Have you decided to jump aboard the #vitamintrain but have NO idea where to start? It’s overwhelming, we know. There are supplements for everything these days!
If you are new to the world of supplementation and want to be sure you are covering your bases, we are honored to walk you through it! Experience the noticeable health difference of vitamins, and know that you are setting a comprehensive nutritional foundation with these five supplements.
First Up: Multivitamins, the One That Does it All
Multivitamins are akin to a one-stop shop for essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, we know that YOU know that you need a multi, but do you truly know why? Multivitamins are essential to our health as they fill any nutritional gaps left by our diet. These gaps may come from specific eating habits or food intolerances, but are often also caused by less nutritional quality even in the healthy foods we consume daily. Soil depletion, transportation times and genetic modification of foods result in less nutritional volume in crops. And since our body’s needs for these nutrients remain the same (or higher), we need to supplement with multivitamins to offset this.
Benefits of Multivitamins:
- Holistic Nutrition: Multivitamins deliver a wide spectrum of vital vitamins and minerals, providing comprehensive nutritional support for various bodily functions.
- Immune Enhancement: Certain vitamins, such as vitamin C and zinc, strengthen your immune system and help fortify your body against infections and illness.
- Energy Optimization: B vitamins found in multivitamins play a pivotal role in energy metabolism, reducing fatigue and enhancing your alertness throughout the day.
- Skeletal Health: Often including vitamins D and K, calcium, and magnesium, multivitamins support robust bone health
Want to know that your multivitamin has everything you really need but nothing you don’t? Mt. Angel Vitamins’ Premium Men & Womens’ Multivitamins contain trademarked ingredients and potent quantities of all the best nutrients. (oh yeah, and you can save $10 on a single bottle with coupon code MYFIRSTMULTI at checkout!)
Fish Oil, the One that Contributes Omega-3s
Fish oil, derived from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to a wide range of health benefits, and are absolutely critical to the proper functioning of many different systems of our body. However, unless you are regularly consuming fatty fish in your diet—and we don’t just mean in your sushi rolls—chances are, you are probably deficient.
Benefits of Fish Oil:
- Heart Health: Omega-3s are renowned for their cardiovascular benefits by helping to maintain a healthy blood viscosity, promoting normal blood pressure, and contributing to a well-functioning cardiovascular system.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Omega-3s are often referred to as "brain food" for their role in supporting cognitive function, memory retention, and mood stability. Some studies even suggest their potential to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Joint Comfort: If joint discomfort or stiffness is a concern, the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil can discourage these symptoms and improve joint mobility.
- Skin and Hair Health: Omega-3s contribute to healthier, more radiant skin and hair by maintaining the skin's natural barrier and promoting hydration.
- Visual Health: DHA, a component of fish oil, is essential for eye development in infants and children and may protect against age-related macular degeneration in adults.
Magnesium: The One for Overall Wellness
Need help sleeping? Relaxing? Maybe even pooping? (yes, we said it). Magnesium truly does it all! As an essential mineral, Magnesium is crucial for a wide array of bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function and maintaining optimal heart health.
Benefits of Magnesium:
- Muscular and Neural Function: Magnesium is integral to muscle and nerve function, discouraging cramps and muscle spasms.
- Heart Health: It supports a steady heart rhythm, contributing to cardiovascular well-being.
- Bone Strength: Magnesium aids in bone density and protects against brittleness
- Stress Management: This mineral can help manage stress and promote relaxation.
Mt. Angel Vitamins has multiple magnesium products to meet your needs. Our personal favorite? Calming Magnesium, our powder format magnesium, is an excellent addition to apple juice, water, gatorades and pre/post-workout drinks. Mix it into your drink of choice (it has a slightly citrus taste) and notice an instant difference in mood, sleep and muscle recovery!
Vitamin D: The One that Brings the Sun
Often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is essential for a multitude of bodily functions and is primarily synthesized through sun exposure. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 42% percent of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. With so many of us severely vitamin d deficient (we’re especially looking at you, Oregonians!), adding a Vitamin D supplement to your daily routine is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Benefits of Vitamin D:
- Bone Health: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, supporting strong and healthy bones and dissuading brittleness.
- Immune System Support: Adequate vitamin D levels are associated with a robust immune system, aiding your body's ability to fend off infections.
- Mood Regulation: Emerging research suggests that vitamin D may play a role in mood regulation and could potentially aid in reducing the risk of depression.
Our Vitamin D supplements provide effective levels of Vitamin D to supplement your body's deficiencies. Our best recommendation? Try our Vitamin D3 + K2, our liquid format Vitamin D with added D3 + K2. With an easily to use dropper and over 600% of your daily vitamin D intake, it is by far the easiest product you will take all day! (bye-bye, capsule fatigue)
Digestive Enzymes: The One that Helps You “Go”
Okay, we don’t need to get too comfortable here, but those of you who suffer from “irregularity” know who you are (and if you aren’t taking digestive enzymes, you should be). But gut health does more than just helping you poop! Did you know that a well-functioning digestive system and adequate enzyme levels can also help with bloating, water retention, skin & hair health, energy levels, AND mood?! Yeah, it’s a big deal. Digestive enzymes and probiotics are pivotal for maintaining a healthy gut, where a significant portion of overall well-being begins.
Benefits of Digestive Enzymes/Probiotics:
- Digestive Harmony: Digestive enzymes aid in breaking down food for better nutrient absorption and can improve digestive discomfort.
- Gut Microbiome Balance: Probiotics promote a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria, vital for digestion and immune function.
- Immune Support: A significant portion of your immune system resides in your gut, making a healthy microbiome essential for overall immune health.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Both digestive enzymes and probiotics optimize nutrient absorption, ensuring your body derives maximum benefits from your diet.
Fortunately, we have a robust selection of digestive health products sure to get you going! (no pun intended). Super Enzymes can help you digest fats and other macronutrients efficiently, Good Flora Probiotics can help restore good bacterica, and Para Response can help you reset after a stretch of poor eating.
Before incorporating any new supplements into your daily routine, it's imperative to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. With a well-informed approach, these five supplements can serve as valuable allies in your journey toward improved health and vitality. Here's to a healthier and more informed you!