A common objection to taking vitamins is “I get everything I need from my diet.” Well, we hate to break it to you, but this isn’t true. Even if you do everything right—eat right, exercise, get adequate sleep, and keep stress down—you should still take vitamins.

Why?

While we may have greater access to food than ever before, the quality of that food is lacking;  many people in this country do not get enough calcium,  vitamin D or C. We know that taking vitamins should not be a substitute for a healthy diet, but it is difficult to get optimal levels of key nutrients from diet alone, which is why you should be taking vitamins.

As we get older, our nutritional needs increase and our ability to absorb nutrients decreases, which makes taking vitamins more important than ever. Prescription drugs also increase our risk of nutritional deficiency. For example, ACE inhibitors—which are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure—deplete the body of zinc and sodium. Other drugs decrease levels of vitamins B12 and B6, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, magnesium and even potassium.

So…what should you take to stay healthy?

1)  A Multivitamin and Mineral

A multivitamin should contain a complete range of essential vitamins and minerals, including B, C, D, E and Calcium (among others). A multi supports proper functioning of the immune system, the production of essential digestive enzymes, efficient, well-functioning metabolism, healthy hair, skin and nails, cardiovascular support and bone health and contains antioxidants for free radical protection and anti-aging support.

We recommend: Progressive Multi-Vitamin for Active Women and Progressive Multi-Vitamin for Active Men. Whether you exercise, work long hours, raise a family or any combination of the above, your body needs the support of an Active MultiVitamin formula.

Our Inside Tip: Take this earlier in the day with a full meal as you might get energy from your multi vitamin which is not needed when you want to unwind and go to sleep at the end of the day.

2) A Probiotic

Probiotics help our digestive tract, which requires a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. Poor food choices, stress, lack of sleep, antibiotic and other drug use and environmental influences like chlorinated tap water can shift the balance in favor of the bad bacteria. Probiotics will help balance the gut, which can give relief from occasional gas, loose stools, constipation, sensitive stomach and lactose intolerance.

The other way they help is with our immune system. When it doesn’t function properly, we can suffer from allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders and infections. By maintaining the correct balance, probiotics help prevent these ailments and they also help to make vitamin k and b vitamins in our bodies.

We recommend: NOW Foods Probiotic-10. They are designed to provide a high potency and balanced spectrum of beneficial bacteria found in human intestinal tracts.

3) Vitamin D & Omega 3

Because Omega 3s are never generated by the body, you need to get them either in your diet or by supplementing. They can lower your cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, protect you from heart attacks, ease joint pains, fight wrinkles and skin ailments, improve your memory and boost your mood.

Vitamin D enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, on which strong bones and teeth depend. Recent studies are also showing that vitamin D is necessary in regulating the immune system and preventing autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and thyroid disease.

We recommend: NutraSea +D 2x Concentrated Omega-3 Softgels with Vitamin D. They offer a great tasting, balanced formula with 1000IU of natural vitamin D in a convenient 2-softgel format. Now you can get your Omega 3 and Vitamin D all together.

Our Inside Tip: Take Your Omega 3 and Vitamin D after a meal and earlier on in the day (breakfast or lunch). Oils and minerals absorb better when your digestion is most active, which occurs when you’re eating.

4) Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a factor in the normal development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, gums and teeth. Plus it is a factor in wound healing. There are also studies that show vitamin C is necessary in improving the function of the immune system so that it is better able to fight off colds and flus. It also assists with adrenal health, helping you through those stressful situations, such as long hours at the office or busy schedules with the kids.

We recommend: SISU Ester-C with Bioflavonoids. It is a patented form of vitamin c that stays in the body longer than regular ascorbic acid and is less acidic and easier on the stomach. The extra Bioflavonoids strengthen blood vessels commonly needed with varicose veins and rosacea and also can help with sensitive gums and teeth and act like a mild natural anti-histamine, a perfect remedy for allergy season.  This vitamin C is extra special.

Our Inside Tip: Take vitamin C with meals and in combination with your other vitamins as they work together.  Best to not take at night as they may cause energy, creating a restless sleep (after breakfast or lunch is best).

Well.ca

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