Your Guide To Supplements

Take a stroll down the supplements aisle and you'll see a whole range of options from vibrant multivitamins to powders that are packed with superfoods. Sure, you want to stay healthy, but how do you choose what to take?

In this article, we'll tackle supplements, including the different kinds and ways you can use them

WHAT ARE SUPPLEMENTS?

"Supplements" is a general term used for a large category of vitamins, minerals and also micro and macronutrients.

Normally, you get your needed nutrients from food. Supplements help fill in the gaps from your usual diet. What your body needs and your personal health goals should help you decide the right amount of supplements you should take daily.

You're doing a great job if you're already on a nutrient-dense meal plan that’s rich in whole foods and low in additives and sugar. The right supplements will support your diet and help you with stress and anxiety, easier sleep, and managing your bodyweight.

WHO NEEDS SUPPLEMENTS AND WHY?

It's feasible to get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet plan. Occasionally, it's difficult to eat the right foods at the right proportions to feel your absolute best. Also, the amount of supplementation you need can differ depending on your diet, age, stress and anxiety levels, and other factors.

Let’s look at a few cases in which supplements can be helpful:

Aging: Nutrient absorption decreases with age, and the supplements you need now will not be the same as you age. 

Exercising: Exercise raises your demand for specific nutrients, like protein and joint support.

Extra stress: Stress can drain particular nutrients, like glutathione - your body's main antioxidant.

Traveling: Jet lag (and even a change in routine) can conflict with your quality of rest.

What happens when you're nutrient-deficient? It depends on what nutrient you’re lacking. Vitamin D and magnesium have crucial roles throughout the entire body, and when you are low on these nutrients, they can cause issues. The only way to know where you are deficient is to ask your healthcare provider. Typically, it involves a blood examination.

Other times, supplements can take you from feeling good to feeling fantastic. Work out supplements are perfect when you exercise. And if you travel extensively, adaptogens or stress-relievers are good options to aid with body sleep.

Let's take a look at 5 supplement categories and what each of them can do for you.

5 TYPES OF SUPPLEMENTS

  1. VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS

Nutrient deficiencies can be caused by exercise, diet plans or getting sick. Mineral and vitamin supplements fill the gaps so your body retains optimal performance. For instance, zinc aids immune function, and vitamin B12 supports your brain cells.

  1. ORGANIC SUPPLEMENTS

Often called botanicals, herbal supplements make use of plant-based components for medicine. Organic supplements can support your health and wellness and fill in nutrient gaps. You could drink lavender tea to promote sleep, or make use of lion's mane capsules for stress and anxiety. Or try superfoods, like sea buckthorn berries which contain over 190 nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, K, bioflavonoids, omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 (Essential Fatty Acids or EFAs), amino acids, folate (B9 & natural folic acid), antioxidants; it’s supports the whole body, including: cardiovascular health, skin health, gut health, nervous system health, and boosts energy. 

  1. MACRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS

Macronutrients, also called macros, are the carbohydrates, fat, and protein that make up food and assist with producing energy. Macronutrient supplements are great for people with gastrointestinal problems. They also help individuals taking medications that limit the body's capability to take in nutrients.

Macro supplements are popular with bodybuilders as well as professional athletes. Intense workouts increase your demand for key macros, like protein and carbohydrates which play a vital function in muscular tissue growth and regeneration. Grass-Fed Seabuck Protein is a whey protein isolate that comes from grass-fed cows, making it very effective in delivering essential amino acids for cell growth and repair. 

  1. 4. STRONGER NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS

These supplements are examples of more powerful multivitamin solutions.

Prebiotic as well as probiotic fiber: Fiber maintains your body functions and feeds positive bacteria in your digestive tract. You get fiber from foods like leafy green vegetables and grains. Prebiotic supplements as well as probiotics can aid and sustain healthy food digestion.

Omega-3 fats: The 3 omega fats, EPA, DHA and GLA are important fats for health, brain wellness and heart function. You can obtain Omega-3s in foods like wild-caught fatty fish, sea buckthorn berries and grass-fed butter, as well as in supplements.

CoQ10 (coenzyme-Q10): This powerful antioxidant energizes your cells and even counteracts destructive free radicals.

Glucosamine: Found naturally in cartilage, it can also be taken in supplement form for joint support and inflammation management.

  1. ANTIOXIDANTS

Free radicals come from anxiety, body contaminants, and even everyday life. Antioxidant supplements help fight off the negative effects of free radicals and ensure you're getting the healthy stuff to keep your cells strong.

COMMON USES FOR DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

You can take multivitamins and antioxidants for daily health or for specific goals, like better sleep and boosting body power. Before you try a brand-new supplement, be sure to consult your physician.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR ANXIETY OR STRESS

Some people use all-natural treatments to supplement or replace modern medicine. Some often-used supplements for stress and anxiety are:

  • Magnesium
  • 5-HTP
  • Ashwagandha
  • L-theanine
  • GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS.

Research studies have shown that some supplements for weight control are working. Below are a couple of examples:

High levels of caffeine: Found in resources like coffee, tea and natural dark chocolate, high levels of caffeine may increase your metabolic rate and shrink your appetite.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): May help in metabolizing fat, sustaining a healthy immune response, and curbing inflammation.

Green tea in extracted forms: Green tea may increase fat loss and fight body inflammation.

ANTI-AGING SUPPLEMENTS

We all age, but supplements can help lessen aging’s negative effects on memory retention and cognitive function.

High Quality Protein: The most bountiful healthy protein in your body, collagen is the glue that holds your body together. It supports radiant skin, joint flexibility, and strong bones.

Ginseng: May support memory, boost your mood, and aid with your overall brain health.

Ginkgo biloba: Supports blood flow and cognitive function.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR INFLAMMATION

These supplements combat body inflammation that, if not treated, can lead to cancer, heart disease, and other serious bodily issues.

  • Curcumin
  • Boswellia gum
  • Ginger
  • Stephania root

SUPPLEMENTS FOR ENERGY

Life gets pretty crazy, and this means we don’t always get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet plan, or manage our anxieties. Supplements may have grown in popularity due to this, but some supplements can do damage by providing too much sugar and caffeine. But other supplements can still help you feel awake and fully functional without crashing. Here’s how.

All-natural caffeine resources: Black Coffee and natural tea without any ingredients or additives like milk, sugar, or sweeteners.

Vitamins B12 and B2: These vitamins aid in energy production throughout the body. Look for Methyl-B12 and B2, which helps battle oxidative stress and anxiety.

Creatine as well as citrulline: Increases body power and also minimizes exhaustion from an extreme workout.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR SLEEP

Quality rest is crucial for your health and wellness. Sometimes life makes it hard to maintain adequate amounts of sleep. Anxiety and travel also don’t help. Sleep helps you maintain your energy and battle anxiety of daily life, and these supplements can help.

Valerian root: May provide a more peaceful feeling to help you sleep better.

Melatonin: A hormone found in nature that further aids with sleep.

Lavender: The fragrance of lavender may improve rest.

Magnesium: Regulates melatonin or the sleep hormone. 


Supplements are a good addition to everyone’s wellness plans, no matter the age, health goals, or other factors. The key is in finding the right supplement that works for your particular situation. Have you found the right match for you? Shop now at Nutrav.com.