Raise your hand if you’ve walked through the vitamin aisle at your local CVS or Walgreens and not understood what half the labels mean. All virtual hands should be raised because I know we’re all thinking it. We know the mainstream vitamins – Vitamin C, D, Iron, etc. But what does our body really need? Are we giving ourselves the right amount of dietary supplements to be healthy? In an ideal world, most of our nutrients would come from our diet, but this isn’t always the case. Many people will offer differing opinions on the role vitamins should play in our lives, but here’s my outlook on it.
Calcium
Since we were little, our moms told us calcium makes our bones grow big and strong – which is completely true. Calcium maintains your bone mass, and it’s recommended you consume 1,000 milligrams daily. If your diet doesn’t supply this, it’s a good idea to purchase calcium supplement to take every morning.
Vitamin C and D
These are well known as being essential, and rightfully so. Vitamin C is known to improve your immunity, and vitamin D is important for healthy bones. With today’s technology era, it may be harder to get the number one source of Vitamin D, which is the sun. Drinking a glass of orange juice a day and walking in the sun definitely helps, but if you are unable to do this, supplements are an option.
Iron
Iron enables red blood cells to carry oxygen to blood cells. It is important for a lot of women, especially those experiencing increased menstrual cramps or anemia. A deficiency in iron can lead to fatigue and weakness, so it is vital to maintain healthy levels in order to feel your best.
Fish Oil
To those picky eaters who hate seafood, I have bad news. The omega-3 fatty acids that come from consuming a portion of fish or seafood at least once a week are absolutely essential to a healthy lifestyle. Omega-3 reduces the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. It also improves your brain capacity and mental health – it’s basically magical. If you’re deprived of this, it’s very important you take fish oil supplements daily!
Lysine
Although not as well known, lysine is a very beneficial amino acid. It decreases anxiety and depression as well as improving your overall immunity. Natural lysine can be found in high-protein foods like meat and eggs, but it is also available in the form of a daily supplement.
Multivitamin
Ah, the combination of it all. If this list is too long for you and you’d rather have it all in one, there is a solution. Multivitamins contain much of what I’ve listed and more, but if you want a high concentration in a particular area, make sure to take that specific vitamin as well. If you’re healthy overall, the one-a-day multivitamins are a great way to keep on track with vitamin intake.
Overall, vitamins can be an awesome resource of health benefits, but they cannot stand alone. In order to maximize your health, you must exercise, eat nutritious foods, and maintain a strong mental health. Combine this all with vitamins every day and you’re on the right path towards healthy living and feeling great.
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