Our health declines over time, but it does not need to. With age comes physical complications, both internal and external, and our diets play a large role in determining the speed and severity with which they are brought on. It’s difficult to eat healthy, especially when your age demands a much stricter regimen.
For older individuals, dietary supplements become a necessity. They can help fill the nutritional gaps that your diet may contain, provide your body with vitamins and minerals, and protect your immune system in ways food may not be able to. Below are some of the most important and most beneficial supplements you can add to your diet, regardless of age.
Vitamin D3
A crucial component to the development of proteins that protect your body from disease, vitamin D can build muscle, strengthen bone, and can boost the immune system in such a way that one’s odds of developing cancer are drastically reduced. However, your diet alone will not supply you with enough vitamin D to experience all of these benefits. Aside from sitting out in the sun, supplements containing this vitamin are your best chance in receiving adequate levels. Work closely with your doctor to determine how much of these supplements you should be taking, as too much can lead to vitamin D toxicity. Current research shows that 10,000 units per day is more effective than a flu shot.
Magnesium
This is one of the most essential minerals for the human body, and can be as important as potassium or calcium. Deficiencies in magnesium can lead to constant fatigue, respiratory issues, cramps, asthma, and even heart disease. Magnesium is critical in maintaining heart health, energy levels, and white blood cell count, all of which can contribute to an overall healthier body.
Luckily, there are plenty of foods you can introduce to your regular diet that provide sufficient levels of magnesium. Those include bananas, spinach, fish, quinoa, and much more, but adding these is easier said than done. Magnesium supplements can help greatly in filling this gap. However, like any dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking these, as other medications can react poorly when combined with magnesium pills, and too much can negatively affect your bowels, digestive system, and blood pressure.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most important components in good health, and no supplements are more abundant in these than fish oil pills. These can help prevent inflammation, boost your immune system, increase the production of keratin (benefitting your hair and nails), and even sharpen your memory.
Most people understand the health benefits that come with eating seafood, but not every type of fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids. As you may have guessed, fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and trout, are the the types of fish you should strive to eat. It can be difficult getting sufficient amounts of these acids through eating fish alone, as you’ll want to consume these types of fish regularly. Fish oil pills can help supply your body with omega-3, and effectively avoid some of the potential hazards that come with eating too much fish, i.e. pesticides, metals, and other contaminants. Be sure to use purified pharmaceutical grade omega 3 oil free from heavy metals.