5 Supplements You Must Take

With the overwhelming number of supplements advertised today, it can be hard to know which ones are truly beneficial. While it’s best to get nutrients from food, our diets sometimes fall short, leading to potential deficiencies.

This can happen for various reasons, such as having a limited diet, being unable to absorb nutrients properly, or simply not eating enough of certain foods. Now the question arises: how can you overcome this issue? Here are five key supplements that may be necessary for maintaining good health.

These supplements can help fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and support your overall well-being. It’s important to remember that not everyone will need the same supplements, as individual needs can vary based on factors like age, health conditions, lifestyle, and dietary habits. These supplements are:

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. While recent studies, like those from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, suggest that omega-3s might not prevent heart attacks as once believed, they can still lower triglyceride levels. If you dislike eating fish, a fish oil supplement might be beneficial. However, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine what’s best for you.

Vitamin D

Ideally, we would get all our vitamin D from sunlight. However, using sunscreen to protect our skin also blocks vitamin D production. Additionally, getting enough sun exposure in winter is challenging due to shorter days. A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to various health issues, and long-term use of vitamin D supplements can reduce mortality, according to a study published in PLOS One. Since vitamin D and calcium work together to build strong bones, make sure to consume foods that are rich in calcium as well.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut and play a crucial role in overall health. While yogurt is a common source of probiotics, supplements can be a good alternative if you’re not getting enough from your diet.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for overall health. While many people get enough B vitamins through their diet, vegans and vegetarians might struggle to get vitamins like B12, which are primarily found in animal products. B-complex supplements and multivitamins often include these vitamins. If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue or weakness, it’s wise to see a doctor who can check for deficiencies with a blood test.

Magnesium

Many people do not consume enough magnesium in their diet. Although a true deficiency is rare, consistently low intake of magnesium can increase the risk of health issues like heart disease, migraines, etc. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.

Final Words

In short, we can say while aiming to get nutrients from food is ideal, supplements can be necessary to fill nutritional gaps. Each of the nutrients is proving to be beneficial in its own way and it will help you stay fit and young. Moreover, consulting with your doctor and getting regular blood tests can help you determine which supplements, if any, you need to support your health.