The Benefits of Supplementation

Many of us take a multivitamin just to round out our diets, but supplementation may be more vital than we once thought. Though we get our best nutrition from whole, natural plants, modern life has prevented us from getting much of what we would normally get in nature. Treated and filtered water, overfarming, artificially ripened fruits and vegetables and washing and sanitizing food to remove pesticides have all greatly diminished  our natural sources of nutrition. We spend much of our time indoors and out of the sun. If you eat meat or dairy products, more than 90% of the products found at your normal grocer come from animals who are not eating their natural diets, but what will get them biggest and fattest quickest. Cows and chickens are often fed very low-nutrition corn and grain instead of grass and grubs. Here's a quick guide on vitamins and supplements to round out what you're not getting to help you function best.

Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the main building blocks of our cells and is essential to heart, bone and nervous system health. Only 32% of people in the US meet the daily recommendation for magnesium. Low magnesium is connected to asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis. Presence of magnesium also facilitates good digestion.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be found naturally in foods and especially as an artificial additive to foods (remember Sunny D?) but it is best created by our own body by spending time in the sun. Usually 30 minutes a day in the sun is enough to create what we need. However, living in low-sun areas, being indoors in the winter months, the necessity to wear sunscreen and the indoor nature of urban life prevent us from getting enough sun. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of Calcium to improve your bone health. Vitamin D has also been used to treat Seasonal Affective Depression (SADD) as it can also boost your mood and energy levels. It's difficult to overdose on Vitamin D but it can happen, so be sure to check with your doctor before beginning use of this supplement.

B-Complex
B-vitamins are most associated with nervous system health. They also are often added to energy drinks because they can quickly boost your energy levels and focus. B-vitamin deficiency can result in anemia, depression, grey hair, acne, nervous system disorders and high blood pressure among other things. B-Complex vitamins are usually only found in trace amounts at best, especially in vegetarian diets.

Calcium
Calcium is obviously essential to bone and teeth health, and is especially important for women who are at higher risk of osteoporosis. With a low-nutrition diet, calcium is one of the first things your body gives up to promote healthy daily functions. Your body will leach calcium from your bones and teeth for cell function today to the detriment of strong bones tomorrow.

Omega 3-6-9's
Omega fatty acids are required for normal cell function, just like magnesium. Most notably, presence of these fatty acids promotes heart health and has been linked to long-term brain health and memory retention.

Probiotics
The overwhelming majority of cells in your body (a whopping 90%!) are microbes and bacteria that work in symbiosis with your own cells. Sickness, antibiotics and poor nutrition in your diet can all diminish the microbes in your body and/or throw off the balance of these organisms. Bacteria and yeast overgrowth or undergrowth can cause a number of problems, from the obvious digestive problems, dry skin and dandruff to regular yeast infections. Taking a daily probiotic with at least 25 billion cultures per dose will help keep you in balance.


Consider adding these to your daily regimen to keep healthy and balanced. Remember to consult your doctor before adding in supplements to see what your individual needs are, as you may require more or less depending on your lifestyle and health level. And until next time, keep it clean!