7 Supplements that Do Wonders for Your Health

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In a perfect world, we'd consume all the nutrition we need from the foods we eat. Alas, that's simply not possible—even for the most hardcore clean eaters. Enter supplements. These additions to the diet can play a role in building a healthier body. Discover these 7 supplements that do wonders for your health.

In most cases, the most effective way to get the proper amount of the nutrition we need is by choosing clean-eating foods, which are minimally processed or unprocessed. However, nutritional supplements can fill in the gaps to help improve health. They may also be important for people in certain groups, including:

• Pregnant and nursing women
• People taking certain medications
• People with specific medical conditions, like cancer
• People with food allergies
• Vegans and some vegetarians

Always talk with your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they're right for you and to ensure they don't interact with any medications you're taking.
Remember that not all vitamin brands are manufactured to the same quality standards. The Public Health and Safety Organization shares a list of dietary supplement makers that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), requirements consistent with manufacturing guidelines defined by the FDA. Find the list here.

1. Multivitamin

When you want supplements that do wonders for your health, a multivitamin is a good way to fill the nutritional gaps in your menu. Gale Compton, SkinnyMs. cofounder, prefers One-a-Day. However, you can choose any high-quality multivitamin supplement. Look for a formula that includes calcium and vitamin D, two nutrients women often lack in their diets.

2. Vitamin C

This vitamin is an all-around powerhouse that supports many critical body functions. It helps repair
tissues as well as teeth and bones. It also helps block damage caused by free radicals, which are rogue cells that lead to everything from wrinkles to some types of cancer. Vitamin C is also a beauty supplement because it supports production of collagen, a protein used in the building blocks of healthy skin.

3. Vitamin B12

This B vitamin plays a role in new blood cell formation. It also affects mood and energy levels; a B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue and mood changes. B12 supplements are sometimes used to support memory loss and prevent the eye condition called age-related macular degeneration.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D's primary job is to assist the body in calcium absorption. The body naturally starts producing its own vitamin D after about 30 minutes of sun exposure, but too much sunlight can also damage the body. Supplements help bridge that gap so you can absorb the calcium needed for strong bones. However, it's important to pair this vitamin with vitamin K2. Why? Read on to learn more…

5. Vitamin K2

Vitamin D works by helping you absorb calcium; K2 works by directing that calcium to your bones. Research suggests that without the direction of K2, calcium can be deposited in the arteries, where it may contribute to plaque build-up, or hardening of the arteries. By combining D supplements with K2 supplements, you help the body direct calcium to where it does the most good–and the least harm.

6. Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is one of those supplements that does wonders for your health. Medical experts believe this vitamin lowers the risk of heart disease and may support brain function, particularly in older adults.

7. Fish Oil

This substance is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower triglycerides, a type of blood fat linked to heart disease. Research suggests fish oil may also be effective for treating depression, high blood pressure, and menstrual pain.

Resources:
WebMD
Mercola
National Institutes of Health
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5 Tips to Conquer a Caffeine Addiction Once and For All

Let's be real: many of us are dependent on caffeine. You might hate to admit it, but starting your day without a cup or two of coffee might leave you exhausted. All is well only after you get your hands on that piping hot, energy-boosting beverage. Caffeine is deceptive. Because it's super accessible and readily available, we often forget it's a stimulant—and an addictive one at that! Caffeine contains a molecule that fits snugly into your brain's adenosine receptors. It signals adrenal glands to release adrenaline, creating a continuous feeling of alertness.

Quitting caffeine has a bunch of perks, aside from allowing you to free yourself from the powerful wrath of addiction. Lowering your caffeine intake can lead to better quality of sleep, decreased anxiety, a better mood, brighter teeth, financial savings, and the list goes on and on.
We want to let you know ahead of time that for regular consumers, cutting caffeine can trigger some initial withdrawal symptoms like cravings, fatigue, and headaches. Prepare yourself for temporary discomfort. After kicking caffeine for good, you'll feel worlds better and know it was beyond worth it! Check out this list of terrific tips to conquer your caffeine addiction once and for all.

1. Go for Green Tea

Green tea contains about a fifth the amount of caffeine as coffee and a boatload of incredible health benefits. Switching to tea will help you conquer a caffeine addiction, allowing you to slowly wean yourself off of caffeine slowly while keeping severe withdrawal symptoms at bay. The superfood also contains a bunch of anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It's also known to aid weight loss and regulate your blood sugar levels.

2. Meditate and Get More Rest

A day without caffeine can leave you feeling pretty darn irritable, ultimately stressing you out or exhausting your system. When you're feeling down, finding your center will serve you well. Deep breathing practices like meditation can ground your physical and mental being. It'll help you concentrate better, heighten your awareness, and leave you feeling in control.
Meditation has a boatload of incredible health benefits to offer. Check out these 7 Mind Blowing Benefits of Meditation to learn more!

3. Opt for Energy-Boosting Meals or Snacks


Fighting fatigue with nutritious snacks makes it possible to kick a caffeine habit while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Foods made with clean ingredients fuel the body with the nutrients it needs while curbing hunger and keeping your metabolism running strong. Stock up on these 13 High-Energy Foods, made with all-natural, feel-good ingredients your body will thank you for!

4. Drink More Water


Feeling tired and groggy? If times like these would normally have you dashing to the nearest coffee joint, chances are you're dehydrated. Grabbing a coffee will only aggravate the situation. Caffeinated beverages give you a quick jolt, then drain your energy due to their dehydrating properties. Reach for water instead!
It never hurts to hydrate. Here are 4 Reasons You Should Drink More Water (besides conquering caffeine dependence)!
If you're bored with gulping down plain water and want to shake things up, try this delicious and uber-nutritious Coconut Water! Bursting with electrolytes, coconut water is great for your immune system and super hydrating.

5. Don't Quit Cold Turkey!


Although gradually reducing your caffeine intake takes longer than eliminating the drug from your diet entirely, this "weaning off" method has a higher success rate and won't drive you nearly as crazy! Aside from being less shocking to the system, cutting caffeine slowly will help you avoid those nightmarish caffeine-deprivation headaches and reduce the severity of other withdrawal symptoms as well. It'll also allow you to function and be productive, increasing the likelihood of you breaking your caffeine habit altogether!

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