You can do all the right things, eat well, get plenty of sleep, and exercise, but you could still be lacking in some areas. Unfortunately, we can’t get everything we need from food anymore, due to low-quality soil and farming practices. The good news is there are plenty of sources for top-notch supplements. Furthermore, you can get what you need at almost any market and, certainly, online. Ask your doctor what he/she recommends for your specific health needs. Here are some of my go-to supplements to enhance health and well-being.
Vitamin D
Even if you live in a warm, sunny climate, it’s probable that your vitamin D is low. In fact, it’s estimated that a whopping 1 billion people are deficient in this much-needed vitamin. There are many reasons for this widespread phenomenon. First, it isn’t as available in our food as it used to be. Furthermore, people are staying out of the sun or wearing sunscreen to protect their skin. Consequently, this exodus from the sun’s bad rays also takes away the good stuff…in this case, vitamin D.
Luckily, taking a vitamin D supplement is an excellent option to raise your levels. Check with your doctor about getting a lab test to see how low you are. This will determine how much D you need to take each day.
Turmeric
This bright yellow spice is not just a fabulous ingredient in cooking but a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. One study even found turmeric can help control allergies and asthma, and it can also help make your teeth whiter. My experience with a daily turmeric supplement has proven successful. I had fewer overall body aches, headaches, and general inflammation when tested after a few months. I recommend seeking the type that is meant for supplementation, as opposed to using the spice form. There are some differences in concentration and effectiveness as well.
CDB Oil
Did you know that CBD oil is classified as a food supplement? There have been several studies conducted to date that suggest that CBD oil has beneficial properties that help with various conditions including anxiety, depression, inflammation, autism, epilepsy, sleep disorders, migraines, MS, joint pain, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, and several skin conditions. That’s a long list of ailments that one substance can help.
I, for one, rely on CBD oil every day. It calms me and also helps with headaches. I use water-soluble drops in my daily water. I recommend trying various types and brands until you find what works for you. Some people also like to use a disposable cbd vape pen. Do make sure you are using quality CBD that you have researched well. There is a lot of junk out there that can do more harm than good. Always ask for lab analysis before using any products. That said, with the many CBD products that are available, I’m sure you can find something to meet your needs.
Butterbur
Butterbur is a shrub that’s native to Europe as well as some parts of Asia and North America. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), it has been used since the 17th century to treat everything from coughs and asthma to wounds. The supplement of Butterbur extract is used widely by migraine sufferers who want a natural solution. I’m all in!
Niacin
Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 and has a long list of health benefits. It’s been touted as a way to help everything from high cholesterol to Alzheimer’s. A 2010 review found taking it on a daily basis can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in those with heart disease. It may also increase brain function and even boost the appearance of skin.
I do have a word of warning about taking niacin, however, There is something called the niacin flush that can happen if you are sensitive to it or take too much too fast. Though harmless, this reaction doesn’t feel that great. You get a red, rashy, hot feeling on your face and upper body that can also itch. It happened to me the first time I used it, but it didn’t last long. You can take a low dose or a version that is time-released for best results. I have also read that taking an aspirin 30 minutes before helps to ease this weird side effect.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that contains a gel within its leaves that works wonders on burns, rashes, skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne. However, it has even more health benefits if taken internally in juice form. This wonder plant can aid digestion, promote consistent bowel movements, as well as help with other digestive problems like gastritis, heartburn, and leaky gut syndrome.
Folate
Folate helps to prevent clogged arteries and improves blood flow to the brain. It does this by keeping your homocysteine levels down. Homocysteine is normally something that is converted to amino acids to be used by the body. However, without the proper B vitamins, including Folate, this process doesn’t work well. Research shows that taking 500 mg a day could help lower homocysteine levels by 18 percent or more.
These are some of the supplements I take daily to enhance my health and well-being. Of course, there are others, but I especially recommend anyone who has chronic inflammation or illness to ask their doctor about them.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.