To supplement or not to supplement that is the question?
0The human body is made of lean tissue (muscles and organs) bones, water and fat. As our bodies age however, organs, muscles lose some of their cells as well as our bones lose minerals causing bones to become less dense. Our bodies also increase the amount of fat and in particular around our mid-sections.
Since aging causes many unwanted side effects, supplementation has become vital to us maintaining the youthful appearance.
Here are my top 5 supplements for anti-aging:
1. Whey protein powder
Whey protein is one of the most popular supplements used by many athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Whey is a derivative of milk that is readily digestible. It offers complete amino acids for muscle growth, enhances development of lean muscle mass and also helps in muscle recovery after a long cardiovascular workout. It also helps the immune system by encouraging the production of glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals in the body.
2. Multivitamins
Each person’s needs for vitamins, minerals and nutrients is unique to each, based on age, sex, genetics, disease processes, food intake etc. For example, someone with Crohn’s disease or diabetes can be low in vitamins D, E and K.
For optimal health and body balance taking a daily multivitamin is good insurance. Multivitamins will assist with digestion, boost brain function, add energy, control hormones and blood sugar levels and help boost immune system.
3. Omega 3s
Numerous studies have shown the tremendous impact on health and benefits to the human body omega 3s possess. Some of the benefits include: improving cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, boosting brain function and memory, lowering blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol may also decrease risk of certain cancers. It may also help in weight loss as well.
4. Fibre
I consider fibre as I feel it “supplements” a diet especially in today’s fast paced, quick food tempo; many people lack fibre in their diet. Fibre helps keep weight under control, helps prevent certain diseases. For instance, soluble fibre (example beans, oats) helps body to remove the unhealthy triglycerides from the blood. Adequate fibre helps with the passage of food through the digestive system. Its believed harmful substances and chemicals found in some foods may affect the colon which can increase risk for colon cancer, with adequate fibre intake this risk was decreased.
Fibre also assists with regulation of blood sugar levels.
5. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Belongs the the omega family of fatty acids but I believe it deserves its own distinction. Its benefits include heart disease prevention, cancer prevention and lowering body fat. It helps prevent plaque and lipids from forming in arteries. It helps to prevent cancer formation or progression, by increasing bodies ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A and D which leads to inhibiting the development of carcinogens. In terms of lowering body fat it helps by helping the body to use fat for energy and helps prevent the decrease metabolic rate (keeps metabolism from slowing down).
Tips:
Always store supplements according to package directions. Away from sun exposure, heat and humidity.
Always check with a health care practitioner to discuss any use of supplements to make sure there are no interference with your state of health and medications. (For example, those with kidney problems need to be cautious of their protein intake as it compromises the kidney function).
Remember, the healthier you are the younger you’ll look.
References: EhealthMD.com Medline Plus Online Written by: Gorretti Francisco
