Whether or not you partake in New Year’s resolutions, optimizing your health should be at the top of everyone’s list of priorities in 2024. While the basis of overall wellness is a proper diet, exercise, and stress management, supplementing your diet is a relatively low-effort way to help fill in for any lifestyle gaps and promote an all-encompassing sense of well-being. That’s why 74% of adults take supplements, with 55% taking them regularly.
Rather than missing out on the benefits of supplementation due to the headache of not knowing where to start or taking a bunch of them without truly understanding which are necessary, use this list of the top 5 supplements that have the potential to benefit everyone.
- Ashwagandha
Used in Ayurvedic medicine, India’s holistic health system and one of the world’s oldest medical systems, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body resist and adapt to both physical and mental stress and promotes a sense of calm. This herb has a wide range of benefits. Among them are stress management, immune system support, enhancement of brain function, improvement of sleep quality, regulation of blood sugar levels, and even management of stress-related weight gain. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that ashwagandha has been popular for centuries!
- Metabiotics
While probiotics are already widely used, metabiotics are a newer class of biotherapeutic agents that do not rely on live bacteria to exert their effects. Metabiotics are derived from the most beneficial parts of probiotics, and our body naturally releases small quantities of them in the gut.
As the leading non-prescription metabiotic supplement backed by clinical research on the U.S. market that demonstrates comprehensive support capabilities, Del-immune V® is a great place to start in your metabiotic journey. Del-immune V®, which contains cell wall and DNA fragments from Lactobacillus rhamnosus DV, provides immediate broad-spectrum support for the immune system, fighting against bacterial and fungal pathogens upon direct contact. It also balances and heals the gut microbiome by healing epithelial cells in the gut, decreasing inflammation, increasing intestinal defenses, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms. On top of all this, the benefits of metabiotics on your gut can translate to an improvement in your mood and mental health.
- Vitamin D3
Appropriately dubbed the “sunshine vitamin” due to the body’s ability to produce it when exposed to direct sunlight, vitamin D3 is a nutrient that most people lack in the era of office work and the use of sunscreen to safeguard against skin cancer and wrinkles.
Vitamin D3 is needed for the body to absorb calcium from the intestines, making it essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also enhances immune function and supplements respiratory health. Lastly, the sunshine vitamin regulates neurotransmitters in the brain, improving mood and mental well-being. Older adults and patients with chronic illnesses are at particular risk of vitamin D3 deficiency, but luckily, supplementation can solve this problem!
- Fish oil
Fish oil is abundant in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for heart, brain, and joint health.
Omega-3 fatty acids regulate anti-inflammatory pathways, which in turn promotes joint health and joint lubrication. They also support cardiovascular health, help maintain optimal blood pressure, promote healthy cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. And because DHA is a major component of brain tissue, omega-3s are important for cognitive function, memory, and mood regulation. Omega-3s may also help with eye health and visual acuity.
While getting enough omega-3s through diet is possible, most people don’t consume enough. That’s why supplementation with fish oil can be highly beneficial, especially since omega-3s are vital as you age.
- Magnesium
Last but not least, magnesium is an essential mineral that is highly involved in numerous bodily processes and reactions. One function of magnesium is its calming effect; it calms the nervous system and relaxes the muscles, allowing you to achieve restful sleep, maintain healthy sleep patterns, and avoid muscle cramps and spasms. It also supports cardiovascular health by promoting proper heart function and rhythm. As for your mental health, magnesium regulates neurotransmitters that affect mood, helping to reduce occasional anxiety and depression.
Everyone can benefit from supplementation; it is the easiest way to ensure you cover your bases and support longevity. Adding the supplements that you need to your 2024 wellness routine will cultivate a more balanced lifestyle and enhance your chances of a happy, healthy life. As with any wellness tip, be sure to do further research and consult your healthcare provider for proper dosing recommendations before implementing these into your life.
