An overwhelming majority of Americans utilize supplements to better their health each day. Whether it’s to increase energy, stabilize mood, or balance hormones, modern-day medicine has revolutionized the way in which we are able to customize vitamins and supplements to our specific individual needs. Here are the four major categories of supplements used in the United States. Supplements should be incorporated into a healthy diet in order to reap the benefits of a positive lifestyle and overall health.
1. Vitamins and Minerals
The vitamin and mineral category is considered to be the most predominantly used type of supplement. This includes daily multivitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin B12 complex. It is recommended to consult with your doctor when adding new vitamins and minerals to your daily regimen, as it is important to know the original levels of your blood work and be assured that you’re taking the necessary supplementation if you do have a deficiency. Most essential vitamins can be found through a healthy diet, but for some, absorption can be challenging, thus the need to incorporate daily pills.
2. Specialty Supplements
Supplements aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to better health, and oftentimes, you’ll need to narrow down specifically what should be incorporated into your regimen. This ranges from omega-3 fatty acids to Rhodiola, offering a wide variety of benefits tailored to your specific needs. There has been a rise in searches for testosterone supplements that don’t require a prescription as older men and even young men seek a solution for their low sex drive with minimal side effects and the best results. If your low testosterone levels are causing erectile dysfunction, low sperm production, or fatigue, you can look into trying testosterone boosters, which can increase libido, stamina, fertility, sexual function, and sexual performance.
Specialty supplements are often used as a more holistic alternative to prescription medication, like ashwagandha, which can offer benefits for cognitive function. Mushroom supplements focus on the realignment of the circadian rhythm, which can aid in better sleep, generating increased energy levels and mental clarity. There are different types of mushrooms ranging from a simple pill to increase brain function to shroomy gummies that can make your afternoon a little more exciting. Be sure to use the second form with caution and an open mind.
3. Herbals and Botanicals
Herbals and botanical usage dates back thousands of years and is considered traditional medicine originating from ancient cultures seeking to treat illnesses in a natural way. Herbal and botanical supplements are plants used for oral medicinal purposes and include the flower, leaf, root, and seed of the plant. Arguably, the most commonly used herb is green tea, which a large percentage of Americans are now reaching for over black tea to increase their energy levels and decrease inflammation. Other popular herbals and botanicals are echinacea, ginkgo, and ginger.
4. Sports Nutrition and Weight Management
Sports nutrition is an incredibly fast-growing industry as more and more people incorporate working out into their daily lives. What was once used solely by athletes and bodybuilders, now the sports supplement industry is offering benefits to many. Protein powders, creatine, and glutamine are commonly used to supplement those looking to level up their fitness levels and increase muscle strength.
Supplements in weight management can suppress appetite, reduce the absorption of fats, or even increase fat burning. Many people struggling with obesity find these options to be of great benefit in their weight loss journeys. The most popular pills used for fat loss are Garcinia cambogia extract, Hydroxycut, and Meratrim. Customer reviews tout results that have helped them reach their goal weights when utilizing these supplements. Living a healthy lifestyle combined with sports nutrition and weight management supplementation may be the missing key to an otherwise challenging weight loss journey.
Disclaimer: Always consult a health professional when incorporating supplements into your diet.
