Even if you eat a healthy diet, exercise, and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle overall, you may still need to take supplements. Some people take supplements to make sure they are getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, while others take it to improve their health.
Dr. Klosterman and the team at Rise Chiropractic and Acupuncture want to see people live a positive and healthy lifestyle. And that’s why we put together this important guide on what supplements are and which ones to consider to achieve overall health.
What are Supplements?
Supplements are more than just the vitamins that most people think about when they hear the word supplements. It is also minerals, herbs (also known as botanicals), amino acids, and other ingredients. Supplements work to help ensure you are getting the vital components your body needs to function
They come in many different forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, powders, or liquids. It’s important to read the label thoroughly to understand the proper dosage for the form you are taking as it can vary.
Let’s take a look at some popular supplements and their purposes:
Multivitamin
Multivitamins are one of the most common types of supplements people take. They are a combination of different types of vitamins and minerals all in one form. There are many different types available on the market.
One of the most popular types is for certain age groups and genders since the recommended amount of nutrients people should get vary by age and gender. For example, women tend to start losing bone density by age 30. Many women’s vitamins are formulated for bone support.
Multivitamins provide a single source to increase nutrient intake. But sometimes people need more nutrients than what a multivitamin alone can provide, so taking additional supplements can help ensure you are getting more of a specific nutrient.
Vitamin B12
This vitamin isn’t as well-known as vitamins C or D, but it is an important nutrient for nerve health and healthy blood cells. It also helps prevent a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. It is most commonly found in animal products and is added to some fortified foods.
People who do not consume animal products (most types of vegetarians and vegans) are at risk of deficiency. Even though most multivitamins have B12 in it, you may still need more especially if you don’t also consume it through food.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been making headlines recently over it’s reported ability to help people with COVID-19 when given in high doses. While that is still being researched, vitamin C does have the unique ability to boost the immune system and protect the body from disease.
It can also help the body to make collagen, which is a protein that helps wounds heal. It can also generally help the body’s ability to heal which makes it an excellent vitamin to talk to Dr. Klosterman about and see if it’s right for you.
It also helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals such as cigarette smoke and pollution. Plus it can also help the body to absorb iron from plant-based foods.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin and is essential for bone health. This is due to its ability to help the body use calcium. It is produced by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. So people who live in areas that don’t experience a lot of sun may benefit by adding vitamin D to their diet.
Vitamin D has been shown to help people with asthma, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Bone pain and muscle weakness are signs you may be deficient in vitamin D, but sometimes aren’t always very noticeable
Calcium
Calcium works with vitamin D to ensure bone health. But unfortunately, many Americans don’t get enough calcium through diet alone. It is found not only in dairy products, but also leafy green, legumes, tofu, plus many foods are fortified with calcium.
Calcium is important for both children and adults. It helps children reach their full potential adult height and helps protect adults from osteoporosis.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is the fat or oil that is extracted from fish tissue and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is a popular supplement for heart health, to aid kidney-related issues and help the blood system. It also helps brain and nerve function. These are most commonly found in mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon and cod.
The body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids so people who do not eat foods containing that essential fatty acid, may benefit by taking a supplement.
Green Tea
Green tea has gained popularity in recent years. Most people consume this in a tea version. It is made from unoxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush and contains antioxidants and beneficial polyphenol, which can kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing.
It is a powerhouse beverage that can help the heart, help to lower cholesterol, stroke risk, diabetes, and overall weight loss. It also has the amino acid L-theanine which can help people focus and reduce anxiety. It can contain caffeine so if you are sensitive to it, you may want to make sure you find the decaffeinated variety.
Iron
Iron is a mineral with a couple of important functions. It helps to create energy from nutrients and It is an essential component of hemoglobin, which is a red blood cell protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the body.
People usually get enough iron since it is in a variety of foods, but women are more susceptible to not getting enough if they experience heavy menstrual bleeding or during pregnancy. People with heart failure, cancer and even frequent blood donors may also be iron deficient.
Important Considerations
Supplements do not require FDA approval in the same way medications do. This means supplement companies are responsible for having evidence that their products are safe. They are also not allowed to be marketed for medical purposes, so they should not make claims that they can treat any specific ailment.
Contact Dr. Klosterman Today
With all the different supplements on the market, it’s important you make sure you are only taking what you really need. Contact Dr. Klosterman and the team at Rise Chiropractic and Acupuncture to make sure you are living the positive healthy lifestyle you deserve.
Are you suffering from a sports injury, back pain, or an auto accident? Did you know that chiropractic treatment can help?
Get in touch with Dr. Dave Klosterman at Rise Chiropractic and Acupuncture today!
