Supplements Your Body Needs For Healthy Aging
Many consider aging as a state of mind. While that is true in theory, it's a scientific fact that our muscles and bones become weak after 40. It’s always best to do regular Low-Impact Workouts and strength training to stay fit.
Supplementing regular meals is a great idea, but it's not necessary. Fresh ingredient-based nutrition is incredibly beneficial to health. However, Supplements offer the Energy boost needed to efficiently complete daily duties.
While you try to fit exercise into your daily routine and stay distracted from junk food, here are the benefits of supplements to consider to live a healthy life for a long time.
Different Types of Supplements for Healthy Aging
Every person’s Nutritional Requirements are different according to their health condition, allergies, genetics, and gender. Add to all this a busy and stressful lifestyle, which results in aging faster than expected.
We all know the signs of aging are early baldness, grey hair, wrinkles and fine lines, heart issues, weak bones, etc. To combat all these deficiencies, it's recommended to live an active life that is good for the body and the mind.
Take a look at the different types of Supplements that help you stay active and age gracefully.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps perform essential functions and improves bone health, immune function, and mood. Even though sun exposure is the most natural way to get vitamin D, age and skin pigmentation can limit its production.
Some people consider taking vitamin D supplements because they help in quick calcium absorption, promote strong bones, and may also improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Some good sources of Vitamin D include:
- Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring are excellent sources of vitamin D.
- Egg yolks
- Orange juice
- Mushrooms
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that our bodies cannot produce and help in maintaining overall health, especially as we age. They also reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease by lowering triglycerides and blood pressure.
By consuming Omega-3, the brain functions properly and supports mental health.
If you want to protect yourself against age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, have adequate Omega-3, include fatty fish in your diet at least twice a week, or consult with a healthcare professional about omega-3 supplements.
These healthy fats, found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as plant-based sources like flaxseed and chia seeds, offer numerous benefits.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for proper nerve function, brain health, and red blood cell production. As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at absorbing B12 from food, leading to potential deficiencies.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency can include fatigue, weakness, nerve damage, and cognitive decline.
Here are the benefits of vitamin B12 levels:
- For individuals with dietary restrictions or absorption issues, B12 supplements can be a beneficial option.
- It is essential for nerve function and brain health.
- It supports energy metabolism.
- It helps in the production of healthy red blood cells.
Including foods rich in Vitamin B12, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, in your diet also offers essential nutrients for healthy aging.
Probiotics
Probiotics maintain a healthy gut microbiome. As we age, the balance of bacteria in our gut can become disrupted, leading to digestive issues and other health problems.
Research suggests that probiotics may offer various benefits for aging adults, including improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and reduced inflammation.
Some studies even indicate that probiotics may have a positive impact on mental health and cognitive function. However, it's important to consult an experienced physician or a nutritionist before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Consume probiotic-rich foods like:
- Yoghurt
- Kefir
- Fermented vegetables
- Probiotic supplements provide a healthy dose of beneficial bacteria.
Antioxidant Supplements
Antioxidants are powerful supplements to protect cells from damage caused by allergens. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at neutralizing these free radicals, leading to accelerated aging and increased risk of chronic diseases.
To combat this, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet is essential.
The following are foods that have antioxidant properties:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Colourful vegetables
- Nuts, seeds, and whole grains provide valuable antioxidants.
While antioxidant supplements are available, it's generally recommended to obtain antioxidants from a balanced diet.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral that builds and maintains strong bones and teeth. After 40, our bones become more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
To combat this, ensure adequate calcium intake every day.
Add dairy products to your diet, like:
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Cheese
If you are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet, have tofu.
- Leafy green vegetables like Kale
- Broccoli
Additionally, calcium supplements may be beneficial, especially for individuals who struggle to meet their daily calcium needs through diet alone.
Final Takeaway
Our lifestyle has made us dependent on multitasking for a modern lifestyle, which is often accompanied by stress. This results in eating junk food more often, and a sedentary lifestyle leads to many health problems. You can follow the tips mentioned here to live a balanced life by staying fit. Mobility and Strength Training are a must, along with consuming fresh foods and adding high-quality Supplements to live a strong and pain-free life.