Do we need supplements? For those who have asked about which supplements I take, I want to first mention that supplements should be just that, a way to supplement any deficits in minerals, vitamins and nutrients you may not be obtaining or lacking from your diet. I always aim to eat a balanced diet, one that contains a variety of healthy and nutritious foods. My diet includes a variety of different vegetables, such as Broccoli, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus, and Green Beans; fruits that are lower in sugar, such as blueberries, strawberries, apples, and grapefruit; lean protein sources, grains and legumes, in order to obtain the majority of my nutrients naturally, and I use supplements sparingly to fill in the gaps in areas I may be lacking. With so many supplements in the market today, it can be difficult finding the right ones for you. When choosing a supplement I always look at the ingredients and choose the ones that are going to help me achieve my goals. With that being said, here is a list of the supplements I typically include in my diet: Opti-Women (Opti-Men is great as well) Multi Vitamin - Multi-vitamins ensure that your body is obtaining the nourishment it needs and prevents vitamins deficiency. Being deficient in any one of the essential vitamins your body requires will hinder the efficiency of chemical reactions in the body, such as the breakdown and digestion of proteins. Calcium - Calcium is essential to maintaining total body health. Your body needs it every day not just to keep your bones and teeth strong over your lifetime, but to ensure proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Vitamin D - Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the US. It is important to supplement with Vitamin D, as it encourages the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous thus helping to form and maintain strong bones. Omega-3 Fish Oil - Fish oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower concentrations of triglycerides in the blood (fatty substances) that pose a cardiovascular risk. Omega-3s can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, help provide joint, neuromuscular and cardiovascular support, and may help fight signs of aging. BCAAs - Branched-chain amino acids are essential nutrients that our body needs. There are two types of amino acids: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by our body on its own, thus they must be obtained from our diet or supplementation. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by our body therefore, do not need to be obtained from our diet. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) stimulate the building of protein in muscles and help reduce muscle breakdown. Amino acids help in muscle tissue repair, help prevent fatigue, and can improve concentration and performance. L-Glutamine - Glutamine is an amino acid that can help minimize the breakdown of muscle, improve protein metabolism, digestive function, and help in muscle recovery. To Health & Happiness! 💪😊
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:11:36 +0000
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