14 Feb Top 5 Supplements You Should Be Taking

If you’re not buying locally-sourced organic food, or growing your own produce in healthy soil, there’s a chance you’re exposing yourself to GMO products that are extremely nutrient deficient. So although you might be consuming your fair share of fruits and vegetables, you might not be as healthy as you think. Taking supplements has become a popular way of giving your body the extra nutrients it might need to fight off colds, flu, ailments, and other illnesses that might plague you.

But in a market flooded with food fads and health myths, it is easy to become confused as to which supplements might actually heal the body instead of adding to the harming of it. Here is a list of the top five supplements for you to take on a daily basis. We do suggest that you consult a healthcare professional to ensure you take the right dosage for your lifestyle.

1. MAGNESIUM

Did you know that 80% of adults suffer from a magnesium deficiency? Quite alarming when you consider that magnesium plays a vital role in bodily functions including nerve transmission, energy production, as well as bone and cell production.

A daily dose of magnesium can drastically improve your sleep, reduce your anxiety, and alleviate conditions like asthma, migraines, muscle cramping, osteoporosis and heart disease.

2. OMEGA OILS

If you want to keep your heart healthy, taking your fatty acids is a step in the right direction. Eating salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna should help, but because we pollute our oceans – thus contaminating our fish supply – and farm salmon, we aren’t getting the dosage of healthy oils that we need.

Boost your immune system, fight depression and strengthen your brain power and memory too with this powerful supplement.

3. VITAMIN D

A healthy lifestyle consists of a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Ensure your bones are strong enough to carry you through spinning class, and that your heart beats healthily until you reach the summit of your mountain hike, by taking your vitamin D.

Though your body naturally generates the vitamin when you’re exposed to sunlight, statistics have shown that one billion people worldwide suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. It plays an important role in your immune system and cancer prevention.

4. KELP

People with an iodine deficiency will appreciate this supplement as kelp promotes proper thyroid function. Kelp can also improve your energy levels and contribute to a healthy metabolism.

But this is a controversial supplement to take. The large seaweed is safe to consume in its natural plant form, but some studies have argued that certain kelp supplements contain a toxic amount of heavy metals – not safe for humans to consume. This is why it is imperative that you see your health practitioner for the correct dosage.

5. CURCUMIN

Turmeric lattes, juices and gummies are all the range now, and curcumin is the reason why. This inflammation-fighting supplement combats heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic fatigue, and is a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin has also proven to boost brain function and lower the risk of brain disease.

If you’re taking your portion of curcumin in the form of supplements, be sure that black pepper is in the capsules too, as it helps your body absorb curcumin.

BONUS – VITAMIN B12

Low levels of this DNA-making, red blood cell-healing vitamin can cause fatigue, memory loss, anemia and digestive problems. Vitamin B12 has been linked to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, breast cancer, high cholesterol and sickle cell disease.

People over the age of 50 tend to experience a drastic drop in this vitamin, so be sure to take it with Vitamin B6 to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, and heart disease in men.

In pursuit of your health, you can never be too studious or conscientious. So although we’ve mentioned a handful of supplements that can contribute to your vitality, there are a few handful more that you might consider. Other than calcium, zinc, iron and vitamin B12, what supplements are you taking and how have they improved your life?