Top 10 Most Popular Supplements
Blogged & published by Allison Burch for Whole Foods, Tues 2015-08-11

What are Supplements?

Supplements are just that — supplements, not replacements. Paired with a healthy diet, they can help keep the body strong and well by focusing on prevention and support. They can also help to address specific health needs related to your joints, heart, brain, digestion and more. Research indicates that optimal levels of some nutrients are tough to obtain from diet alone, thus… supplements!

Here’s a list of popular supplements and why you might take them, too.

1. Bone and Joint

Calcium provides critical support for healthy bones. Although it is never too late to support and nourish your bones, early intervention through adequate calcium intake, regular exercise, and a diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods will help prevent bone loss in later years.

Vitamin D plays a major role in bone development and appears to have a beneficial effect on many of the body’s systems. Most people cannot get needed levels of vitamins D from recommended diets.

Glucosamine and chondroitin formulas address joint discomfort by supplementing and supporting components naturally found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine is a building block of cartilage, while chondroitin sulfate is actually a constituent of cartilage.

Zyflamend promotes a healthy inflammation response that helps support joint health.

2. Wellness for Cold and Flu

Homeopathic flu remedies, when taken at the first sign of sickness, can provide temporary relief of symptoms including fever, chills and body aches.

Warm liquids may provide similar soothing effects as steam.

Experts say… Washing your hands is “hands down” the number one prevention for cold and flu.

3. Digestion

Fiber supports normal blood sugar levels, hunger, cholesterol levels and a healthy intestine.

Cleansing helps the body to be more efficient in “housecleaning” the toxins collected in everyday life. Periodic, focused cleansing gives your body time to recoup while supporting your natural detox system with healing compounds.

4. EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)

EFAs are vital for numerous functions in the body, including a healthy cardiovascular system, brain, mood, joints and skin.

5. Multivitamins

Multivitamins contain beneficial nutrients that may be difficult to obtain from food sources alone. They act as nutritional “insurance.” Experts say many Americans are falling short in a number of nutrients including vitamins E, A, C, and magnesium. Other nutrients that may be potential problems include calcium, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Kids’ Multivitamins literally give children the ABCs they need: vitamin A, the B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D — and even “E” for essential fatty acids! We’ve got kid-friendly tablets, powder packets, shake mixes, greens powders, liquids, gummies and chewables – with the nutrients they need, not the artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.

Each age group has special nutrient requirements, so look for multivitamins targeted to specific age ranges.

6. Prenatal

Prenatal multivitamins contain nutrients that are extra important for mother and baby. Avoid those with artificial additives, colors or flavors. Consider starting on a prenatal multivitamin three months before you conceive and continue through breastfeeding.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that’s vital for a baby’s brain and nervous system to grow properly.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics play an important role in digestion, supporting the immune system and intestinal health.

8. Protein powders

Protein provides amino acids, which are vital for lean muscle tissue growth and repair, as well as cellular metabolism. Your body may get sufficient levels of protein from foods you eat, but if you are looking for additional support, supplementing with protein powder is an option. Most are vegetarian and some varieties are dairy free or vegan.

9. Sports Nutrition

Whatever your workout, sports nutrition supplements — think pre-workout energizers, endurance gels, and protein powders — can fuel your sessions before, sustain your energy during and support repair and recovery after.

10. Superfoods

Superfoods are packed with essential nutrients and available in a variety of convenient forms, like powders, bars and capsules, which can help you get in your recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Greens and grasses are loaded with antioxidants, fiber and minerals; Maca delivers glucosinolates, the healthy compounds in cruciferous vegetables.