As we age, we face an increased risk of developing health problems. Taking vitamins and supplements is an easy thing that can be done to help reduce this risk. They can play an important role in preventing all sorts of health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and stroke.
It can be overwhelming with so many supplements out there with all different benefits! Which ones are going to have the biggest impact on your health and quality of life? Here’s what we recommend.
Fish Oil
The benefits of fish oil come from its omega-3 fatty acid nutrients. Here’s some of the things it can help with:
- Anti-inflammation
- Mental health
- Cognitive function
- Eye health
- Heart health
In turn, these benefits can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and arthritis.
You can get this nutrient directly from certain types of fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and tuna. If you are not a fan of these foods, fish oil can also be taken in pill form.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba also known as “maidenhair” is a natural herb native to China. Here are some of its benefits:
- High in antioxidants
- Improves blood circulation, memory and cognitive function
- Can alleviate anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions
In turn, these benefits can help to protect against illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and heart disease.
Ginkgo biloba is available as a capsule, tablet, or liquid extract. It can be taken orally or applied topically.
Vitamin D
We all know where we can get our fill of vitamin D – from the sun! But since that’s not always realistic, you can take it as a supplement. Here are some benefits of taking vitamin D:
- Your body uses it to absorb calcium and phosphorus which is important to build and maintain healthy bones
- Supports your muscles, nerves and immune system
- Can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Tips for Taking Supplements
- All of these supplements have few known side effects, but it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
- Refer to the bottle of your supplement for guidance on how much to take daily and if you should take it with food.
- Look into multivitamins There are many different types out there with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Speak to your physician for a multivitamin that they recommend.
- You can get your supplements online, from a pharmacy or directly from your physician. Ask your doctor what brands they recommend but here are some popular ones: Centrum, One a Day®, Nature Made®.
When it comes to the best supplements to take for overall health, it is different for everyone. The vitamins listed above are a good place to start but it is important to speak with your primary care physician to get their opinion on what supplements will be best for you.