Benefits of Taking Supplements to Support an Active Lifestyle

A healthy, active lifestyle can be as simple as taking a stroll with your dog or volunteering for a cause you believe in. It could also mean engaging in more rigorous physical activity. Regardless of your fitness goals, some supplements can enhance performance. But remember that they're intended to supplement, not replace, a nutritious diet.

Vitamins

Although a well-balanced diet should always be the first line of defense against nutrient deficiencies, a multivitamin can assist in filling in the gaps left by a less-than-optimal diet and help to meet the nutrient requirements for an active lifestyle. Water-soluble vitamins slide easily into the bloodstream from food or supplements. The kidneys continuously regulate levels and shunt excesses out of the body in urine. They help release energy and produce hormones. B vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin) release energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also metabolize amino acids and help cells multiply. They also make collagen, which knits together wounds, supports blood vessel walls, and forms a base for teeth and bones. Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are essential for healthy bones. They should be included in most multis. A supplement with ashwagandha or Rhodiola Rosea can be a powerful addition to a workout regimen because they're adaptogens that help the body cope with stress and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Minerals

Minerals are solid substances that occur naturally in nature. They are not alive and are not organic, unlike plants or animals. Minerals usually comprise atoms that fit together in crystal shapes and have a highly ordered internal structure. Some minerals are composed of a single native element, like silver and diamond, while others are formed from chemical compounds, such as quartz (silicon dioxide) and hematite (iron oxide). Most minerals have a distinct chemical composition that can be expressed by a specific chemical formula, such as silicate minerals or gold, which has the recipe Au. Minerals that combine elements in different ratios have more complex chemical formulas. The human body requires certain minerals for good health. These include calcium to keep bones strong, phosphorus to build and repair cells, and potassium to regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and the water content of cells. Most people get all the minerals they need from food.

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that have extra health benefits. The term derives from the combination of "nutrient," a food component, and "pharmaceutical," a medicine. Nutraceutical ingredients are usually sourced from whole foods or purified and concentrated components of foods. They are marketed to protect against chronic disease, improve health, delay aging, and increase life expectancy. Nutraceutical ingredients like green tea, ginseng, cod liver oil, and Echinacea are gaining popularity for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also help prevent high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and common colds. While having a well-rounded supplement regimen is essential, getting nutrients from foods whenever possible is best. A diet with plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is vital to athletic performance. It's also helpful to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting new nutritional supplements, especially those that contain herbs or other natural substances. These may interact with certain medications and could cause adverse effects.

Herbal Extracts

Herbs can help with many of your active lifestyle needs. These include supporting a healthy inflammatory response, promoting endurance, and more. Whether you're a cyclist, runner, backpacker, or yoga enthusiast, herbs can help you perform at your best. The raw materials used to make herbal extracts often teem with phytochemicals that bring specific benefits. These can be concentrated and isolated to create standardized ingredients called standardized botanical extracts that can be used in dietary supplements. Herbal extracts are also available in liquid tinctures made with alcohol or glycerin herbal extracts. The latter are non-alcoholic, making them safe for people with gluten allergies and other sensitivities. Both types are readily absorbed and utilized by the body and may be combined for a custom formula to support your goals.

| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |