Confused about which supplements to take? We’ve identified the top 6 essential supplements to help you look younger, feel better and reboot your vitality so that you can cope with life’s daily stresses.
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Try these 6 essential supplements
Your daily energy boosters
Just what should we be taking daily to help keep our energy on point? Dr Marilyn Glenville highlights a trio of essential supplements for energy…
A good multivitamin
“This will safeguard against nutritional deficiencies that can cause fatigue,” says Dr Glenville. “You want a multivitamin that has:
- Good levels of B vitamins for metabolism and energy
- Magnesium to regulate energy levels
- Chromium to keep blood sugar balanced.
”Levels to look for? Between 1mg and 14mg of each of the B vitamins, around 100mg of magnesium, and about 25mcg of chromium daily.
Try Biogen Multi Vitamin Plus, from R180 for 60 tablets
Omega-3 fish oils
“These are vital for energy and good health,” she says. “In trials, essential fatty acids have been shown to have a significant beneficial effect on people suffering from chronic fatigue.”Levels to look for? “Take an omega-3 supplement that gives you 770mg EPA and 510mg DHA daily.”
Try Centrum MyNutrients Omega 3, R165 for 60 minigels
Vitamin C
“It’s a nutrient that your body can’t manufacture, so you need to get it from food and/or supplements,” says Dr Glenville. “It helps your body burn fat for energy.”Levels to look for? Ensure that your multivitamin contains 50mg to 250mg of vitamin C.
Supradyn Recharge Energy (from R149 for 30 effervescent tablets) includes 180mg of this vital nutrient.
ALSO SEE: What vitamins should I take?
Your on-target extras
You’re overworked
Take co-enzyme Q10, as this is used by the mitochondria in cells to convert food into energy.
Try Nativa CoQ10 Complex, R169 for 30 capsules.
You’re unfocused and irritable
Try the power of sour Morello cherries, known for their nerve-calming properties and natural melatonin. It also works really well as a natural remedy for insomnia.
Try Viridian Cherry Night powder, R557 for 150g
You’re stressed and wired
Plus, you’re experiencing mood swings and insomnia. Support your adrenal glands with de-stressing liquorice root and the herb ginseng, plus B vitamins and chromium.
Find them all in Solal Burnout, R289 for 60 capsules
ALSO SEE: Too stressed to chill? Here’s 20 ways to relax in 5 minutes
However, it’s important to note that supplements can’t replace a healthy diet and should be taken in addition to a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- Getting plenty of rest and exercise
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
The study published in the Annals Of Internal Medicine, showed that taking dietary supplements alone is not enough to help you live longer, and that nutrients consumed through food should still take centre stage.
