By Jayson Kroner

Unless you fall into the category of extremely supplement-savvy, it’s safe to assume that you, at some point, may have become lost in today’s sea of supplements. Don’t fret, because it goes without saying that you are not alone. Advancements in the nutritional sciences, coupled with relentlessly competitive advertising campaigns can make it difficult to determine which supplements best suit your unique needs. So in the spirit of lifting the fog that seems to blanket so many nutritional regimens, I thought that this would be a great time to review six of today’s most beneficial “core” supplements. And while each person’s needs will obviously vary, those mentioned can serve as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to take charge of their health.      

 

 

Bar none, energy is unquestionably one of the most common complaints among today’s hardworking adult. And while the reasons for deteriorating energy reserves are vast in nature, they can generally be attributed to a diet that is lacking what it needs to remain ideally nourished. Fast, processed foods teeming with acid, sugar and high glycemic carbohydrates rob the body of nutrients, enzymes, antioxidants and other constituents that the body desperately needs to stay energized.

 

One of the best ways to overcome this extremely preventable scenario is to get in the habit of taking a high potency multiple vitamin/mineral. And no, I’m not talking about some bottle that you find in the bottom of a discount bin at your local supermarket or mega-store. It is absolutely vital that you invest in a good multiple, as it will provide you with virtually everything you need to bridge the nutritional gaps in your diet. Look for a formula that delivers a nice mesh of vitamins A, E, C, D and K, a strong complex of B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, digestive enzymes and other supporting nutrients. Many of the best formulas come in two, three, even four dose servings. Divide these throughout the day, and take them with meals. This will reduce the risk of nausea and keep you nutritionally armed throughout the entire day.

 

 

As one of the body’s most grossly underrated groups of biological catalysts, enzymes play an enormous role in all aspects of life. They are specialized proteins that help, in some way, to carry out every reaction within the human system. And though their role is not limited to digestion, this is definitely one area where they truly shine. Humans produce enzymes every day, however the amount we produce over time diminishes. This makes it increasingly difficult to properly digest healthy meals, let alone those that are riddled with grease, trans-fats and other unnatural compounds. 

 

Here’s why. Digestive enzymes bind with the predigested food contents of the stomach – breaking it down to a consistency that can be readily utilized by the small intestines. They are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as other raw, natural foods. Unfortunately, the majority of us don’t consume nearly enough, and as a result, our digestion suffers. The solution is simple, though. Taking digestive enzymes with each meal (especially larger, main meals) is one of the best ways to ensure that you body is in a position to break down food, eliminate waste, and make the most of the nutrients and other beneficial compounds you consume.

 

 

There are no words in the English language that could properly convey how dire our need for “good” fat is. During the 1950’s, a handful of agenda-driven groups set out to convince the American public that fat was a detriment to human health. In their science-deprived haste, they forgot to take into consideration the role that essential fatty acids and medium chain triglycerides (a healthy saturated fat) play in cell formation, metabolism, healthy mood, skin tone, immune function, and others. Sadly, their advertising and lobbying budgets overwhelmed those of the budding natural food arena, and a before anyone knew what hit them, we somehow metamorphasized into the fat-fearing America that we are today.

 

Be that as it may, science has taught us otherwise. Essential fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are vital to many aspects of human health, despite the body’s inability to manufacture its own reserve. Scores of clinical trials have determined that they support cardiovascular function, mental health and mood regulation, the construction of new, healthy cells, and are currently being studied for their potential role in other avenues of health. Omega-3 Fish Oils, Borage, Evening Primrose and Flax are among the very best, and can be taken safely by most individuals. Still, if you’re taking prescription medications, it is always wise to consult your physician prior to incorporating any new supplements.

 

In part two, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best supplements currently available for supporting cardiovascular, digestive and immune system health