins can be harmful, and any extra amounts can build up over time in your system and become toxic.
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in our livers and body fat, while water-soluble ones (vitamin C and the B vitamins) don’t get stored – instead flushed out through urine. While you shouldn’t build up too much of either type, making consuming these regularly a necessity to prevent deficiency or overload.
Minerals
Minerals are elements found naturally on earth that the human body uses for various purposes. Some minerals are only present in trace amounts and thus known as trace minerals, while larger quantities such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc are known as major minerals.
Mineral supplements are frequently combined with vitamins. The most widely-available multivitamin/mineral combinations, known as multis, come in tablet or spray form.
Iron can help build stamina by helping red blood cells transport oxygen around your body more effectively, strengthening immune functions and decreasing your chances of bruising.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements have long been known to support brain and cardiovascular wellness. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats also found in plants like flaxseed (linseed) and walnuts as well as fish such as tuna, salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel, this popular nutritional staple can make an impactful contribution.
Prescription fish oils are most frequently prescribed to treat high triglyceride levels among those at high risk for heart disease, although observational studies suggest it could also help alleviate depression – although evidence supporting such use remains limited.
Fish oil supplements may provide relief for dry eye symptoms and inflammation. However, it’s essential that you consult your physician prior to taking this supplement if you’re on blood thinners, are diabetic, or have had liver disease; some fish oils could interact with these medications and cause bleeding; consuming too much fish oil could also result in unpleasant side effects like belching, bad breath and acne flare-ups.
Magnesium
Magnesium can be found naturally in many food sources, including green leafy vegetables, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Furthermore, magnesium supplements are often added to fortified breakfast cereals and other packaged goods as a nutrient boost.
Magnesium is an integral dietary factor in supporting bone health, helping prevent osteoporosis by maintaining strong bones. Magnesium may also lower blood pressure and enhance cholesterol levels for those suffering from hypertension.
A small study with 10 women revealed that taking magnesium sulfate during gestation significantly lowered their risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia – conditions in which high blood pressure leads to seizures – as well as alleviating symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS), such as unpleasant sensations in their legs during sleep or activity. But it’s important to consult your physician first when considering taking magnesium supplements as too much may cause diarrhea and abdominal cramping; certain drugs, like alendronate (Fosamax) and tiludronate (Skelid), may reduce magnesium absorption into your system reducing its effectiveness altogether.
