Many wellness supplements contain high doses of immune-supporting nutrients such as vitamin C. Unfortunately, however, large-scale studies haven’t demonstrated their ability to prevent or treat colds or other conditions.
Consult healthcare professionals and registered dietitians when purchasing any wellness supplement, they can provide expert guidance and suggest products tailored specifically to meet your needs.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds found within our bodies that our bodies use in small doses for various metabolic processes. While vitamins should not be considered drugs, taking large-dose supplements without first consulting with a healthcare provider is not advised unless under medical advice.
Minerals are inorganic elements found naturally in soil and water that are consumed by plants and animals alike. Our bodies require calcium, magnesium and iron for bone strength and blood function as well as larger quantities of certain minerals like zinc, copper and selenium to support immune system functioning.
Some foods, including breakfast cereals, dairy, and meat are fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimal health, while herbal/botanical extracts like ginseng or echinacea and amino acids such as branched-chain amino acids popular among athletes are also supplements that may be added. Nutrients may come in form of gummies, liquid, pills, or powder. Structure/function claims on supplements are permitted but must be substantiated through scientific evidence such as clinical trials or epidemiological studies.
Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a distinct chemical composition and ordered arrangement of atoms, and over 5400 different minerals have been identified to date. Their study is known as mineralogy and experts in this area are known as mineralogists.
Minerals can be divided into two groups: macrominerals and trace minerals. Our bodies require larger amounts of macrominerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium; in smaller amounts we require trace minerals which play key roles in processes like bone and tooth formation, muscle contractions, nerve signals and DNA/RNA synthesis – such as copper, iron zinc selenium molybdenum.
Minerals can be found throughout nature and mined for use as health supplements, with examples including hematite (used for jewelry, pigments and iron ore), halite (rock salt), talc and gypsum being popular choices that provide paper, paint, plaster and cement applications as well as paper products with their multitude of health benefits.
Herbs
Herbs provide many potential health advantages, ranging from relieving inflammation and lowering blood pressure to fighting disease. Herbs may also boost metabolism, improve sleep quality and ease digestive issues.
Herbs can be broadly defined as leafy green or flowering parts of plants that can be eaten and used for culinary, medicinal or decorative purposes. Cinnamon, mace and nutmeg do not generally originate from herbaceous plants but do fall under this classification.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been shown to improve urinary tract symptoms, ease allergy and hay fever symptoms, prevent dermatitis, reduce inflammation and soothe toothaches. Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) can be taken either in extract form or powder to combat foodborne pathogens, aid digestion, reduce bloating/gas, treat infections/stomachaches more effectively as well as lower cholesterol/blood sugar levels. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) can soothe anxiety symptoms as well as ease headaches/PMS symptoms as well as encourage menstrual flow – not forgetting its anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties as well as its anti reducing abilities/nausia effects as well as alleviating pain/swelling/nausia effects/Nausia symptoms/nusadecrease pain/swelling/nausia relief as well as decrease pain/swelling/ nausea reduction as well.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium and chloride play an integral part in maintaining healthful levels of hydration as well as nervous system functionality and muscle contraction. Your body normally keeps these minerals at optimal levels but their ratio may change during intense workouts or prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea episodes, potentially decreasing them and leading to dehydration.
Wohlford recommends replacing lost electrolytes through whole food sources or unsweetened beverages, rather than through sports drinks that claim to replenish lost supplies of electrolytes, such as those that contain large quantities of sugar as well as added salt and artificial sweeteners.
Electrolytes play an essential role in muscle contraction as well as maintaining proper hydration levels and endurance during training and racing, according to Cedars-Sinai clinical dietitian Erika Der Sarkissian of Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Additionally, proper electrolyte levels can prevent dehydration, improve endurance during workouts or races and even help prevent cramps by regulating calcium in your system; further promoting heart health by lowering blood pressure. However, excess sugar should be avoided to avoid obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes among other health complications; too much sugar could contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes as well as numerous health issues related to heart health conditions that worsen heart health overall.
