5 Great Supplements for Improved Health

Throughout history, humans have always relied on their natural resources as a source of vitamins and minerals. Herbal plants, oil extracted from animal skin or flesh, and fermented wines are only a few of the concoctions we have come up with. Modern medicine has also come a long way since then. With the advancement in technology in recent decades, supplements for improved health come in many convenient forms. 

Being new to the health care community can be a bit intimidating. The boundless medical and nutrition advice online may be overwhelming. Not to mention, there seems to be a new trend in supplements every week. 

While eating healthy food and exercising regularly can do wonders, sometimes our bodies could also use the extra boost. This is where dietary supplements can greatly help. 

Choosing the right one may prove to be a difficult task. It can also be expensive and time-consuming. There are many regimens out there that could work. But before choosing any, doing background research on what these supplements can provide is essential. 

In this list, we’ve compiled some of the basic ones that provide overall health benefits to the body. 

Cannabidiol

Surely you’ve heard of cannabis. The usual reaction to this is worry over its intoxicating side effects. However, not all cannabis messes with your motor skills or cerebral abilities. 

Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants, a variant of the cannabis species. It is one of the most popular ones after THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

With the many misconceptions about cannabis, it is easy to brush off CBD as a “dangerous” substance. That is not the case at all. CBD oil is extracted from pure, organic hemp and turned into many kinds of CBD products. This compound is known in the health community as an anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety aid. 

Studies suggest that using CBD changes the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, the “happy hormone.” When this cannabinoid interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), it helps receptors stimulate a positive response to the production of hormones like serotonin. Through this, it can also help with sleeping problems as it relaxes users enough to get a good and long rest.

Also said to have similar effects with over-the-counter NSAIDs, CBD could also help with managing chronic pains. This may include migraines, joint and muscle pains like arthritis, healing injuries, post-operation wounds, and many others. 

Currently, there are no FDA-approved CBD supplements yet but the many positive accounts of avid users are hard to dispute. As a supplement, it is also not meant to replace prescription drugs. The many available kinds of CBD include oil tinctures, capsules, topicals, gummies, and even pet treats.

Probiotics

If you’re fond of yogurts and fermented food then you’re probably no stranger to probiotics. Probiotics are “good bacteria” that help with essential body functions such as digestion. Due to a poor diet that consists of processed food and sugar, GMO exposure, excess caffeine, and even high levels of stress, our guts may not be in the healthiest condition.

Probiotics could help with that, especially ones made with soil-based organisms. SBOs are strong, organic supplements that are shelf-stable with active probiotics. When buying SBOs or any product with probiotics, look for a generous count of 30 to 50 billion probiotics. There are many strains of probiotics including Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii. 

Scientific evidence point that they treat and prevent many digestive and immune system deficiencies. Among them are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reoccurring yeast or fungal infections, indigestion, acne, and even improve heart health. Probiotics are also a good source of Vitamin B12.

A daily intake of probiotics may not only prove as a solution to any of these if you’re experiencing them but also preventative for any more pains in the future. In choosing the right probiotic supplements, invest in a high-quality one. This is to make sure that your stomach acid won’t dissolve the friendly bacteria before it reaches the digestive system. 

Vitamin D Supplement

The sun isn’t just good when you’re at the beach, exposure to it under the right time will also help keep you healthy. Nicknamed as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is important for strong bones and muscles. It is naturally produced in the skin in response to sunlight. For those who live in colder places, you might want to start looking into food and supplements with Vitamin D.

It is important to ensure that your body has an adequate amount of Vitamin D. This vitamin regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. This helps prevent brittle and weak bones, as well as improve dental health and support the immune system better. 

Studies on this vitamin also have shown to reduce blood pressure and the chances of several types of cancers like breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Some also use it to aid in weight loss.

By nature, the human body cannot naturally produce vitamins unless it comes from a source. Vitamin D is the exception to this rule. The safest hours to soak up sunlight are early morning and late afternoon. The mid-noon sun can be too harsh and contain too much harmful UV rays to be beneficial. 

To naturally soak up sunlight, go easy on the sunblock if you are going out early for a morning jog.

Vitamin C Supplement

Though it is far from being a panacea, Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients. This popular and essential vitamin protects the body against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, visual impairments, and even skin sagging. 

Physicians recommend pregnant women, children, and those living with chronic illnesses to stock up on Vitamin C as they are more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Its many wonders have lead researchers to believe that at least a 500mg daily intake is necessary for the body. Luckily, Vitamin C can be found abundant in many fruits and vegetables. There are plenty of supplements for all ages with high bioavailability so the body can fully absorb this vitamin.

Including in its benefits is reducing overall stress and anxiety. This is especially good for those suffering from mental health problems as it can help boost their mood and energy. A recent study found that more intake of Vitamin C can combat stress-related symptoms.

Another study found that this vitamin can also reduce the chances of stoke for up to 42%. Many believe that by consistently taking Vitamin C, the body can naturally combat many diseases and complications of the body.

Fish Oil

In recent years, you may have heard of fish oil among the top picks of beauty and health gurus. Fish oil is the fat extracted from fish tissue that is abundant in Omega-3s. People who eat mackerel, tuna, chia seeds, flax seeds, and other sources of fish oil often don’t consume enough Omega-3 from these foods to provide the right amount needed by the body. Experts recommend 1 to 2 servings of fish per week but if you can’t, fish oil could compensate for that.

While the food industry now is mostly processed food high in Omega-6, countering this diet with a high intake of Omega-3 may prove beneficial for several reasons. A healthy and consistent intake of Omega-3 can lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, risk or heart disease, promote skin elasticity, provide pain relief, and even aid with mental illness recovery. 

As a result of being the “beauty and brains” of dietary supplements, there is an influx of fish oil products in the market. Be sure to carefully pick out high-quality ones for the best results. Some fish oil products may falsely advertise their content so be wary of labels and ingredients. 

Good fish oil supplements are usually composed of 30% or more of natural fish oil or fat and the rest are various good fatty acids. A daily dosage of 1000mg should provide you with a healthy overall boost.

Summary

These wellness supplements can further improve health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that regular and moderate intake of supplements like CBD, fish oil, and various vitamins can boost the immune system and promote better quality of life.

Before taking any supplements, consult with a medical physician.

Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and products that have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.