Insufficiencies in nutrition and nutritional deficiencies are universal issues that have a deleterious impact on health and well-being however, a variety of ailments that are now ubiquitous can be prevented by taking supplements as they are a great way to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to improve your diet and fend off common diseases. Incorporating a well-balanced diet along with the use of supplements are preventative measures that can lower your risk of developing various health problems.
Therefore, multivitamins and minerals, probiotics and prebiotics, and other botanical compounds and herbs can help in achieving a balanced intake of essential nutrients. Let’s discuss how these supplements can help ward off common diseases and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Probiotics and prebiotics (microbes) for digestive health
Probiotics (microbes) are widely consumed dietary supplements for the purpose of promoting healthy digestion and improving the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Good bacteria have the ability to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and maintain a healthy digestive system.
One can include prebiotics in their diet to curb digestive issues, as probiotics and prebiotics provide the good bacteria with food that helps them grow and thrive in the gut.
Multivitamins and minerals for malabsorption
In addition to probiotics and prebiotics, multivitamins and mineral supplements are extensively beneficial, as the body needs certain vitamins and minerals to function properly. For those with malabsorption or difficulty absorbing nutrients, multivitamins provide an excellent way to ensure one is receiving the essential nutrients needed.
In this regard, salient multivitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-complex and folic acid, along with other vitamins and minerals (including beta-carotene, copper, potassium, zinc, calcium, iodine and iron), are beneficial, as they help support healthy organ functioning, provide energy and regulate the immune system. Therefore, for those with malabsorption, taking a multivitamin supplement can help ensure that they are receiving the necessary nutrients and vitamins to maintain good health.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Yogini Patil, BAMS and Nutritionist at LivLong, shared, “People who suffer greatly from malabsorption can benefit from adding supplements to their diets. If we talk in brief about why malabsorption occurs, it is caused by digestive issues such as colitis, gastritis, IBS, and IBD, among others. Therefore, adding supplements for those who suffer from malabsorption can be beneficial, as they provide essential nutrients to the body without any further burden on the digestive system.”
She added, “Supplements containing herbs and botanical compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can boost the immune system and protect it against infectious agents. Ultimately, people can greatly benefit from dietary supplements, which are an excellent way to avoid nutrient deficiencies and support the immune system while ensuring that the digestive system is not overburdened.”
Botanical compounds and herbs for immunity
Combining a multivitamin supplement with botanical compounds and herbs is a great way to support the body’s immune system. One can incorporate herbs and botanical compounds like echinacea, ginger, caffeine, and curcumin to reduce inflammation and facilitate the body’s immune system.
To elaborate on specific botanical herbs and compounds, echinacea can be used to boost the immune system, ginger can help reduce inflammation, caffeine has antioxidant and energy-boosting properties and curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Kamayani Naresh, Health Expert and Founder of Zyropathy, revealed, “With a hectic lifestyle and sedentary habits, it becomes burdensome to meet nutrient requirements thus, supplements are an excellent way to avoid deficiencies and support the immune system.”
Believing that it is crucial to incorporate supplements into our diet regimen as sometimes we are unable to reap proper nutrients from our food, he said, “While it is mandatory to focus on eating whole foods and maintaining a balanced diet, supplements can be an integral player in improving our overall health routine. In the end, supplements are a great way to prevent nutrient deficiencies, support the immune system and keep the digestive system from becoming overworked.”