If you’re interested in taking a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle, consider taking these 7 essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are important for a number of reasons, from helping to maintain good brain function to supporting cardiovascular health. They can also help to boost the immune system, which can be particularly helpful in the winter. Supplements can serve as an immune booster when you don’t have time to prepare healthy food; you can shop at Good Health for different supplements that boost immune support.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for a healthy body. It plays a vital role in immune function and bone health. In addition, it helps maintain blood phosphorus and calcium levels in the blood.
Vitamin D is produced naturally by the body in response to sunlight. However, people with darker skin need more time in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D as those with light-colored skin.
The good news is that there are many foods that contain vitamins and minerals that can help boost your vitamin D intake. Examples include canned tuna in mustard sauce, salmon, and sardines. Also, a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can provide an additional boost to your vitamin D levels.
If you are concerned about your level of vitamin D, you may wish to consider getting a test to determine your current status. Your doctor can recommend a vitamin D supplement if needed.
Although the Institute of Medicine recently released a recommendation for the optimal amount of vitamin D to consume, there is no hard-and-fast rule for how much. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a minimum amount of 600 IU of vitamin D daily is recommended for men and 800 IU for women.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It is essential for bone health and healthy muscle function.
Calcium is found in foods and supplements. It is best absorbed in small amounts. The amount of calcium you need depends on your age and sex.
Calcium is important for bone development in children and it helps maintain strong bones in adults. In addition, calcium helps the heart work properly.
However, many people do not get enough calcium in their diets. In fact, calcium intake is 10% lower among obese and hypertensive individuals, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This study showed that calcium supplementation may help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Calcium is found naturally in certain foods, such as dairy products. Some vegetables also contain large quantities of calcium. Foods with added calcium include some fruits, juices, and cereals.
Many people take calcium supplements. These supplements are often combined with vitamin D, magnesium, and other nutrients. You should also check the label to make sure you are taking a pure form of calcium. Taking calcium with other supplements might cause you to overdose on calcium.
In addition to protecting the skeleton, calcium is vital to the functioning of the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Also, it is necessary to prevent osteoporosis.
Iodine
Iodine is one of the essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy body. It is an important nutrient for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children. Some foods are better sources of iodine than others. Taking a dietary supplement is recommended when iodine is missing from the diet.
The World Health Organization estimates that over one-third of school-age children in the world suffer from iodine deficiency. Children who do not receive adequate iodine are at higher risk for learning disabilities. Similarly, babies born to mothers who do not get sufficient iodine are at increased risk for intellectual delays.
The International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICID) recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant, or who are pregnant, should consume at least 250 milligrams (mg) of iodine daily. During pregnancy, thyroid hormones are needed to support the development of the brain and bones of an infant.
Aside from the iodine present in the breast milk of breastfeeding women, some foods provide iodine. These include dairy products, seafood, eggs, and seaweed. In addition, iodized salt and kelp are available as dietary supplements.
Those living in areas where the soil is low in iodine can have a high risk of developing iodine deficiency. Mountainous regions and flooded river valleys are among the most severely iodine-deficient areas in the world.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy heart and muscle function. It is found in a number of foods, including almonds, milk, yogurt, peanuts, spinach, and beans.
A lack of magnesium can lead to a variety of health problems, including cramps, migraines, and sore muscles. Fortunately, there are many ways to increase your intake of this important mineral. You can also try multivitamins that contain magnesium.
Studies have shown that higher levels of magnesium in the blood are associated with lower levels of inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to the development of metabolic disorders. These include insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. This inflammatory response is associated with the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, which increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
People who have high serum magnesium concentrations have lower rates of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it is unclear whether improving magnesium status alone can prevent atherosclerosis.
In addition, people with high levels of magnesium in their blood are less likely to suffer from a migraine. Moreover, low magnesium levels have been linked with sleep disorders.
Magnesium is found in various plant and animal foods, but it is also present in hard water. Drinking hard water with a high concentration of magnesium may reduce the risk of hip fracture.
Manganese
Manganese is an essential trace mineral that is required for normal enzyme systems in the body. It also promotes bone health and is an important antioxidant.
One of the most important functions of manganese is to activate the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. This enzyme is highly effective at reducing inflammation. A lack of manganese may be a cause of arthritis and other health problems.
SOD is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are damaging molecules that can lead to DNA damage. They can also play a role in the aging process and some health conditions.
However, too much of manganese may cause serious side effects. Excessive blood levels can cause tremors and spasms. It can also contribute to mental problems and even brain activity disorders.
Manganese is important for normal brain function. It is also a cofactor for a variety of other important enzymes. As a result, it plays a significant role in the absorption of calcium and the proper metabolism of carbs and fats.
Getting adequate manganese is important for men and women. The mineral may help reduce pain and improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, it may lower the risk of certain types of cancers.
Co-enzymes
Co-enzymes are an important aspect of cellular metabolism. They play a crucial role in regulating enzyme activities and are needed for normal cellular functions. It is essential that we get the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients in our diet to keep our metabolic pathways running properly.
Enzymes, like other proteins, bind to a molecule at the active site and help to catalyze chemical reactions. The rate at which these reactions are carried out is directly proportional to the concentration of the two components. In the absence of coenzymes, the enzymes will not be able to carry out the reactions efficiently. Consequently, there is a buildup of the reaction products.
Typically, coenzymes are organic molecules that serve as intermediate carriers for functional groups. This allows the regular enzymes to carry out their job more efficiently and helps to speed up the reactions.
In addition to their role in enzymatic processes, coenzymes also perform other molecular changes in the cells. One of these roles is to protect the body from free radical damage. Whenever an unstable molecule tries to mooch electrons from a healthy cell, the cell experiences free radical damage.
There are several types of co-enzymes in the human body. They are either vitamin-based or metabolite-based. Vitamin-based coenzymes are made from vitamin-based compounds, such as vitamin C, while metabolite-based coenzymes are made from nucleotides.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in many aspects of our health. They’re a source of energy and provide structure for cell membranes. They help regulate our blood pressure and help us maintain low triglyceride levels.
They also have protective effects on the brain, reducing inflammation and helping the body better manage a variety of chronic diseases. In addition, they have been shown to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
They may also be helpful in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and eczema. They may also be helpful in controlling hypertension. However, it is still important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
These fats can be found in fish, flax seeds and nuts. Some fish contain small amounts of mercury.
The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fatty fish per week. However, some people may not be able to meet the recommended amount. This is a good reason to speak to a health care professional about how much you should be eating.
Most people could benefit from increasing their intake of omega-3s. It’s especially important for infants, as they can’t synthesize enough DHA without additional dietary intake.
