5 Supplements Recommended for Optimal Health

Few diets provide adequate amounts of every single vitamin, mineral and antioxidant necessary for optimal health. Even if your diet is considered healthy, many factors contribute to the absorption of vital nutrients. This is exactly why, despite the debates over what is most important to maintaining optimal health, supplements are an essential part of a balanced diet.

It is important to consider absorption and bioavailability when it comes to sufficient intake of micronutrients. For example, oxalates are a chemical found in tea. While herbal teas are good for you, this chemical can limit the bioavailability of several nutrients, like iron and calcium. Tea has become as much a staple in many diets as coffee or water – meaning your body may not be benefiting from your “healthy” diet.

Another common example is consuming milk with a meal containing eggs – it is highly unlikely you will absorb much of the calcium in the milk.  Iron, found in eggs, binds calcium in the intestines, limiting absorption. For this reason, supplements are essential.

Not all Supplements are Created Equal
When choosing which supplements to purchase, the choice can seem overwhelming due to the pure number of options available. It is important that you realize the supplements found in grocery stores and lining the shelves of vitamin shops are not held to any heavy mandates or quality standards. Manufacturing conditions are often poor and labels are classically found to be inaccurate  (many times the supplement is more filler than nutrient). Pharmaceutical-grade supplements, like the ones available at Creative Scripts Pharmacy, maintain higher-quality standards of manufacturing, labeling and nutrient content.

There are several vitamin and mineral supplements that both men and women should take on a daily basis. The list below covers what many consider to be the top five supplements required for optimal health.

Multivitamin
Topping the list is a high-quality multivitamin. If you only take one vitamin a day, it should be a multivitamin that can fill in the holes in your diet. Even the healthiest of diets are lacking vital nutrients and minerals. Everyone can benefit from a multivitamin; especially those who don’t want to take multiple capsules per day. It is important to read the label of the multivitamins you are considering, to ensure that it offers an ample amount of the nutrients you need. For example, if eye problems run in your family, a multivitamin with lutein may be the best option for you.

Vitamin D
Sufficient levels of vitamin D are essential for maintaining optimal health. Unfortunately, many Americans – even those of us lucky enough to call sunny Florida home – are extremely deficient in the “sunshine vitamin.” It has been proven that vitamin D prevents various types of cancer, strengthens bone density, lowers blood pressure, increases other nutrient absorption, inhibits weight gain, protects against heart disease, prevents and even reverses diabetes, and reverses depression while elevating mood. Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable, most readily absorbed by the body, form of vitamin D.

Omega-3 Fish Oil
Fish oil is one of the bestselling supplements for many reasons, but like all other supplements not all fish oil capsules are made the same. When selecting omega-3 fish oil be sure to a quality product with high levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Fish oil is incredibly effective at reducing inflammation by triggering the release of prostaglandins (natural substances that regulate immunity, inflammation, blood clotting, brain function, and a host of other essential functions). Omega-3 fish oils have also been linked to higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol), improved metabolism and better nutrient absorption.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinol, boosts the cells’ ability to produce and use energy. CoQ10 is most known for its effectiveness as an inflammation fighter. It has been well documented that inflammation in often the root cause of excess weight, arthritis, headaches and heart disease. A daily dose of CoQ10 helps your body burn fat, improves cholesterol ratios, boosts energy, and improves thyroid and pancreas functions. If possible, choose a soft gel capsule because it is more easily absorbed than other forms.

Calcium & Magnesium
The fact that calcium is important for bone health is widely known, bit did you know that magnesium and calcium are like conjoined twins? Without magnesium, calcium isn’t properly absorbed and therefore is far less effective at maintaining bone strength and muscle tone. Many believe that magnesium is the most important mineral supplement you can take because it plays a key role in over 300 essential bodily functions and it is used by all of the body’s organs. Magnesium activates enzymes, releases energy, increases absorption of various nutrients and vitamins, regulates blood sugar and insulin levels, relaxes muscles, decreases anxiety, and helps with restless leg syndrome, sleep disorders and abnormal heart rhythms. Unfortunately many Americans are severely lacking in proper magnesium levels due to the low-quality, over-processed typical American diet.

You can find an array of top quality supplements from three superior brands (Pure Encapsulations, Designs for Health, Ortho Molecular) that are easily absorbed by the body at Creative Scripts Pharmacy. If you have questions about the supplements mentioned above or are interested in learning the benefits of other supplements please call 239-261-0050 today to speak with a knowledgeable pharmacist.

Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy
239.261.0050
600 Goodlette-Frank Rd., N. #108
Naples, FL 34102

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