Supplements are a good way of improving your health and well-being. Whether you’re lacking in certain nutrients or minerals, the use of supplements can be helpful to incorporate into your routine.
Choosing those supplements will often depend on the type of lifestyle you have and what you should be catering towards. A personalized and strategic approach ensures great foundational health. All of which can also benefit energy levels, cognitive function, and stress management.
Evaluate your diet
It’s helpful to be able to keep a food diary in order to identify where your nutrient gaps lie and how supplements are able to help. Supplements should be something that complements but doesn’t replace a balanced diet.
That’s why it’s good to pay attention to what your diet looks like and how the supplements will fit into your diet to improve it.
Define your goals
If you’re aiming to get better focus or you’re looking to improve your levels of stress and how you deal with stress in general, then supplements can help. However, you want to make sure you’re defining your goals.
The goals you define will determine which supplements you pick out.
Consult a professional
Speaking to a doctor or a registered dietitian wil help recommend the supplements based on your specific health needs and the goals you’ve set for yourself. For example, certain protein powder manufacturers might use specific ingredients that don’t agree with any pre-existing conditions, medicines, or additional supplements you may be taking at the moment.
Prioritize foundational supplements
Foundational supplements should be the primary focus when introducing them. Certain core supplements will be helpful for supporting general well-being.
Firstly, a high-quality multivitamin is the best for covering all your daily nutritional bases and also ensures a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Consider making use of high-quality ingredients like methylated B-vitamins, as well as chelated minerals for better absorption.
Secondly, Omega-3 Fatty Acids are for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation. This can also be crucial for maintaining sharp cognitive function, as well as supporting recovery. Vitamin D is also a vital one for when you have limited sun exposure and, as such, helps with immune function, mood regulation, and bone health.
Finally, magnesium is important to incorporate for the purpose of energy production, stress reduction, and muscle function. It can also help promote relaxation and better sleep, too.
Make sure to prioritize quality and don’t forget to monitor the results
Prioritizing quality in your supplements is important because the industry is not as strictly regulated as pharmaceuticals. Be on the lookout for third-party testing. Reputable brands will have certifications from organizations like NSF International and USP.
To help ensure the supplements are working as desired, you should be monitoring and adjusting your supplements after around four to six weeks. This is the point at which you’re going to see changes and feel the difference.
Track your performance, overall well-being, and energy levels. Adjust your regime based on the feedback from your body.
Be wary of oversupplementing, though, so use supplements with care and attention to how much you’re ingesting.
