Most Americans are nutrient-deficient in some way. Whether it’s a vitamin or mineral you’re not getting enough of from your diet or a specific condition you have that requires additional health supplements, it’s critical that you give your body what it needs to keep you functioning. This can include any of your body’s internal systems, including the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, etc.
While the best way to get nutrients is through a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, sometimes it’s just not possible. And as we get older, the body experiences changes that necessitate supplemental nutrition. Fortunately, there are high-quality dietary supplements offered by companies like Supersmart that can suit most necessities.
One popular dietary supplement today is the lion’s mane supplement. It’s made from the extract of the lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) and is commonly used to support cognitive function and brain health.
The following list contains supplements used across a wide range of the human experience but which are scientifically proven to deliver beneficial results.
Table of Contents
Calcium and/or S-equol
You’ve probably heard about calcium in the context of osteoporosis. While calcium is good for everyone, it is especially beneficial for older people who need this supplement to help strengthen their bones as they age.
Calcium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It also helps improve muscle and nerve functions.
The other one listed, S-equol, you probably haven’t heard much about. Like calcium, it is great for older people, but it is specifically beneficial for menopausal women. S-equol is a compound naturally produced by women, but most women usually do not get in the proper amounts. Menopause supplements that include S-equol as a fermented soy germ can dramatically help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, mood issues, and muscle aches. Clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of plant-based S-equol supplements.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are often called “brain food” because they naturally help with mood issues. The main compound, DHA, is a healthy fat found in fish and has been linked to improvements in dementia, cardiovascular disease, and a wide variety of other ailments. Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in the treatment of arthritis and asthma. While doctors recommend getting some omega-3s, as well as other fatty acids, from your diet by eating salmon or another healthy fish once or twice a week, the addition of an omega supplement can be hugely beneficial for your day-to-day health.
This is especially true given that it’s not always healthy to eat fish multiple times a week (especially tuna, which is high in mercury). Also, people who don’t eat fish (such as vegetarians) will benefit from taking omegas.
Magnesium
Like calcium, magnesium is a standard vitamin that the majority of Americans don’t get enough of. It is found in many fruits and vegetables and has been linked to digestive and gastrointestinal health. It’s one of the most common minerals in the body and plays a big role in hundreds of biochemical reactions, including energy creation and nervous system regulation. Magnesium has also been linked to fighting depression and type-2 diabetes.
Magnesium is a mineral that’s essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is necessary for a variety of functions, including muscle and nerve functions, bone health, and energy production. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to certain diseases, specifically diabetes, heart disease, and migraines.
Probiotics
Probiotics aren’t technically a vitamin or minerals, but they are a supplement and important. Your body contains all kinds of bacteria. We usually think of bacteria as bad, but the fact is there are good bacteria, microbes, in your body that are crucial for your digestive health. You have roughly 10 trillion bacteria (maybe more) in your body, so you shouldn’t be scared of them. The key is making sure you’re getting the right kinds of bacteria.
Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It may also help to reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as urinary tract infections and certain types of cancer.
Taking a probiotic supplement with healthy microbiotic bacteria can reduce inflammation and ensure that your immune system works properly. Kombucha is one of the most popular kinds of probiotic drinks, though the market is now filled with new fermented health foods. If you’re new to this self-care tip, kombucha is a great way to see if probiotics can improve your health.
Multivitamins
It is estimated that roughly one percent of Americans are getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need from food alone. That means that the massive majority of us are nutrient-deficient and are not getting the raw energy we need daily. Multivitamins act as a form of insurance to ensure that if you are deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, your body is protected and optimized.
There are literally hundreds of different multivitamin supplements on the market. We recommend looking for organic brands that use natural ingredients that are easy for the body to digest.
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