Top Supplements You Should Be Taking on a Daily Basis

While it may not be the most exciting topic to talk about, supplements are an obsession for many people around the world, especially those who like to take care of themselves and their health. A lot of people have no clue what supplements are. By definition, supplements are vitamins and minerals that are needed to complete or enhance the nutrition you take in on a daily basis.

Research suggests that more than half of the citizens in the United States take some form of vitamins each day. Supplements continue to remain a controversial issue. Some experts say they are unnecessary and others claim certain supplements are necessary to get the nutrients we need that our diets lack. Many of the foods conventionally-grown today do not contain the nutrients we need because of things like pesticide abuse and poor quality soil.

Which Types Of Supplements Should I Take?

The best type of supplements to take on a daily basis will depend on various factors such as your age, gender, genetics, medical history, diet, and your level of physical activity. As an example, people who are vegan or vegetarian may need to take vitamin B12 supplements and people who live in areas where the climate is cooler might need to get more vitamin D because of the lack of sunlight.

It should be remembered that even the best supplements will not take the place of eating nutrient-dense foods of different varieties. Supplements such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and even protein powders can help support various bodily functions. However, they should only be used in addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Supplements are used more than ever before in the history because of their availability. They can come in a variety of forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, gummies, drinks, and more. The most widely used type of supplement is a multivitamin. There are many other types of supplements that are popularly used.

Top Supplements Everyone Should Take Daily

• Vitamins E, C and A—These vitamins are good for skin health. As we age, our skin starts to become more susceptible to damage. Over the years, our skin gets damaged from our unhealthy lifestyles, poor diets, too much exposure to the sun, overactive immune systems, and many other factors. Consuming enough zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A can help you keep your skin healthy and looking youthful.
• Calcium and Vitamin D—These two vitamins are typically used to help keep your bones strong and at less risk of bone loss and fractures. Calcium consumed with other key nutrients such as magnesium and vitamins is suggested to offer extra protection against big health threats to adult women and men; such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Supplementing with calcium can come with benefits and disadvantages. It is best to speak with your doctor before you add this to your daily regimen.
• Testosterone—Testosterone is another key supplement to consider adding to your daily intake. Do testosterone boosters work? Taking testosterone can help increase your muscle mass. Many people trying to lose weight add testosterone into their diets to help increase their energy levels and control their weight.
• Omega-3 Fish Oil—The older you get, the more important it is to ensure your immune system is running strong. Fish oil supplements that contain Omega-3 fatty acids can help strengthen your immune system, keep your joints in good, working condition, keep your heart strong, and keep your brain sharp. In some cases, these supplements can also help fight off inflammation commonly associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's and heart disease.
• Antioxidants—Antioxidants and eye vitamin supplements can help protect your eye's lens, macula, and cornea while also helping to lower information and free radical damage. Both of these can destroy the tissue in your eyes and weaken them. As you age, many antioxidants and vitamins such as lutein, vitamin C, vitamin A, and zeaxanthin can help protect your eyes and vision.
• Probiotics—The use of probiotic supplements has grown in popularity in recent years. Probiotics are the bacteria which line your digestive tract. They are necessary for supporting your body's ability to fight off infections and absorb key nutrients. Some strains of probiotics help improve immune functions and others promote hormone balance and overall health. Anyone having issues with their digestion should consult with their doctor about adding probiotics to their diets.

Who Should Take Supplements?

It is possible to get all the nutrients you need from a well-balanced diet containing a variety of healthy whole foods. Unfortunately, many people do not eat the foods they need in order to get the supplements they require. As stated above, there are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the right supplements to add to your daily diet. Always consult with your doctor before taking a new supplement.