Your body needs certain key compounds (like nutrients) every day to stay healthy. Depending on your age, eating habits, and other factors, you may not get enough from diet and other sources alone. Meanwhile, since your body doesn’t store these compounds (and in most cases doesn’t produce them), many have to be consumed at regular intervals.
That’s where supplements come in. Supplementing the right compounds in the right amounts can fill the gap between what your body needs versus what you’re getting from your diet and other sources. Following are six supplements that may enhance your health and wellbeing:
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster, with important benefits related to heart and brain health. It also helps your body absorb iron and is a powerful antioxidant. A recent study suggested 33% of Americans don’t get enough Vitamin C for good health.
Dietary sources for Vitamin C include many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruit. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 90 mg…about the same amount you’d find in a large orange. However, most experts believe consuming up to 2000 mg/day of Vitamin C is both safe and beneficial.
Vitamin D
Another immune system booster, Vitamin D is also important for strong bones and muscles. Some studies suggest it may promote longevity and help to prevent age- related illnesses.
Your body can synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight. However, most people don’t get enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone because they wear sunscreen, or because they spend too much time indoors. Fatty fish (such as tuna or salmon), egg yolks, and mushrooms contain vitamin D; but it can be hard to consume enough of these foods to get adequate supplies. The same goes for Vitamin D fortified cereals or milk.
To get enough Vitamin D, most people need to take a Vitamin D supplement. Ideally, lab testing is used to determine appropriate dosing.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that slows cellular aging, supports the immune system, enhances cardiovascular health, and promotes skin and eye health.
Although Vitamin E is present in foods like nuts, seeds and vegetable oil, it can be hard to get enough from food alone. A daily supplement of up to 1000 mg/day is recommended by many experts.
Melatonin
OK, we’re cheating a little on this one. While often taken as a supplement, did you know that melatonin is actually a hormone? Every evening, your pineal gland produces melatonin to help your body prepare for sleep.
Unfortunately, as people get older, their bodies produce less and less of this critical hormone, making it difficult to fall asleep. Even younger people often produce inadequate amounts of melatonin due to artificial light exposure at night. Meanwhile, poor sleep quality can suppress your immune system and increase production of the stress hormone cortisol.
But there’s good news. A daily melatonin supplement (1-5 mg) taken at night before bed is safe, non-habit forming, and can help to restore healthy sleep patterns.
Probiotics
Your digestive health depends on millions of good bacteria in your intestines. When these bacteria are out of balance (due to things like dietary insufficiencies or taking antibiotics), your overall health (including your immune system) can suffer.
A daily probiotic supplement of 1-10 billion colony forming units (CFUs) can help to restore balance. While this may sound like a lot…it’s actually just one or two capsules.
Glucosamine
As people get older, the daily wear and tear on joints can add up…especially if you remain physically active.
Your body produces glucosamine to maintain the health of cartilage that cushions your joints. However, over time your body produces less of this important compound. And…unfortunately…there are no dietary sources.
Luckily, you can take a glucosamine supplement. Experts recommend 1500 mg per day to maintain good cartilage health.
Which Supplements Are Best for You and How Much to Take?
Recommended daily allowances are based on an “average” person, and are frequently based on outdated information. Your actual needs may vary dramatically depending on your lifestyle, genetics, diet and overall health. Keep in mind, too, that the supplements listed above are just a starting point.
Renew Youth can help to evaluate your needs and recommend a supplement protocol that will help you to reach your health goals.
Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to arrange for your free consultation.