Fantastic 4 - supplements for health

Supplements, we all take them in one form or another. Back in the day, I used to take variety of supplements for muscle building and fat loss. I was eager to build and lose fat at the same time I wanted to take everything and anything to get into shape because marketing told me I needed to. Over the years I've done the thermo thing (hasn't everyone!) but I found I just got more anxious and it just made pre contest and fat loss even more a dramatic process. Did the creatine but felt nauseous, Tribulus made me angry (some people get emotional), never did get into Nitric Oxide but I'm sure I'd probably react to that too.

Lately I’ve been focusing on good health rather than vanity and making sure that I’m healthy from the inside first and that I have plenty of good nutrients to help me exercise and feel good. Taking a lot of supplements hasn’t been great for me ( I know others are fine on it and that’s cool) but when I was taking a lot I felt bloated and sluggish eventhough I was having a lot of water throughout the day. And believe me you need to be drinking a lot of water to help your kidneys flush out all the byproducts from the chemicals – which is basically what supplements are – to keep your body free of toxins.

So here’s a few supplements that I’ve incorporated into my eating plan that’s helped me feel a lot better.

#1. Acidophilis. I rate this as the Numero Uno on my list for good health supplements I’ve been taking acidopholus twice a day for a few months ever since I had some really bad food poisoning – probably from chicken! I took acidopholus because I wanted to treat my digestive system naturally rather than take some antibiotics to get my stomach back in good order. And it helped tremendously so I’ve been taking it eversince. Although you might be eating well, it doesn’t mean your body is absorbing it which is why Acidopholus could be helpful. Acidopholus is a common organism in yogurt and cultured milk products which foster a healthy balance of bacteria in the stomach.

However eating yoghurt alone isn’t going to do your digestive tract any good as yoghurt goes through a lot of processing and many bacteria die in process and what bacteria is left isn’t enough to do anything to your system.

Acidophilis is one of the “good” or “friendly” ones, out of about 400 types of bacteria that live in our intestinal tract and is helpful because it aids manufacturing of B vitamins and production of lactase and other antibacterial agents. Without good bacteria, also called probiotics, living in the gut, digestive processes go haywire. In a healthy state, our bodies just naturally maintain the proper balance. Some of the things that disrupt the natural functioning of our gut are preservatives and other additives in our foods, diets with a very high content of fat, birth control pill, alcohol consumption and even stress.

I’ve found Acidophilis has been really helpful with some of the women’s issues – and I’m sure you’ll know what I mean girls. One of the main thing Acidopholus helps with is the suppression of candida, a type of yeast that can be very harmful, especially to our reproductive system and urinary tract. It makes ‘that time of the month’ a little less bloated and less stressful.

It can also help control both diarrhea and constipation. And it helps reduce internal gas, bloating and bad breath. Some find that it even helps counteract lactose intolerance and helps lower cholesterol due to its enhancement of the body’s ability to absorb fats. There’s more. It may also enhance immune system function, aid in the treatment of respiratory infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis, and lower the risk of asthma, hay fever and eczema. Not bad for an organism too tiny to see with the naked eye.

#2 Protein Powder. This would top my list of food supplements, as I’m sure yours too. Protein powder is a convenient way to get in extra protein especially after workouts.People in the fitness scene already know the importance of protein powder but if you’re new to this, protein is especially important for maintaining and building muscle mass. It helps with tissue and muscle repair and powder should be the cornerstone of most healthy diets.

#3 Flax and Fish Oil. OK that’s 2 supplements but I couldn’t choose between them as they’re both great oils and I use them all the time. Flax seed is 1/3 oil, and the rest of it is made up of fiber, protein, and mucilage. Flax seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids - it contains alpha alphalolenic acid, omega 3 essential fatty acid, and omega 6 essential fatty acid, and flax seed oil contains these 3 EFA's in just the right proportions.

Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, sardines, albacore tuna are high in two kinds of omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, for those who don’t like fish or if your budget is limited then taking fish oil in capsule form is the most convenient way to get your dose of omega 3 fatty acids.When you include both flax and fish oil, you’re well on your way to helping reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, plaque formation, and cardian arrhythmia. Fish oil has also been shown to increase brain function and decrease depression so if you’re looking for products to add more balanced mood in your life then start taking these oils. Skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are shown partly to be related to Omega 3 deficiency.

#4 Vitamin C. And Finally Vitamin C. I think this is a great product no just during winter but throughout the year. We haven’t got the ability to make Vitamin C, so we have to obtain Vitamin C through diet but most of us probably wouldn’t get enough so supplementing with at least 1000mg a day would go a long way towards helping our bodies.

Vitamin C is one of those busy vitamins that’s involved in many processes in the body like synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular organelles called mitochondria, for conversion to energy.

Mostly Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties. Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect indispensable molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals and that can be generated during normal metabolism as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants (e.g. smoking).So if you want to help the body to slow down the speed of wear and tear on the body, and hopefully delay the aging process, take some vitamin C everyday!


Well those are my Top Supplements for Health. I know you’ll have your own opinion of what supplements has worked for you, but I’ve found the supplements above has helped me feel fit and healthy and keeps me on the go!
Lisa