Some sort of dietary supplement is being used by around 76% of American adults today. It is a ludicrously fast-growing market, continuously promising us the world.
Some supplements cater to specific conditions such as arthritis or acne. Some supplements lack the backing of scientific studies. Some supplements can easily be found in a balanced diet.
With so many supplements to take, all of them boasting unique properties from fat loss and younger-looking skin to improved strength and cognitive function, the question on most people’s minds is ‘what supplements should I take every day?’
Read on for the top five daily supplements everyone should be taking.
Straight in at the top of the list are Omega 3 fatty acids. Whilst these guys can be found in food sources such as mackerel, salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts, most people are not getting enough of them.
Sadly, the modern diet means you’re probably getting more Omega 6’s than 3’s. Omega 6’s are another polyunsaturated fatty acid, but unlike Omega 3’s they have been linked to cardiovascular issues, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and even certain forms of cancer.
Omega 3 sourced from fish contains two main active ingredients: DHA and EPA. Individually, DHA primarily supports brain function and eye health, whilst EPA helps reduce inflammation.
Together, however, DHA and EPA have a long list of study-backed benefits that make them our number 1 supplement. Here’s just a few:
When you’re choosing an Omega 3 supplement, we would strongly recommend bypassing the Omega 3,6 & 9 combined options and going straight for a high-strength standalone Omega 3 supplement.
Unlike the other supplements on this list, Vitamin D is seldom found in food sources. Small amounts can be found naturally in oily fish, mushrooms, and egg yolks, but its main source is direct exposure to sunlight.
When we take geography, the four seasons, and temperamental weather conditions into account its no surprise that almost 50% of the world’s population is thought to be deficient in vitamin D.
So, unless you can guarantee to be able to stand beneath the midday sun for a few minutes every day, here’s why you might want to supplement vitamin D:
Deficiency in Vitamin D is commonly linked to reduced performance in athletes. It seems that a lack of Vitamin D can reduce the body’s ability to recover, making it more prone to injury.
Some of the other most common symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include:
If you suffer from any of these, it might be time to consider a vitamin D supplement.
This is technically two, but magnesium helps the body regulate its zinc levels, and zinc allows the body to absorb magnesium more efficiently, meaning they often come as a pair.
Both Magnesium and Zinc are essential for protein synthesis and maintaining bone health, though they each boast unique health benefits as well.
Magnesium can reduce fatigue, help improve sleep quality, improve muscle recovery, and assist with metabolism. Common signs of magnesium deficiency are feelings of fatigue and broken sleep.
The list of Zinc’s benefits is far too long for this article alone, but some of the key reasons for making sure you get enough are:
Zinc is a trace element that is present in every single one of your cells. This means that zinc is essential for the body to grow, develop, and maintain itself.
Probiotics are living micro-organisms, often referred to as ‘good bacteria.’
Think of your body as a balancing act. On one side there are the bad bacteria, and on the other side, there are good bacteria. In order to function properly, the body needs to stay neutral.
When you are unwell, there is usually an increase of bad bacteria in the body, and you are knocked off neutral. Poor nutrition, an unhealthy diet, and taking antibiotics can all play a part in tipping the scales in favor of bad bacteria.
You might be asking why it’s so important to keep this balance in check.
The main reason is to maintain a healthy level of bacteria in the gut. This is essential to ensure that the body digests food efficiently, making sure that toxins are eliminated and nutrients are absorbed.
Not only will a poorly functioning gut create digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea, but it’s important to look at the effects of not receiving enough nutrients as well as the body not eliminating enough toxins.
The majority of serotonin and about half of your dopamine is made in the gut. So, if your gut isn’t behaving properly then there is a large chance that your moods aren’t either.
If your body isn’t digesting food as it should then you are, in turn, reducing the number of vitamins and minerals your body can absorb. A probiotic supplement will help maintain a healthy gut and ensure your body gets what it needs from the foods you eat.
Also known as cobalamin, Vitamin B12 is not produced by the body. It can be found naturally in meat and dairy products, and as a result, is often added to cereals and non-dairy milk.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for keeping nerve and blood cells healthy. It plays a vital role in the synthesis and metabolizing of serotonin.
It is a key ingredient in the manufacture of DNA and even plays a part in cognitive function. It also helps your body convert the food you eat into energy.
Signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency can include:
With benefits to your energy levels, brain function, digestive and nervous systems, and more, Vitamin B12 is a must for your daily vitamin regimen.
With so many different versions of what can often look like identical products, choosing which supplements to take can quickly become a headache. Retail outlets can be too expensive and the integrity of many online stores can be questionable, to say the least.
Finding an online store that is licensed as a dispensing pharmacy and is registered with an official governing body is your best and safest bet. Kiwi Drug can offer you the quality guarantee of a pharmacist at unbeatable online prices.
Check out our store for all your daily supplements and more.