You work so hard to eat right to support your immune system, reduce inflammation, heal your gut, and be the best fat burner. So why skimp on the easiest way to boost weight loss, energy, mental focus, and your immune system?
Just a few smart supplements can help you cover your bases, so you can start each day knowing you’ve given your body the amazing support it needs. (Need more convincing? Check out this article: 5 Important Reasons Why You Need to Take Supplements)
Not sure which supplements to take, and how to choose? I’ve got you covered!
Here are 5 supplements to take every day, so you can lose weight, slow aging, and stay healthy:
1. Multivitamin-Mineral
Multivitamins are a great form of health “assurance” because you’re giving your body the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that it needs for optimal health.
Food is the ideal source of those nutrients, but there’s no way to know for sure that you’re consistently fueling your body with everything it needs. In fact, studies show that you can eat a healthy diet and still be on average about 57% short of crucial nutrients! *
Another study proved that nutrient deficiency could be a possible reason obesity is on the rise, in addition to other serious health conditions such as insulin resistance and premature aging.
Turns out Mom was right when she told you to take your vitamins…
How to Choose A Multivitamin-Mineral
When looking for a multivitamin, make sure that it includes a trifecta of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Vitamins and minerals help strengthen your bones, heal wounds, and boost your immune system. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radical damage, which destroys cells, DNA, and precious collagen.
Remember, these amazing benefits can’t be found in a one-a-day, so make sure you get a multivitamin pack like my Daily Essentials.
Order Daily Essentials Multi + Omegas here.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This supplement is near and dear to my heart! Omega-3s helped my son survive a traumatic brain injury from a hit-and-run accident, and these healthy fats continue to be a big part of his recovery.
That’s because omega-3s protect your brain, as well as helping heal brain trauma, boost your mood, and improve overall brain function. *
It’s been said that inflammation is at the root of all disease, and omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful ally in the fight. They’ve been proven to lower inflammation, which can in turn help alleviate chronic pain, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disease, and even fight cancer!
Struggling with high cholesterol? Omega-3 fatty acids to the rescue! This daily essential can help lower harmful triglycerides and LDL and increase levels of HDL, the good cholesterol that keeps your arteries clean.
So many reasons to be sure you add omega-3 fatty acids to your daily supplements!
How to Choose Omega-3s
The most effective way to get omega-3s is from fish oil. Quality is especially important with this supplement!
There’s no way to know how long those fish oil capsules in your local pharmacy or big box store have been sitting on the shelves. Freshness is so important because fish oil can easily go rancid and lose its efficacy.
Make sure the source of your fish oil is 100 percent certified sustainable, non-GMO, and processed within hours of harvesting, so you know it will give your brain and body the TLC and protection it deserves!
3. Probiotics
The living organisms in your gut (also known as your gut microbiome) are essential – they’re your first line of defense against inflammation and infection.
The key to keeping your gut healthy is to increase the amount of healthy bacteria, while lowering the harmful ones. That’s where probiotics can help!
The healthy bacteria from probiotics protect you from stomach upset, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, allergies, and autoimmune disease. These helpful flora also eliminate toxins and dispose of potentially harmful waste. *
Another important reason to keep the microbiome healthy is that the gut flora affects the chemicals that determine your mood, appetite, sleep quality, and even your sex drive!
You know your gut is in trouble if you have leaky gut, gas and bloating, joint pain, fatigue, headaches, or trouble losing weight or keeping it off.
If you’re constantly fighting infections, taking antibiotics, or under lots of stress (and who isn’t!), taking a high-quality, daily probiotic will protect your immune system and heal your gut, while keeping you well-rested, frisky, and happy!
How to Choose Probiotics
When choosing a good probiotic, it’s ideal to get one that includes prebiotics as well. Prebiotics are fuel for the healthy bacteria that can help them thrive.
The types and amounts of bacteria in your probiotic are also important because a healthy gut microbiome requires multiple types of bacteria. So get a probiotic with billions of flora that includes a variety of strains.
It’s important to note that not all probiotic labels will be accurate. There’s no regulation regarding the count of bacteria in each capsule, and most companies use the count before shipping. There’s almost zero chance all those bacteria will arrive alive and healthy on your doorstep!
4. Magnesium
Over 300 enzymatic reactions require this critical mineral. The many, many roles of magnesium include:
- Energy production
- Protein synthesis
- Muscle and nerve function
- Blood pressure regulation
- Blood glucose control
Getting sufficient magnesium makes you the best fat burner. But magnesium does so much more.
Want deeper, more restorative sleep? Take magnesium supplements before bed.
Want to be a better fat burner? Magnesium can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Constipated? Magnesium supplements can get things moving “down there.” *
Overall, about 75 percent of us don’t get enough magnesium. For some demographics, that number is even higher: About 84 percent of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are deficient in magnesium.
How to Choose Magnesium
Not all magnesium supplements are equal. Magnesium oxide is elemental magnesium, without a salt attached, so it absorbs poorly. Magnesium citrate absorbs a little bit better, although its laxative effects make it more ideal to relieve constipation.
I use a supplement that “sandwiches” magnesium between glycine molecules. This cutting-edge process creates a very stable chelate that ensures optimal absorption.
Getting too much magnesium is rarely a problem. If you do take too much, the body flushes out the excess. Still, I recommend that you start on the lower end and gradually increase your dosage.
Magnesium Body Calm contains highly absorbable magnesium without the unfavorable gastrointestinal symptoms. Each capsule provides 150 mg of elemental magnesium. Order Magnesium Body Calm here.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is super common, so much so that it’s now considered an epidemic associated with several serious diseases.
Although called a vitamin, vitamin D is actually a hormone! It has an impressive list of important functions in your body, including keeping your bones and teeth healthy and strong, boosting your immune system to fight infection and autoimmune issues, protecting your heart, and supporting muscle function.
Research also shows that vitamin D can even help improve the symptoms of depression and may also boost weight loss by improving your mood and controlling your appetite. *
Although 20 unprotected minutes under natural sunlight encourages your body to make vitamin D, many of us don’t get enough, especially in the winter. And that deficiency during colder months can negatively affect your health all year round!
If you live in a seasonal climate or a desk job keeps you from getting enough time in the sun, supplementing with vitamin D can make a huge difference to your overall health. (Remember, sun exposure while you’re wearing sunscreen won’t help you produce more vitamin D.)
If you’re experiencing symptoms of vitamin D deficiency like fatigue, frequent viral illness and infections, aches and pains, or bone and muscle weakness, it’s time to visit your doctor to get tested and start supplementing!
How to Choose Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 is the most absorbable form of this crucial hormone.
Your vitamin D supplement should also contain vitamins K1 and the MK-7 form of K2, which are essential for the proper absorption of D. Also, because this is a fat-soluble vitamin, be sure to take it with a healthy source of fat. We formulated Vitamin D Plus to contain therapeutic doses of vitamin D3 along with bioavailable vitamin K1 (Phytonadione) and vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7), as well as geranylgeraniol (GG) to complement those benefits, all in one easy-to-take softgel..
Bonus: Digestive Enzymes
You’ve heard that saying “You are what you eat,” but the truth is you are what you absorb!
Digestive enzymes in your stomach help your body convert the food you eat into nutrition and energy.* These enzymes are the first step in proper digestion.
However, if you’re over 35, experience chronic stress, or have any kind of gut issues, chances are strong that your digestive enzyme production has declined. You’ll know because of telltale gas and bloating after meals, especially anything high-protein like a steak dinner!
A high-quality digestive enzyme will help you avoid uncomfortable digestive upset and better absorb health-giving nutrients from your food and other supplements.
Protein First Enzymes contains digestive enzymes and select botanicals to help promote efficient digestion of proteins found in gluten, lactose, and casein — so you can break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates like a pro!* Order it here.
The views in this blog by JJ Virgin should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please work with a healthcare practitioner concerning any medical problem or concern. The information here is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or condition. Statements contained here have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
*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.
“Where do I start?” I get that question a lot. That’s why it’s so important to have a roadmap you can trust. A roadmap that breaks down your health journey into small, manageable steps. Download my Ultimate Health Roadmap and take control of your health… one step at a time. Get your FREE guide here.
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