A recent study found that only 2.7% of people in the United States lead a healthy lifestyle.
You read that right! The rest, which is a whopping 97.3%, don’t meet the basic “healthy living” qualifications.
No wonder then that a study found that only 15% of Americans are never or rarely in pain! Half of the study’s participants said they go through constant pain, and 25% said they’re always in pain.
As part of the greater population (AKA the sickly ones), you’re likely sick of always feeling sick. So, you decided to set health goals this year and beyond.
Add the right essential supplements to your regimen, and you can reach, even go beyond those goals.
Which supplements though? Keep reading, as we’ve listed nine that you should take ASAP!
1. Whey Protein
Lean meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and fish are some of the best sources of protein. But, it’s either you eat too much or too less of it. Or worse, you get your protein from “ultra-processed” meals, which make up over half of all U.S. dietary calories.
Whey protein can help ensure you’re getting enough protein, without the added sugars. It grows new muscles and repairs damaged ones from all the daily activities you do.
It’s also one of the especially helpful (and uber popular) supplements for working out. If your health goals include strengthening and building muscles, you need more protein. Otherwise, your muscles can’t repair themselves and you risk becoming “catabolic”.
With whey protein, you can up your protein intake without increasing food intake. Best of all, you can use it to whip up great-tasting, yet healthy protein smoothies.
2. Omega 3
Up to 70% of Americans don’t have enough omega-3 fatty acids in their system. Worse, 20% get too little of it that tests can’t detect any amount of it in their blood!
You need this essential fatty acid because it can help prevent early onset of brain aging. It’s also a potent mood booster, stress reliever, and anti-inflammatory. Studies have also found omega 3 (and 6) to help fight skin aging and skin inflammation.
Of course, adding more mackerel, salmon, and cod to your diet is the best way to increase your omega 3 intake. Safe-for-weight-loss snacks, like walnuts and nut butters, are also good omega 3 sources. If you think your intake of this essential fatty acid is still not enough, add omega 3 supplements to your diet.
3. Vitamin D
Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, which is why many of us have Vitamin D deficiency. It’s also likely the reason for many of us having well, a pale and sickly complexion.
Inadequate levels of this important vitamin can lead to weak bones. Whereas enough Vitamin D in the system may help lower risks of diabetes and certain types of cancer.
These make Vitamin D supplements some of the most necessary supplements you need now.
4. Aniracetam
Sounds like something that only belongs in a scientist’s vocabulary? Well, it’s a “smart drug”, and taking the supplement version can boost your brain function! It can help sharpen your memory, concentration, and mental alertness.
These benefits are also the reason for aniracetam’s use as a dementia treatment. Studies showed this memory booster improved dementia symptoms.
In another study, aniracetam showed antidepressant-like effects. Researchers discovered it has the ability to stimulate dopamine release. It’s in that way these supplements may also help with anxiety.
A sharp mind is essential to good health, so be sure to protect your brain from the effects of aging! Consider taking aniracetam supplements, like ThoughtFoods Noopept, for better brain function.
5. Multivitamins
Americans’ love for convenient meals costs them thousands of $$$ every year. In fact, 90% of people dine on take-out or fast food because they have an outright dislike for cooking. Unfortunately, it’s not only their wallets that suffer — also their health.
Many pre-packed meals are low on essential vitamins and nutrients. Also, you may feel full after eating them, but only for a short time. And because they didn’t supply you with the right nutrients, you’ll start feeling weak and even ill.
While it’s fine to eat away from home from time to time, it’s best you start becoming friends with your own oven. Take multivitamins along with your healthier home-cooked meals. Well-formulated multivitamins (from organic sources is a plus!) are supplements everyone should take.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics — good bacteria found in our intestines — help keep gut problems at bay. They also improve our immune system and help balance our moods. Unfortunately, poor diet, especially sugar and fats, as well as stress, are quick to damage them.
To keep your probiotics in great shape, get more yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso in your diet. Probiotic supplements will also help boost the levels of good bacteria in your gut.
7. Antioxidant Supplements for Eye Protection
More than 11 hours a day — that’s how much time we spend staring at our devices’ screens. True, our computers, laptops, and smartphones let us get our work done and stay connected. But they also damage our peepers, through the blue light they emit.
Breaking away from the use of these devices is easier said than done. So, make sure you at least take antioxidant supplements that can protect your eyes.
8. L-Glutamine
Glutamine is vital for transporting nitrogen to the muscles and healthy immune functions. Your body also needs it for proper metabolism and energy restoration. Furthermore, this amino acid is critical to the body’s protein synthesis process.
Heavy workouts deplete your natural stores of glutamine. Too little of it, and you’ll feel weak and powerless and have a higher risk of damaging your muscles. You may even develop illnesses because of your weakened immune system.
That makes L-Glutamine supplements some of the most essential workout supplements. If you’re on a rigorous bodyweight exercise regimen, you need these supplements. In fact, it can benefit anyone who does a lot of heavy physical activity!
9. L-Theanine
If you’re like 80% of Americans, then you often feel stressed out. While stress is a normal reaction of the body to certain events, too much of it can be deadly.
Start reducing your stress levels by taking supplements containing L-theanine. It’s an amino acid that has a considerable brain-calming and dopamine-increasing effect. You’ll find it in both green and black tea, but better if you also add L-theanine supplements to your diet.
Feel and Be Better with These Essential Supplements
Take these essential supplements now, and you can keep your brain and body healthy and young. Plus, many of them can help you kick those extra pounds away, which is great for dieters out there.
And while we’re on the subject of supplements, you should check out this post we have on vitamins for weight loss. It’ll help shed light on the truth whether they actually work or not.
