Supplement Trends
Normally, you should be able to get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet. However, supplements can help fill in the nutritional gaps for those that have deficiencies in their daily diets.
Supplements can also be used to help support personal fitness and nutrition goals by enhancing sports specific dietary needs to feel and perform your best. Here are some of the top supplements to support your Optimal YOU Lifestyle:
Protein Powders
Protein powders are fantastic supplements for getting in that extra protein in a convenient fast and easy method. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue and make enzymes and hormones. Using protein powder may also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles.
Protein powders can be vegetarian based (soy, pea, or rice) or they can be dairy based (whey). Personal preference and tolerance play large roles in deciding between the two, but both are great sources of protein with a lot of different ways to supplement your diet.
Here are my top picks for protein powders:
Beet powder
Beets are hailed for their nutritional powerhouse of vitamins. Supplement manufacturers have created beet powder to help harness the healthy benefits of beets.
Beets have been linked to increased oxygen levels and better circulation with high anti-oxidants to fight inflammation and illness.
Best ways to implement beet powder in your diet:
Blend beet powder or beet juice into smoothies
Mix beet powder with vinegar and a touch of sugar to make a colorful pickling solution for quick pickles
Mix beet powder into sauces for extra flavor
Sprinkle beet powder over oatmeal or yogurt
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that’s crucial to the body’s function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady. Low magnesium leads to inflammation and appears to be a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Natural sources of magnesium include:
Green, leafy vegetables, like spinach
Nuts
Beans, peas, and soybeans
Whole-grain cereals
Eating whole foods is always best since magnesium can be lost during refinement and processing. However, real life dictates that supplementation is commonly needed, especially as we age. How is your intake doing?
Hormone stabilizing supplements
Hormone stabilizing supplements are trendy and difficult to keep in stock in the stores. Working out often and for long periods of time can negatively impact your hormone health as well as age and stress levels.
Supplements can help prevent hormone imbalances and maintain steady energy throughout the day.
Here are the top 5 supplements for hormone balance:
DIM. Diindolylemthane is a natural plant nutrient that comes from cruciferous plants (like broccoli or cabbage). Both women and men may benefit from DIM as it supports estrogen metabolization and frees testosterone from binding agents in the blood.
B-Complex. Methyl B-Complex is made up of eight B vitamins, along with essential support nutrients. The formulation helps support the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system and may be prescribed to improve memory, mental health, and energy levels.
Iodine. Essential for managing a vast number of diseases and conditions and also plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormone and receptor activity of other hormones.
Mega Probiotic ND. A dairy-free probiotic formulation composed of several all-natural strains of beneficial microorganisms. Along with probiotics, the formulation includes soluble fiber and a prebiotic. Your body uses mega Probiotic ND to maintain gut health and helps ensure hormones like cortisol and serotonin are working in harmony to help you experience more energy.
Omega 3. A high-potency supplement that combines high yield with omega three essential fatty acids EPA and DHA. Hormones need Omega 3 fatty acids to build themselves, and they can also support hormones throughout the body by improving blood flow.
Bonus…They’re anti-inflammatory!
Vitamin D
With the regular use of sunscreens to protect skin health, many individuals are left with a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can often be received naturally through intermittent exposure to the sun. Those who spend little time outdoors will need to supplement to make sure their vitamin D levels are okay.
And here’s the good news, Vitamin D is proven to boost energy from within the cells. It is vital for making our muscles work efficiently and to help the body absorb calcium for bone growth.
There are many different types of supplements
Identifying what your personal goals are first would help you decide which route or supplementation to seek out.
The Optimal YOU Nutrition program can help you learn how to supplement with success. And, of course, always consult with your doctor and get regular well-checks with blood panels that will alert you of any deficiencies before they become major health problems. It’s all part of your Optimal YOU Journey…
