Lots of people take multivitamins every day to supplement their daily diets. For those who want to truly optimize physical and cognitive performance, though, that may not be enough. This article will focus on just a few of the supplements that people may want to incorporate into their daily wellness routines for optimal health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are essential for regulating inflammation. Omega-3, in particular, is crucial to maintaining optimal health. Thankfully, this important fatty acid can be found in all FDA registered fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplementation is one of the most widely accepted practices when it comes to optimizing health, and there is plenty of evidence to support the effectiveness of omega-3 in maintaining cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, and respiratory health.
Probiotic Supplements
Researchers have only recently begun to understand exactly how important a balanced gut microbiome is to maintaining good overall health. Unfortunately, bacterial imbalances, known medically as dysbiosis, are very common and can occur due to both dietary and other lifestyle factors. Taking probiotic supplements helps to repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria, restoring balance and reducing the risk of developing a wide range of diseases and disorders.
Herbal Supplements
Fish oil and bacterial probiotics may be two of the most important supplements out there for maintaining optimal health, but they’re the exception rather than the rule when it comes to sourcing materials. The majority of supplements are plant-derived. Common examples of plant extracts used to create effective supplements include:
- Ginkgo biloba
- Echinacea
- Turmeric
- Elderberry
- Ashwagandha
- Boswellin
- Spirulina
- Corydalis
- Ginger
- And many others
When purchasing plant-based supplements, it’s important to find a vendor that can guarantee quality. Herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, but there are other ways to judge quality. The FDA does allow manufacturing facilities to register if they follow certain industry best practices, and GMP certification represents a gold standard in the industry. If the manufacturer can provide third-party lab test results, that’s even better.
Vitamin Blends
While the jury is out regarding the effectiveness of general vitamin supplements, research shows that proprietary blends containing targeted vitamins and minerals in addition to plant- and fish-based extracts can be beneficial to human health. The most important vitamins and minerals for supporting optimal health include:
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Zinc
The problem with broad-spectrum multivitamins is that not everyone needs all of these vitamins and minerals. They will have a maximum impact only if people are deficient. While everyone should be addressing nutrient deficiencies, it’s generally better to do so in a more targeted way.
Recent Additions to Supplement Routines
More attention than ever has been given to supplements in recent years, and experts in the field are beginning to add new substances to their own routines even as research into their effectiveness is ongoing. Examples include things like quercetin for cognitive health, L-arginine for muscle formation, and acetyl-L-carnitine for boosting energy. These and other substances are found naturally in the body, but their concentrations tend to decrease as people age.
How to Take Full Advantage of Supplements
Choosing the right supplement regimen is vital for maintaining optimal health. However, it doesn’t replace the need for exercise, sleep, and a healthful diet. Be sure to incorporate supplements as part of a broader effort to make good lifestyle choices.