The Supplements I Take and Why They Help Me Stay Fit
If you believe you want to supplement your eating, visit a sports nutritionist to discuss your needs. This is simply my supplement plan I do and I am not prescribing this to anyone.
Power Eating to support fitness goals will provide the fuel you need to get to your desired destination. However I do use a few micronutrient (like minerals and vitamins) supplements to make sure I am getting the nutrient requirements my body requires. In theory, we can get everything we need through simply eating supportively, which allows a variety of foods to be in your overall diet. However, these reasons may have you wanting to supplement:
- America’s eating habits are pretty horrible.
- While better, there are still questionable nutritional contents of American foods.
- When active, studies show that people can be short many key nutrients despite their increased food intake. This can be due to the increased activity level putting more demands on the immune, recovery, and other body systems.
- There is nutritional robbery when foods are overcooked and over-processed. This means you aren’t getting those good nutrients your body needs.
- Our diets or food preferences do not allow us to get enough of certain nutrients. I don’t really like fish all that much, so I rarely eat it.
So, I take three basic supplements. They pack a punch in making sure I get the nutrients I need.
The first is a basic multivitamin. My multivitamin has these things:
Vitamin A- It helps to maintain your skin and mucous membranes. It also helps you see in the dark. Dark green and orange vegetables are abundant in this naturally
Vitamin C- Involved in various bodily functions. Broccoli is abundant in this naturally
Vitamin D-3- It regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism in your body. It keeps the bones strong.
Vitamin E- It has numerous responsibilities in the body, but research does show that it fights free radicals. Green vegetables and whole grains are abundant in this naturally.
Vitamin B1- It is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and functions in your nervous system. Whole grains are abundant in this naturally.
Vitamin B2- It is an agent in the metabolism of energy and cell maintenance and repair. Milk and eggs are abundant in this naturally.
Vitamin B3- It has numerous responsibilities in the body and is present in every single cell of the body. It can be helpful in the reduction of high cholesterol. Peanuts and poultry are abundant in this naturally.
Vitamin B6- It is involved in the metabolism of sugar, fat, and protein. Fish, wheat germ, and walnuts are abundant in this naturally.
Vitamin B12- It is involved in the metabolism of protein and fats. It also aids in producing red blood cells. Liver, oysters, and clams are abundant in this naturally. YUCK!
Folic Acid- This is a helper substance to all the B vitamins. It helps red blood formation. Women usually do not get enough of this.
The second supplement I take is calcium with vitamin D. The body absorbs calcium better when it is taken at the same time as vitamin D. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. It is used to make your bones and is needed for muscle contractions (movement). We usually have poor absorption of this, so it is important for most people to consider supplementing.
The final supplement is take is a mixed essential fatty acid blend. It is Lee Labrada’s EFA Lean Gold. Here is what it has:
Omega-3, -6, and -9 Essential Fatty Acids- as cited by Labrada, these are vital for metabolic rate, Muscle tissue repair, cardiovascular health, smooth skin, growth, supple tissues, cholesterol metabolism, hormone metabolism, immune function, recovery from fatigue, hemoglobin production, cell membranes and functions, and oxygen transfer
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)- as cited by Labrada , this has been clinically shown to promote fat loss and support.
There are other things to consider as well such as joint health with Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate as well as Co-Q 10 that decreases with age and helps to produce ATP, the energy of life. I don’t take these currently, but I will consider them in the near future. My age, performance, and overall health influences my current usage of supplements.
Be Better,
Dexter
