Health Supplements You’ll Need

Throughout life, we’ve all been advised of health-related lifestyles to look into, whether it be trying new diets, exercises or healing methods. And when we’re younger, we’re able to do things as we see fit. But now that we’re getting older, it’s probably a good idea to start listening to some of the things that we can take to boost our health, like supplements.

There are thousands of supplements out there that are designed to boost different areas of your body. But, overall, supplements are designed to give you the nutrients that you otherwise would not receive as a normal part of your diet and daily routine.

This article is designed to fill you in on the supplements you may want to consider, what their benefits are and how you can find them. Before we begin, however, we recommend confirming each suggested supplement with your doctor to ensure it will provide you desired results in a safe manner. Let’s get started.

The basics

Let’s start out with the baseline supplements that many seniors should consider. These are going to be your vitamins (specifically Vitamin D) and calcium. These two supplements are extremely important to have, despite being your baseline needs. This is because they help strengthen your bones and, as a result, reduce bone loss. The best way in which you can consume calcium is by drinking your preferred type of milk (2%, oat milk, coconut milk, etc.). It is important to know, though, that different types of milk will have varying levels of calcium in them. And as for Vitamin D, you can purchase it at affordable prices at your local grocery store or pharmaceutical.

Another basic supplement that you should consider is fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Its primary function is to help soothe inflammation throughout your body, as well as help treat those with Rheumatoid Arthritis or high blood pressure. Although fish oil has some great benefits for your body, it’s important to discuss this supplement with your doctor, as there are also some downsides to this product. Most notably, taking too much fish oil — or taking it too frequently — will hinder your blood’s abilities to form clots and could cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

You want to consider basic supplements because they provide baseline strength and health to your body, which is an essential thing to have as you age. This is because you will remain active for the things that matter the most, whether it be exercising or simply spending time with your family and friends.

Nutritious supplements

There are some dietary supplements that are nutritious for seniors and meant to boost health and/or lower risk of health problems. These supplements can come in many different forms, varying between pills, powders, tablets, liquids and more.

Both of the basic supplements we’ve mentioned are nutritious supplements, but there are others that focus on your health as well, including Vitamin B12, antioxidants (like Vitamins C and E) and herbal (meaning plant-based) supplements.

Vitamin B12 can be found naturally in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement. Its main purpose is to provide healthy growth to one’s central nervous system. But according to the National Institute of Health, it doesn’t stop there. It’s also important for the formation of healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis, which is the creation of your DNA’s molecules. Another perk to taking Vitamin B12 is the fact that, no matter how much you take, you should generally be safe. This is because your body will soak in what dose of it is needed and do away with the rest. However, this does not mean that you should take copious amounts of this. The recommended amount for those everyone over the age of 19 is 2.4 mcg.

For those who want to ensure that they are getting a healthy dose of Vitamin B12, it can mainly be found in pill or tablet form and can be purchased at any grocery store or pharmacy.

As a senior, your health is paramount. That’s why it’s also important for you to consider taking antioxidants, too. Some benefits of antioxidants include the enhancement of your cognitive health as well as your immune system, which, in turn, can slow the aging process for some. Other benefits include preserving eyesight and protection from eye diseases, like cataracts. They’re also known to lower the stress levels of those who regularly consume them.

Many common foods are rich with antioxidants, like blueberries, pomegranates, green and black tea, citrus fruits, dark chocolate, vegetables and more. But those who are interested in taking it in pill-form or gummy-form can do so through their grocery store or pharmacy. However, it is recommended that those who do so should take low doses, as there can be some risks to taking the pills, especially for those who are otherwise healthy. These risks include lower exercise benefits as well as the increased risk of some cancers. Speak with your doctor before acquiring them to discuss what benefits and risks are specific to you.

Other nutritious supplements include herbal supplements. Herbal supplements are supplements that are plant-based and designed to protect those from illnesses or healing infections and wounds and are often considered as optional. They’re also great aids for those who are looking to break any fevers they have developed. Herbal supplements can range anywhere from flaxseed and ginkgo to chamomile and even garlic. The list of what qualifies as herbal supplements is endless, really. And because the list is long, benefits can range.

Let’s take the aforementioned chamomile and garlic for an example. Chamomile aids in sleep quality as well as anxiety reduction. Garlic, on the other hand, can help those with high blood pressure reduce oxidative stress. If there is a specific herbal supplement that interests you, make sure to research its provided benefits and risks.

Although many love using herbal supplements, others are skeptical. It’s important to know that these supplements are regulated by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but according to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit American academic medical center, they aren’t as heavily regulated as prescription drugs or those that are found over-the-counter. Just like with any supplements, there are potential risks of consuming too much or too little. However, understanding these risks shouldn’t diminish the benefits that they do have. For those who are weary of using herbal supplements, speak with your doctor and see what he or she recommends.

Fiber supplements

One key thing that our bodies need is fiber. And, believe it or not, matching your body’s need for fiber is a lot harder than you would think. Fiber is needed throughout the body so that you can fight against high blood pressure, inflammation or high amounts of lipids, or fats, throughout your body, too. Not to mention, fiber is essential for providing your body with enough insulin. In the event that there isn’t enough insulin in your body, glucose is unable to reach your cells and will remain in your bloodstream, which brings us back to the original problem of high blood pressure.

The best way to ensure that you’re getting enough fiber is to eat fiber-rich foods, like vegetables, popcorn, fruit or chia seeds. You can also take fiber supplements that can be found in any grocery store or pharmacy.

There is one important thing to note when considering taking fiber supplements: although fiber is an important supplement that seniors need, the same cannot be guaranteed with iron supplements. In fact, iron supplements may not be the best supplement for seniors to take at all. Taking in too much iron will damage your liver, heart and pancreas. If you are worried that neglecting iron will develop into anemia, speak with your doctor about a recommended plan of action.

Supplements are crucial to leading a healthy life and fighting off signs of aging. That’s why it’s equally as important to consider taking some. Remember, though, that you must take these supplements in healthy quantities and doses so that you are not ingesting too much or too little. Doing so will bring forth more risks than benefits.

For any other retirement-related questions, let The Best Senior Services (TBSS) help. Our mission is to inform and educate seniors about Medicare and other financial services while connecting them with local licensed agents, so they can spend less time worrying about retirement and more time enjoying it. We aim to be the nation’s leading senior resource center and strive to inspire and empower seniors to act on their retirement goals by utilizing our resources.

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