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WAAAAYYYY back in the beginning of the year we published the first part of our Chemistry Based Healthy Living Guide: How Do I Start Eating Healthier? After getting some feedback from readers, the next thing everyone wants to know is what are the top supplements for overall health?
I have shared the vitamins and supplements I take for inflammation, but not everyone deals with those issues. Many readers want to add supplements to their diet for overall health, not necessarily for a specific purpose.
There are SO many vitamins, minerals, and supplements you read about or see. It can get confusing!
The purpose of the Chemistry Based Healthy Living Guide is to provide you with simple tips and information, so that is what we have today in regards to supplements.
Top Supplements for Overall Health
Multivitamin
Plain and simple, multivitamins are great for anyone no matter what type of health you have. Even those who eat really healthy can benefit from a multivitamin.
A multivitamin will make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need each day, but remember, it doesn’t replace a healthy diet! Food is still the best source of all your nutrients, but it can be difficult to fit in everything you need.
How to Choose One?
Pick one formulated for men or women. Men and women need slightly different nutrients each day, so I prefer one that’s specific. I always go for options that are a trusted brand. Out of all the ones I have researched, One a Day is always the highest rated in efficiency.
If you want to go an organic route (still works the same, but doesn’t have added ingredients for color or texture), I recommend this one. They make them for men and women.
Protein
Most people do not get enough protein in their diets. Protein is so important for energy, muscles, bones, skin, and organ function. As we age, we don’t get enough protein which can lead to muscle depletion and a more difficult time healing.
I think the best protein is plant based protein. Plant based protein is good for all diets even those with autoimmune diseases who can’t do any dairy or eggs.
There are two that I recommend: VegaOne Protein and Planthead Protein.
My husband doesn’t have a colon, so he is one of the exception for plant based protein. It doesn’t sit well with this digestion, so he uses bone broth protein.
Collagen
Anyone who follows my social media knows I LOVE collagen. I started using it many years ago for joint health, but it is great for anyone to use. Men and women can both benefit from taking collagen everyday to support skin, joints, and tissues. As we age, we produce less and less collagen naturally. Taking it as a supplement is great at any age.
You can read many details on collagen from this post a few years ago. This is the only brand I use. Remember, you really need to take this with vitamin C for it to work best. Don’t take it in pill form, the body will absorb it more efficiently as powder.
Probiotics
Digestive health is really important for everyone. If you are in great health, a probiotic is still a good idea to add to your everyday routine. It can prevent possible digestive issues in the future and keeps everything running smooth.
I have tried dozens (and I mean dozens) of probiotics over the years. I have done the refrigerated ones, liquid, and all types of pill forms. The one I like best which has made such a difference for me is this one! It has 10 probiotic strains that help with all types of digestion. It is also great for immune health!
Magnesium
The other supplement I think is great for overall health is magnesium. It is estimated that 80% of Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diets! Multivitamins contain some magnesium, but not a large amount. I started taking magnesium years ago. It helps with headaches, sleeping, anxiety, heart health, and more. If you don’t take it, I think it is a great addition to your diet!
I am currently using this one and really like it.
Diet
Ideally, it would be best to get all your supplements from a healthy diet, but that is difficult to do.
It is best to have a diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables which contain all the vitamins and minerals you need in your diet. Starting with that is very important, but adding in these supplements can help round out your health.
As we get older, it becomes more difficult to keep all the nutrients in our bodies (especially things like collagen).
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Laurie S says
Thank you, Alexis, for this list! I take the One A Day multivitamins (for us “older” women). I like it because it has no iron; my system can’t handle iron in multivitamins. I need to work on more protein esp plant based. Striving to eat a healthy diet, but those snacks/sweets are after me!
Alexis says
I always have to work on my protein too! I love this protein powder, makes it so easy 🙂
Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis says
I take many of the supplements and vitamins. Do you have any recommendations for a supplement substitute for iron deficiency that doesn’t upset your stomach? Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
Alexis says
These easy dissolve tablets are much easier on the stomach. They digest much quicker too, so they don’t have to be broken down like other ones!
Cathy says
I take many of these supplements but haven’t taken probiotics. These do help. Thanks for a wonderful article.
Alexis says
They do help! Thanks Cathy 🙂