This article is courtesy of Fullerton Cardiovascular Medical Group
A
balanced diet of whole, natural foods is the foundation for good
health. Learning how to make better choices at home, in the grocery
store, and when dining out is a huge, important step. Be proud if you've
started to move in that direction. To take it one step further,
consider adding supplements to your daily routine. There are countless
supplements, and many are unnecessary or even harmful. Take care and
always talk with your doctor before starting a new regimen.
| Here are a few you can count on: |
- Probiotics.
It turns out that thousands of tiny organisms or "probiotics" needed
for good health live in your gut/belly. They help us digest and absorb
our food, support our immune system, prevent disease, and treat or stave
off diarrhea, gas, and other bowel problems. In addition to
supplements, you can get probiotics from a fiber-rich diet full of
vegetables, beans, seeds, yogurt, and whole grains.
- Omega-3s.
Omega-3 fatty acids, or essential fatty acids, are necessary for health
but your body can't make them. Research suggests that they may decrease
cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce the risk for heart disease,
diabetes, and some cancers, and help treat depression and anxiety. You
can get omega-3s from cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut,
as well as other seafood like algae and krill, some plants, and nut
oils, and supplements may contain any of these. If you get a fish oil
supplement, it should have both EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and
docosahexaenoic acid).
- Vitamin D.
In addition to keeping your bones strong in partnership with calcium,
vitamin D is essential for mood and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
improvement, immune system boosting, and blood pressure lowering.
Vitamin D is even thought to help prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart
disease. In addition to foods like salmon, tuna, milk, and eggs, you can
take in vitamin D from direct sun exposure. Most people should take a
supplement though, and usually in the form of vitamin D3.
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