Supplements

     Today's follow-up article on nutrition focuses on supplementation.  To which anyone who hasn't spent the last ten to fifteen years can attest, supplement sales have become BIG business. The public is being marketed-to in a continuous onslaught about the benefits of this or that product. There is so much sales-generating material available everywhere one turns that it can make one's head spin. Hopefully, today I can help you all and you can go forth and help others.
     In my opinion, there are really only four, or five if you count BCAA's post-workout, that are worthy of spending your hard-earned money upon. First and foremost is FISH OIL. I have recently posted an article that effectively states why one needs to be using this product. Look back a few days on this blog and read or re-read that article.
     The next product that I recommend is a GOOD-QUALITY MULTIVITAMIN/MULTIMINERAL supplement. I am of the opinion that today's food sources do NOT contain the micro-nutritional profile that they once did. A good-quality product is a relatively-cheap form of insurance that assures one that their their basic micro-nutritional needs are being met.  I use and recommend to my clients that they use "MVM" from the Metabolic Diet by Dr. Mauro DiPasquale. There are several sources online that carry this product. Expect to pay around $26 plus shipping. The reason that I like this product is that it offers vitamins and minerals in effective dosages and in their most bio-available form to actually receive the benefits of taking them.
     Now MAGNESIUM, on the other hand, is where most of the world's population is deficient. I recommend a CHELATED form of this mineral as it will significantly improve the bio-availability. Research has suggested that magnesium is best utilized when taken before bed as it has shown to have a relaxing effect upon the body and contributing to a good night's sleep.  Sleep is so important that it warrants it's own separate, future article.
     Finally, I also recommend a D3 product. I live in the southern U.S. and have the benefit of high annual sunshine. Sunlight, as you know, is used by the body to manufacture vitamin D. However, I like using it in the winter months to assure proper levels. For those of you living much further north than Washington, D.C., you may want to consider using this product pretty-much year-round as you may not be getting the sun-exposure you need. Vitamin D is beneficial for bone strength, as well as immunity and controlling systemic inflammation, in addition to a number of other health benefits.
     Hopefully, this helps to lessen the confusion and keeps a little bit more coin in your pocket!  Have a great day everybody!