When Are Supplements Really Necessary For Your Health?

supplements bottleWe all need a lot of different things in a lot of different quantities. These things are generally referred to as vitamins and minerals and they exist in almost all of the products we eat and drink in differing amounts. Calling a diet balanced refers to it having a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals which is the correct amount for you to survive. As you get older you may need slightly more of certain vitamins or minerals and you may find yourself deficient in them. If you’re not getting everything that you need from your diet then there are various different kinds of supplements which you can take to help balance yourself out.

It’s always better to get your vitamins and minerals from your diet but in the event that you can’t and you find yourself deficient, then supplements might be the only answer. Be aware that too much of those same vitamins and minerals can be dangerous. Everything is bad for you when you have too much of it.
Some of the vitamins which are most important to you as you get older and that you’re more likely to lack are:

Vitamin D – Which is actually a hormone rather than a vitamin and is used by the body to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin D is essential for the breaking down of calcium which I’m sure you’re aware is the mineral responsible for maintaining your bone strength. Sunlight is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D and just 15 minutes of exposure a day will start the creation process for you!

Vitamin K – This is vitamin D’s best friend. Without one of this pair the other won’t function in the way that it should. It’s a powerful vitamin which has been shown to help to keep your bones and your brain healthy.

Omega-3 Fatty acids – You’ll get these largely from oily fish or fish oil supplements if you prefer. Omega-3 helps maintain your eyesight, brain health and heart health. It has also been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s though further study will be needed to confirm this.

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