The COVID-19 pandemic has led to drastic changes in our daily lives. In addition, plant-based adaptogens have become increasingly popular as they can support the body’s response to stress. In particular, ashwagandha and rhodiola are popular Ayurvedic herbs that can reduce anxiety, cortisol levels and mild depressive symptoms. Key beauty-enhancing ingredients include collagen peptides, vitamin C, omega-3s, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidant-rich green tea and vegetable blends. In particular, a diet rich in collagen peptides, vitamin C and omega-3s is associated with better skin health and fewer signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Despite their popularity, do not expect these supplements to compensate for poor skin care and lifestyle.
Daily sun protection, good sleep, regular exercise and a nutritious diet are the keys to healthy skin.The COVID-19 pandemic taught us all to prioritise our health. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of consumers seeking immune support supplements. In addition, some industry experts believe that medicinal mushroom extracts will be part of this trend. In particular, chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system. Quercetin has shown to be useful when added into our diets for its immune boosting properties. It is important to note that, despite their potential role in supporting immune health, nutritional supplements have not been shown to prevent or cure diseases, such as COVID-19. Vitamin D remains at the top of the list of key nutrients for general health.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a key role in immunity, mental well-being, bone and skin health, and protection against chronic disease. Although the skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, concerns about ultraviolet (UV) rays and regional limitations to sunlight have led many consumers to take vitamin D supplements.
Although the body naturally produces vitamin D through sun exposure, it is often not strong enough to meet the body’s needs. There are many factors that limit the body’s ability to convert sunlight into vitamin D, such as limited sun exposure during the winter months, older age, darker skin pigmentation and the use of sunscreens and clothing that protect the skin from the sun. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain adequate bone integrity, proper neuromuscular function, normal inflammatory response, muscle strength, adequate calcium absorption, healthy immune response and normal blood pressure. Studies have shown that adequate vitamin D levels are associated with decreased stress fractures, decreased injuries in athletes and decreased rates of upper respiratory tract infections.
Vitamin D supplementation has also been shown to improve symptoms of headaches and migraines. Approximately half of the adult population takes at least one supplement. It is easy to understand why supplements sell so well. The public has a legitimate desire for good health, and the supplement industry has a strong desire for good sales.
Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the intestines, which is why it is so important for bone health. At the same time, people are growing weary of misleading or false health claims, which has led to an increased distrust of the supplement and pharmaceutical industries. Consult your chiropractor or other health professional for more information before you start taking a new supplement. As supplements are now considered part of a healthy lifestyle, companies are expected to create products that fit seamlessly into the daily routine. One company we have found that produces tried and tested supplements from clean, sustainably sourced ingredients is MD Logic Health.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another of the most important supplements for optimal health, as it is necessary for more than 600 enzymatic reactions in the body. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 75 percent of American adults do not meet the FDA’s recommended daily intake. People most at risk of magnesium deficiency are those who eat diets high in processed foods, have blood sugar abnormalities or diabetes, drink large amounts of alcohol, take diuretics or proton pump inhibitors, have gastrointestinal conditions, have taken antibiotics for a long time, or suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Low magnesium levels can lead to problems with vitamin D metabolism, weakened bones, irregular heartbeat and irregular blood pressure, blood sugar problems, irritability and anxiety, muscle cramps and spasms, and fatigue. It is estimated that 88 per cent of the population receives suboptimal levels of vitamin D.
Probiotics
Maintaining a good balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut is important for overall health. Research shows that probiotic supplementation contributes to healthy immune function, regulation of inflammation, proper brain health and weight management. Probiotics, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are live micro-organisms that reside in our gastrointestinal tract (GI) in a symbiotic relationship and have been studied for their beneficial effects on overall health and wellness. Probiotics are called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they promote a healthy gut. They help keep your digestive system regulating the growth of harmful bacteria. By helping to diminish the number of damaging bacteria in your gut that can cause infections or inflammation, probiotics help maintain a normal intestinal bacteria ratio of “good” vs. “bad”, which then promotes an optimal functioning body. Research on probiotics has concentrated on the positive influence that they appear to have on the body’s normal inflammatory response, immune function, and digestive health.
Check out Doctor’s Choice Probiotic. Dr. Choice Probiotic formula provides a combination of probiotic bacteria that supports gastrointestinal and immune health, plus added Fructo-oligosaccharides, a natural prebiotic fiber that promotes the natural growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. It is formulated with 30 billion live beneficial bacteria per capsule and provides a mixture of 10 Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteriabacterial strains, shown through research to be the most beneficial when taken together.
While these trends are exciting, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional before trying new supplements.
