Nutritional imbalance is becoming commonplace in today’s fast-paced world, with most people consuming excess sodium, sugars, and saturated fats. This imbalance can have damaging health effects, causing a lack of critical nutrients and making the body prone to various health issues. While fruits and veggies are the best ways to prevent nutritional imbalance, studies show that only 1 in 10 Americans eat them, which is why supplements have become so important. The right ones can help you meet your nutritional goals, boost your immune system, fend off diseases, and provide a boost of essential nutrients. Here are six supplements worth adding to your health routine.
- Probiotics
The digestive tract is home to probably the most diverse population of fungi, bacteria, and viruses, each playing an important role in maintaining a healthy gut. When there’s an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract, you become more prone to inflammation and various illnesses. Studies show that eating enough fermented foods can contribute to building a healthy gut, as it provides all the probiotics the body needs. Unfortunately, not many people have fermented foods as part of their regular diet. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and tempeh are excellent sources of probiotics, capable of restoring the gut’s bacterial balance. But you can also purchase probiotic supplements. Research has shown that probiotics can promote good mental, immune, vaginal, and heart health in addition to boosting gut health.
- Multivitamins
A multivitamin is a preparation intended to serve as a dietary supplement with essential minerals, vitamins, and other nutritional elements. Studies have shown that the average person is not able to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone, and that’s where a multivitamin can help. It fills in any nutritional gaps, providing an array of essential nutrients you fail to get in your regular diet. With a good dose of vitamins, you can improve your physical health, memory, and mood. Studies also show that it can help slow the progression of certain diseases. Experts recommend taking one multivitamin daily, especially one containing magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, and B12. Also, it’s important for bone and joint health.
- Devil’s club
Devil’s club is a dietary supplement usually made from the roots or bark of the devil’s club plant. Unlike many dietary supplements that have artificial components, the Devil’s Club is mostly herbal, with well-documented health benefits. It’s most noted for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties, making it an excellent choice for warding off infections and boosting your immune system. Several more recent studies have also linked it with improved digestive health, reduced pain, and enhanced energy levels. It can also help promote mental clarity and resilience.
- Curcumin or turmeric
The turmeric root has been used for centuries for health, cuisine, and medicinal purposes. It’s acclaimed for its many health benefits, especially from its bioactive compounds called curcuminoids. Its secret weapon is a byproduct called curcumin, which has been proven to help fight oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals in the body and preventing inflammation. While oxidative stress is a normal part of the body’s functioning process, it can easily get out of hand and wreak havoc on your health. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties can also prevent many chronic health issues, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and kidney diseases. You can add turmeric as a supplement to your daily diet or buy curcumin supplements for the same health benefits. Everyone will experience some degree of inflammation, which is why it’s important to take turmeric or curcumin regularly to prevent your inflammation levels from going overboard.
- Omega 3s
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that include DHA, DPA, EPA, SDA, and ALA. They’re called essential because the body does not make them, as you can only get them through the food you eat. Several studies on omega-3 fatty acids have revealed it’s many health benefits, including helping minimize the risk of depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and various cardiovascular diseases. They also play a huge role in supporting maternal and child health. You can purchase omega-3 supplements or get them from foods like fatty fish, seafood, plant oils, nuts, and seeds.
- Zinc
Zinc deficiency is more common than most people think. The World Health Organization reports that about 17.3% of the global population has zinc deficiency. Zinc protects the body from free radicals while aiding in fighting various viruses. While you can easily purchase zinc supplements, you can also get this important nutrient from foods like crab, beef, oysters, tofu, pumpkin seeds, cashews, nuts, and seeds. Experts recommend increasing your zinc intake during the fall and winter months.
