There are many reasons why we should supplement with daily supplements. It’s difficult for anyone to get the adequate 40-plus required nutrients we need daily. Most of us fail to meet the suggested dietary recommendations for many reasons, could include unhealthy food choices, restricted calorie intake, loss of appetite, and ever-changing nutritional needs. Perusing the supplement aisle can be quite daunting. Right? The truth is, not all supplements are created equal. Many supplements are filled with cheap fillers and trace amounts of the vitamins and minerals. It’s important to know which supplements are best for you and which ones you should be taking daily so let’s start with the basics.
Daily Supplements
A friend recently asked if I took a multivitamin, I said, no. Her reply, “you’re such a big proponent of supplements, and you don’t take a multivitamin?” Multivitamins are a starting point, but here are many of variables to consider. The important individual elements to keep in mind are your age, fitness level, activity level, and stresses in your life. You should evaluate your current health and diet so you can choose what daily supplements are best for you. Blood work will help to determine your deficiencies. Getting a full blood panel workup done at least once a year is what I recommend. I typically go two or three times per year so I can monitor my health closely. Based on my results, I’m able to discuss any concerns with my doctor. Having all my results readily available, also, allows me to determine which supplements I need to incorporate into my diet.Probiotics
My number one recommendation is to take a probiotic daily, which are the live cultures found in yogurt. Probiotics are the good bacteria found in your gut that helps to inhibit harmful bacteria. They are essential for optimum gut health. One of my favorite brands is Garden of Life. They have several types of probiotics on the market, but I prefer the RAW probiotics. The 50 & Wiser RAW probiotics by Garden of Life is what I typically take, but they so many varieties depending on your body’s needs.