4 Supplements Everyone Should Take

Supplements are great to take, especially if you don’t have an optimal diet. Taking supplements can help you stay healthy and provides you the essential vitamins and minerals that you might not be getting.
It can get quite confusing choosing a brand of supplements or knowing what to take.

Choosing Supplements

Choosing a brand of supplements can be hard with all the options. A helpful hint to look for when purchasing supplements is that you should make sure that the bottle is labeled 100% daily allowance. Also look for supplements that are scientifically balanced which means that it will dissolve and absorb correctly in you body. Some supplements are not easily absorbed by the body.
I also like vegetable based whole food vitamins and organic supplements.
If you’re still having trouble figuring out what to take, talk to your physician and you can also go to Whole Foods and Sprouts – they have employees working in the vitamin section who can help you out. Remember to take the recommended amount of vitamins, you don’t have to take more than you need!

Below are 4 supplements take are beneficial to take.

1. Multivitamin

Multivitamins are great to take. They fulfill your nutritional needs for the day. Multivitamins usually contain Vitamin A which is critical for healthy eye vision and good skin, Vitamin B which increases your metabolism, Vitamin C which enables you to have a strong immune system, Vitamin D which promotes healthy bones, and Vitamin E which is necessary for healthy development of muscles and brain function.
Click here to see the recommended dietary allowances for vitamins and minerals (USDA.gov)

2. Omega 3′s

Omega 3′s are amazing for your brain, heart, and vision. Omega 3′s are essential fatty acids, and are essential for optimal body function. The most important forms of omega 3′s are EPA and DHA. You can get omega 3′s from fish but with the increased concern for mercury and toxin levels in our oceans, it might be more beneficial to your health to take omega 3′s in a supplement form. For women, the daily dose of Omega 3s is 1000 mg; for men, the dosage is 600 mg.
Omega 3 supplements (EPA/DHA) may cause the blood to thin and cause excess bleeding, particularly in people taking anticoagulant drugs, so check with your physician if you are on any medications before starting any new supplement.

3. Calcium, Magnesium and More Vitamin D

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed toamounts to prevent osteoporosis and eliminate muscle cramping during menstruation or from over-exercising. Yet, calcium alone is often not enough. Without magnesium, calcium may be not fully utilized, and underabsorption problems may occur leading to arthritis, osteoporosis, menstrual cramps, and some premenstrual symptoms.
As for Vitamin D, we really don’t get enough of it. That’s why sitting in the sun for at least 15-20 minutes is essential. Make sure your supplement contains Vitamin D3. If you are curious whether or not you are vitamin D deficient, you can get a simple blood test called 25-hydroxy Vitamin D.

4. Probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria.”
When probiotics are abundant in your body, it’s harder for bacteria that cause illness to get a foothold. Some also keep you healthy by making bacteriocins, which suppress the growth of harmful bacteria.
Certain probiotics are found in yogurt, cheeses, sauerkraut, and much more. Whatever the source, always look for “live and active cultures” on the label.

Bonus Supplement – Juicing!

Some people just don’t like taking pills of any kind and that’s fine. That’s why I recommend juicing.

 Many people ask me why they should juice when they could eat the vegetables or fruits. When you extract the juice from the vegetable all you are left with are beneficial micronutrients. Since your body doesn’t have to break down any components like insoluble fiber, your body is quickly absorbing micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and much more from the juice. That’s why often you get instant energy after having a juice!

Juicing also allows you to consume the needed vegetables and fruits that your body craves and needs for optimal health. If you find it difficult eating raw vegetables and fruit, then juicing is perfect for you. When you do juice, make sure you are juicing organic produce.