Pillars of Self-Care #7: Natural Health Supplements
Do you take supplements? If so, you’re one of the more than 86% of Americans who regularly take supplements. Yet not all supplements are made alike, and there are varying levels of scientific validity for how effective these supplements are for reducing disease risks, bolstering a strong immunity, and keeping you feeling your best. We’ve talked a lot about how exercise, nutrition and diet, and spiritual health are keys for self-care. In today’s final column for our 7-part series on self care, let’s dive into the role that natural health supplements play in self-care and supporting your healthiest, happiest self.
Editor’s note: This is part 7 of our 7-part series covering the 7 pillars of self-care. You can read more about the article series in our introductory blog post. The previous pillars discussed the importance of mental health and mental wellness, how exercise is a valuable form of self-care, why healthy eating and nutrition is key, how to reduce health risks, the value of nurturing your spiritual health, and how connection to nature is important for overall wellness.
When Should You Be Taking Natural Health Supplements?
The answer depends on several factors, including your:
- age
- activity level
- health status
- specific health conditions
- dietary preferences
- lifestyle choices
Generally sp
eaking, if you lead an active lifestyle and eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, you probably don’t need to take as many natural health supplements as someone who lives a more sedentary life and who might not pay as much attention to their nutrition.
“For those who eat a healthful diet, a multivitamin may have little or no benefit,” reports Harvard Medical School. “A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good protein sources, and healthful fats should provide most of the nutrients needed for good health. But not everyone manages to eat a healthful diet. When it comes to specific vitamins and minerals, some Americans get less than adequate amounts, according to criteria set by the National Academy of Medicine. For example, more than 90% of Americans get less than the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D and vitamin E from food sources alone.”
It’s also important to consider where you source your produce, meat, dairy, eggs and other foods from. Intensive and factory farmed foods and livestock contain less nutrients than the foods that even our grandparents ate. With a greater focus on shelf-life, appearance and pest resistance, foods can be heavily sprayed, irradiated and coated in wax and other preservatives, further reducing freshness and nutrients. Whenever possible, try to source from smaller, local, organic and pasture-raising farms.
In summary, most people would benefit from taking natural health supplements like a multivitamin. And that number rises when we get into very specific health concerns, such as those who want to boost their immune system.
Natural Health Supplements to Try Today
1. Multivitamins
Multivitamins are one of the most widely used health supplements and for good reason. They provide many of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs, some of which it can’t produce on its own. Multivitamins come in many forms, including tablets and capsules, liquid drops, and powders. They can be tailored to meet your individual health needs and goals.
For the best results, choose a reputable brand that bears independent certification of purity and good manufacturing practice.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids found in fish oil and other sources of omega-3s. These fatty acids have a range of benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Omega-3s also play a role in brain development, immune system health, and cognitive function. Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3s, but there are also plant-based sources like flaxseed oil or chia seeds that can provide these important compounds as well.
3. BioPro-Plus 500
In humans, the thymus gland is largest during adolescence and then begins to atrophy or shrink. By about age 40 or so, it produces only small amounts of an important protein needed to “train” your immune system cells to fight off disease and infection. Without the programming mechanism of the thymic proteins, many older adults experience a suppression of the immune response.
BioPro-Plus 500 contains biologically active purified thymic proteins plus Zinc Gluconate and nano silver solution which help to rebuild your immune system. These Thymic Proteins are bioidentical to the ones your body naturally creates, making them easily absorbed and assimilated into your body. It’s a top choice for natural health supplements for those in their late 30s onward, and especially senior citizens.
Learn more about BioPro-Plus 500, and how these natural health supplements can help support your health as you age.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found naturally in your gut microbiome. They help maintain healthy digestion by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut while suppressing harmful bacteria that can cause digestive issues such as bloating or constipation. Probiotics are available as capsules or powders which you can take daily to promote healthy digestion and boost your immune system.
We have also written extensively on vitamins that are important for avoiding common infections, which can also help you feel better if you do get sick: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Zinc, Selenium and many more! Click the links below for more information on these important vitamins and minerals for immune function.
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/poll-finds-86-of-americans-take-vitamins-or-supplements-yet-only-21-have-a-confirmed-nutritional-deficiency-300779470.html
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/multivitamin/
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/multivitamins/index.htm
How Does Vitamin C Supplementation Improve Immunity and Protect Against Infections?
The Role Of Vitamin D in The Management of Immunological Disorders and Infections
How do B Vitamins Help in the Prevention of Infections and Boost Immunity?
How Does Zinc Supplementation Support Immune System Functions?