Most people do not need to take supplements, as they can get all the nutrients they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, there may be times when you lack some of the essential vitamins and minerals needed for your body to work optimally and to look at your best. If you wonder which supplements should you take, take a look at this post.
Studies have shown that almost one-third of the U.S. population has at least one vitamin deficiency, or has anemia. If you are running low on certain essential vitamins and minerals the symptoms presented could include one or more of the following:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Brittle hair and nails
- Weight loss
- Irregular heartbeat
In this article, we’ll explore some common concerns that can be addressed by taking the right dietary supplements.
Boost Your Energy
When it comes to fighting fatigue and giving your body an extra boost of energy, supplementing your diet with the following vitamins and minerals could help.
Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian ginseng, this evergreen shrub found in Asia and parts of Africa has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Stress and anxiety often contribute to feelings of low energy and fatigue and ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to fight fatigue and improve overall well being. Known as an adaptogen, ashwagandha can help your body manage and adapt to stress by calming the brain, lowering blood pressure and reducing the “stress hormone”, cortisol.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells which carries oxygen throughout the body. Low levels of iron can impair your body’s ability to produce enough hemoglobin resulting in iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.
You may also like: Review of Spatone an Iron Deficiency Anaemia Supplement
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for keeping your nerves and blood cells healthy, and is necessary for energy production. Its role in the healthy formation of red blood cells means that a deficiency can interfere with your body’s ability to transport oxygen around your body, leading to tiredness and anemia.
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Hair, Nails and Skin
A deficiency in one or more vital nutrients not only affects the inner workings of your body, but it can also make itself evident through your appearance. Signs such as cracked nails, dry, flaky skin and brittle hair can appear. Below are some essential vitamins and minerals to support your hair, nails and skin.
- Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin helps carry nutrients throughout your body and adequate amounts can help strengthen your nails and grow and thicken your hair.
- Vitamin A: This vitamin boosts your retinol levels which are key to maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Retinol is known for its skin anti-aging properties and a deficiency may cause dry skin and hair loss.
- Zinc: This mineral plays a key role in hair health, helping it to grow and repair by ensuring the oil glands around the hair follicles are working correctly. Essential for collagen production, zinc can also improve the appearance of your skin.
If you are asking yourself which supplements should you take, we hope this post can serve as a good guide. As always, do consult your medical professional. Our body get many of the necessary nutrients from our diet so it is not always necessary to take supplements. However, there are many instances when we could use a little boost, which is why it’s great to know which supplements should you take.
