Thank you Council for Responsible Nutrition for sponsoring this post. This is #MyWeekSupplemented.
Curious if you should take dietary supplements to support your health? They may be just the boost and helping hand you need to help you fill in the gaps that your healthy lifestyle practices may fall short on!
We’re all looking for ways to boost our health and keep our bodies in tip-top shape. From eating a healthy balanced diet, consistent exercise, to getting the right amount of sleep every night. Sometimes we need a little extra help to fill in the gaps we inevitably miss and that’s where taking dietary supplements can help!
According to a survey by The Council for Responsible Nutrition, 76% of US adults already take supplements each year. Dietary supplements can play an important role in our health, but they’re never a substitute, just a little helping hand paired with our healthy habits. Most Americans fall short on essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, but supplements can be a “safety net” to help us meet our recommended dietary needs. According to that same survey, those that do take dietary supplements are more likely to engage in healthy habits (exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet) than non-users. We all know that cycle; one healthy habit leads to another healthy habit, and so on!
There are so many different supplements we can take. Vitamins and minerals (C, D, E, calcium, etc.), specialty supplements (probiotics, melatonin, etc.), herbals and botanicals (green tea, turmeric, garlic, etc.), even sports nutrition (protein powder, energy gels, etc.). With so many choices and options for supplements, the best way to know what would be beneficial for your health and health goals is to talk with your doctor or healthcare practitioner.
Here are some common supplements people take that can help support different areas of their health that you can explore!
Digestion: Probiotics, Ginger, Slippery Elm, Fennel, L-Glutamine
Sleep: Melatonin, Valerian Root, 5-HTP, Magnesium
Inflammation: Turmeric, Tart Cherry, Curcumin, Fish Oil, Zinc
Energy: Ginseng, Ashwagandha, B-12, Green Tea, Rhodiola
Heart Health: CoQ10, Fish Oil (Omega-3s, 6s), Garlic, Niacin, Magnesium, Vitamin K
Immune Health: Vitamin D, Ginger, Zinc, Selenium, Elderberry, Echinacea Vitamins E, C, B-6
Brain Health: Fish Oils, Vitamin D, Creatine, Caffeine, Gingko Biloba, Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Joint Health: Glucosamine, Calcium, Turmeric, Chondroitin, Fish Oil (Omega-3s)
Bone Health: Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium
Eye Health: Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Lutein
Hair & Nails: Fish Oil (Omega-3), Biotin, Zinc, Collagen, Vitamin C
Muscles & Recovery: Creatine, High-Quality Protein Powders, Vitamin B Complex, BCAAs, Glucosamine, Glutamine
Currently I take: Calcium with Vitamin D & Zinc, Vitamin D, Probiotics, Magnesium, and Vitamin B-12. Taking supplements is so routine for me now as I’ve been taking them for years and years! Some in the morning, some before dinner, along with my prescription medications it’s easy to remember.
No one’s diet is going to be 100% “gapless” and supplements are a great and super easy way to fill those gaps for optimal wellness. By speaking to your doctor about your lifestyle, your goals, etc. you can find out which supplements are right for you. As we dive right into our New Year’s goals and buckle down on finding the best healthy lifestyle practices for us, adding a supplement or two may just be the boost you’ve been missing!
So tell me:
+ What supplements do you like to include in your life?
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Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca PytellI was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Joyce Blass says
I was not a believer of supplements until my doctor suggested I take some. It took me quite a while to find what suits my body best. Organics are my bestfriend now! Thanks for sharing this! Hopefully more people would consider taking supplement because they really are helpful!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s great to hear!
Christie Hawkes says
Thank you for this informative post. There is no much conflicting information on whether supplements are really helpful or not, I’ve decided to err on the side of caution and I take calcium with vitamin D, fish oil, and during the cold season, Airborne.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They can be, but it can differ so much for each individual!
Kristin @ Peppermints and Cherries says
I take a daily probiotic and usually take a multi vitamin and fish oil. Have to get back on track!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Sounds like a plan!
Kirsty says
Thanks for this information, it’s going to come in handy when deciding which supplement I need.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Once you and your doctor know what could be best for you!
Shernell P Cooke says
Great post. If you feel that they would improve your health, you should be taken.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Always ask your doctor first!
Anna says
Thank you so much for this post. Right now I just take a probiotic but have been looking for something else to take. This was very helpful.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Glad you found my rundown helpful!
Jalisa says
I’ve been curious to use tumeric.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
If you want the REAL benefits, get the real turmeric root at the grocery and grate it yourself!
Yolanda says
Such an informative post. I used to take a ton of suppliments everyday – that my naturopath recommended. I don’t take as many now but I do make sure to have vit D (especially in the winter), folic acid and a good multi vit. I also try and incorporate a lot of turmeric into my diet – not only because I love it, but also since it’s so good for inflammatory issues.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Me too! I pour the turmeric on everything!
Renee says
Very well written! I have always bounced back and forth on the idea of supplements.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Some people seem to have a harder time sticking to a regimen (like my mom!)
Andy says
Like you, I’ve taken supplements for years, it’s like second nature. I take a good quality multi, along with a probiotic, magnesium and calcium. I know my diet isn’t perfect, so my hope is that these help me.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is second nature! I just feel so odd if I don’t take them!
Shanna says
I find this topic very interesting. I’ll have to ask my PCP if there are any other supplements I should be taking along with my multi-vitamins. Thanks for the reminder. This is the perfect time of year to get started adding those in.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Jumping into the new year with health!
Jen says
I have never taken any supplements, but the older I get the wiser I think it would be to take some. This was an interesting read! Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Discuss it with your doc!
Sandy says
Wow that’s a higher percentage of people taking supplements than I would have thought! I don’t take any supplements but probably should because my eating habits are that great I know! I agree a balance is ideal and to seek advice from health professionals is a good way to start working on that balance!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! It would be a great thing to look into this year!
Keri says
Thank you for such a great list of common supplements! I don’t regularly take any supplements but I might start!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s great to consider!
Jenni says
This is a great rundown of supplements. It also reminds me that I need to take my Vitamin D and magnesium!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, gotta get into a routine!
shirley corder says
Thanks for this post. My husband and I take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, an Omega-supplement, and a Vitamin D pill prescribed by our general practitioner.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ve been thinking about an Omega 3, but I get a good dose from the fish I eat!
Lisa says
It’s amazing how many natural remedies are out there. I’m going to have to try your suggestions for inflammation!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I always add real turmeric to all my food, haha!