We all do our best to stay healthy, eat right, and exercise regularly (like we’re supposed to!). Ideally, our diets would be in tip-top shape and we would absorb all those amazing vitamins and nutrients our bodies need from food alone. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case! We need a bit of help from our little supplement buddies to provide us with the good stuff we may be missing out on and, most importantly, what our bodies really need to feel healthy.
I’ve done my research and, although there are probably way more than just 5 supplements we should be taking, here are the top ones most doctors or nutritionist recommend!
5 Supplements Everyone Should Take
1. Fish oil
Unless you’re eating an abundance of wild fish or hormone-free beef, you’ll definitely need this one to maintain the omega-3 DHA and EPA nutrients your body needs! Taking about 600-1000 mg of fish oil per day is specifically linked to reducing inflammation, supporting healthy brain function, muscle growth, and even beneficial in maintaining healthy hair and skin (yes please!). No, fish oil doesn’t sound like the best thing to swallow even in pill form but, there are types out there that offer no fishy after taste which I’m a big fan which I’m on board for.
2. Magnesium
An essential mineral that often gets overlooked in our diets but is so critical to our health and well-being! A lack of magnesium leads to headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, metabolic syndrome, migraines, PMS, and even heart attacks (no thanks!). Unless you’re downing over 50 cups of raw kale or spinach a day, specialists recommend a supplement of at least 300-400 mg per day. Take this guy before bed for optimal benefits (this will also help you get a great night’s sleep – yay!).
3. Vitamin D
When I was living in Toronto, I would double (sometimes even triple!) my Vitamin D3 supplement intake, especially during the winter months when the sun doesn’t shine so brightly. This significantly helped with my mood and energy! Even though I’m based in San Diego, where the sun is almost limitless all year round, this little vitamin is still essential for good bone health and can even affect your sleep (it affects melatonin levels!).
4. Zinc
If you’re like me and having to manage adult acne (I talk all about it here), then you’ll make to become good friends with Mr. Zinc. Whether you’re managing acne like me, fighting a flu, or planning to run a marathon, Zinc is an essential mineral that aids in your body’s chemical responses and is most popular for boosting our immune systems. This little mineral is even linked to it’s positive effects on depression. Zinc is most notable in foods like shellfish, nuts, legumes, and beef but, if you’re low on this one, specialists suggest taking at least 40 mg per day.
5. Probiotics
When’s the last time you thought of your intestinal tract? I mean, who really does anyways right? The fact is, our intestinal tract is known as the ultimate control panel for our bodies. If something’s off whack, it throws our whole balance off! Probiotics do a great job in keeping our guts feeling healthy with good bacteria. This affects our mood (since serotine is produced in the gut) and even food cravings! There are many types and doses out there that can leave you scratching your head but, don’t be shy to speak to a professional that can help you find the right probiotic for you!
Adapted from ecowatch.com and justbobbi.com
