Although I should be surprised, it is quite commonplace to hear that most people don't take anything to support their general health. It is this reason, that I will list the 4 most important supplements everyone should take. This includes children (albeit in smaller doses), adults, and seniors. All 4 of these contribute to the general well-being and should serve as the foundation of any nutritional and fitness program. Have trouble with lethargy in the afternoon? One of these should help to alleviate the problem? Have indigestion, heartburn, bloating, gas, or food allergies? Another one will reduce it? Have focus problems? Another will help.
Also, please note that because these should serve as the foundation, it is important to spend a bit more on quality if you can afford it. Buying the most inexpensive brand at Walmart or Costco is generally not the way to go.
The 4 listed in order of importance are:
- A Daily Multiple Vitamin: The human body consists of millions of cells that are constantly regenerating. Each cell in the body needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals to perform at its best and prevent illness. Vitamins are critical in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous, skeletal and immune systems. Minerals are also needed in small amounts to help regulate body functions and aid in the growth and maintenance of body tissues and to help release energy. (In plain speak, this means in order for your body to function daily). Phyto-nutrients which are found in various forms of plant life are so important that nutritionists recommend at least 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and suggest even more is better. Sadly, less than one in five Americans get even half of these amounts. Although a nutritious diet is the best choice, a high-grade multi-vitamin will help to alleviate this.
- Fish Oil, more specifically, Omega-3: I will write a whole note dedicated to the importance of fish oil, however due to space limitations, just realize that every disease known to man is an "inflammation" of something in the body. All process foods (just picture anything out of a box or bag), saturated fats, fried foods, "dead" foods, refined sugar, and "convenience" snacks are all inflammatory in nature. They are foreign foods that require the body to utilize extra resources to break down and process the ingredients. If your body is not equipped to process this, it will be treated as a hostile invader and could cause inflammation if your body cannot fight it. Omega-3 Fish Oil is specifically an essential fatty-acid that fights inflammation and is "anti-inflammatory".
- Digestive Enzymes: What are enzymes? Enzymes are energized protein molecules. They are the human body’s life force and are involved in every function of the body. Vitamins, minerals and hormones must have enzymes to work properly. Life cannot exist without enzymes. Individuals who are enzyme deficient are subject to physical problems, disease and degeneration. Studies indicate that decreased enzymes levels are found in a number of chronic ailments, such as arthritis, diabetes, allergies, skin diseases, cancer, immune deficiencies and much more. By supplying your body with additional enzymes, you are ensuring that it can function properly.
- Probiotics: The Chinese believe that the stomach is the key to our entire body’s health. If you think about it, almost everything we consume is received, processed and distributed from the stomach. This is where the essential probiotics, commonly known as acidophilus, come in. Probiotics are the friendly flora, or bacteria, that support the normal colon ecology for digestion, absorption, elimination, and prevention of yeasts, bacteria and parasites. Simply put, they are the soldiers which keep our stomach, intestines and colon clean and happy.
Am I saying that if you take these 4 things, you won't have any health issues? Of course not. But these will help to ensure that your body is well equipped to handle the toxins and stresses, both internally and externally, which can wreak havoc on our bodies.
Jared Toay, aka. the "Digestion Dude" has actively been promoting the importance of health and digestion for more than 4 years. A weight loss expert, Certified Nutritional Specialist, and creator of Be A Fitness Freak, he has had a lengthy journey on his way to healthy living. An accomplished author and speaker, he would love to send you an eBook focusing on digestion and nutrition by entering your email address below or join him on his "Be A Fitness Freak" fanpage on Facebook by clicking the "like" button below to learn about his revolutionary Focus On Foods wellness program.