Eating a diet full of nutrient-rich foods like dark leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and organic fruits can help optimize your overall health. When you get the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals you should feel alert and energized. However, even the most health-conscious individuals may be able to benefit from taking supplements. Here are a few that you might want to consider adding to your daily regime so you can look and feel your best each and every day.

Vitamin B12

B vitamins, in general, are usually the most highly recommended of the “letter” vitamins, but B12, in particular, is one of the most popular – and for good reason. Taking vitamin B12 can help increase your energy levels and some say it can even help improve your mood. B12 supplements are commonly prescribed to patients who want to increase their activity levels because they can give you that extra boost you need to get through a workout. Some studies suggest that it can also help prevent osteoporosis by improving bone health. Other studies show evidence that it can help prevent the loss of neurons and can actually increase brain function. You can take it in pill form, as a liquid, or even as an injection from a certified health professional.

Iron

If you think you might have an iron deficiency you wouldn’t be alone. It is estimated that approximately 10 million people in the U.S. have an iron deficiency. Iron is necessary for hemoglobin production, which is part of the red blood cells that transport oxygen in your lungs to all the other parts of your body. Iron helps ensure blood and oxygen travel throughout your body and keep all of your essential organs running. If you have an iron deficiency it means your tissue may not be getting the oxygen it needs to perform well. Iron deficiencies can result in feeling tired, weak, and short of breath. Iron supplements can help increase your overall energy level.

Cocoa

Yes, you read that right. You might want to consider adding cocoa supplements to your diet. You’ve probably read articles that said chocolate is good for your health. Now before you get too excited and head to the store to pick up some candy bars, there are a few things you should know. First, those articles are usually referring to very small amounts of dark chocolate. Second, it’s technically not chocolate – but an ingredient found in chocolate. The healthy part of chocolate is actually cocoa flavanols, and suffice it to say – it’s healthier to consume it without the added dairy and sugar that processed chocolates generally contain. Cocoa flavanols have been shown to improve brain health and cognition. Some studies have demonstrated that it can also improve insulin resistance and reduce blood pressure.

Probiotics

Probiotics have become increasingly popular in the last decade as more research about the importance of digestive health has been conducted. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help produce healthy bacteria that live in your gut. Your gut has an incredibly big job, and it’s a good idea to give it some help so it can properly digest foods and keep your body running normally. Imbalanced levels of gut bacteria can cause indigestion, bloating, gas, and even diarrhea. Healthy digestive habits also assist with weight loss efforts and can support your immune system too.

Because there are hundreds of supplements available on the market it can be hard to decide which ones to start taking. It’s a good idea to start one new supplement at a time so you can see if you feel a difference and figure out what works best for you.

What supplements do you take?

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