New To Supplements? Start With Vitamins D And C
Generally, you want to get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs from a balanced diet. However, many of us aren’t getting the nutrition we need from our diets. This is an appropriate and necessary time to begin a well-rounded supplement regimen.
There are many different types of vitamins and minerals on the market, and multivitamins that combine formulations of vitamins are abundant as well. Because of this, it can be difficult to figure out what supplements you should begin taking. Here are two that we recommend most often:
Benefits Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 is not only considered a vitamin – it’s also considered a hormone due to its role in regulating many essential bodily functions. It is actually called cholecalciferol, not a vitamin; but for our purposes, we will continue to call this Vitamin D3.
It works to aid calcium absorption to strengthen bones and teeth and promotes healthy neuro-muscular function. D3 has been found to be essential for glycemic control and proper immune function as well.
In addition to its role in musculoskeletal health, it’s also an important vitamin for healthy immune function. There is some evidence that indicates its ability to support cardiovascular health as well.
Unfortunately, too many Americans don’t have enough Vitamin D in their systems – either from lack of healthy exposure to sunlight or from their diets. We obtain Vitamin D from our diets, but sunlight exposure is necessary to convert it to an active form. A lack of either a good diet or enough sunlight will leave you deficient. Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D3.
There aren’t many foods that contain vitamin D. Fish is a good source of this essential nutrient, as are egg yolks, cheese, and fortified dairy and cereal products.
Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, like vitamin D, also provides support to your musculoskeletal system. It has been shown to aid the body in forming and maintaining connective tissues, bones, blood vessels, and aids in the repair and maintenance of healthy skin.
In addition to this, vitamin C is highly antioxidant. As your body processes things like oxygen to form energy, those molecules are broken down into free radicals. Free radicals are also formed when the body attacks pathogens like viruses.
These free radicals move through the body, causing cell damage if not neutralized quickly – this is known as “oxidative stress.” Your body naturally produces antioxidants, but if you aren’t getting enough rest, aren’t eating a well-balanced diet, or aren’t getting enough exercise, it can struggle to produce antioxidants on its own.
Low levels of vitamin C are associated with poorly functioning immune systems due to the lack of ability to neutralize free radicals as the microbials are attacked.
Some symptoms of oxidative stress include headaches, body aches, fatigue (but trouble sleeping,) and a general sense of unwellness. Supplementing with vitamin C is a great way to ensure you’re working with an optimal amount of antioxidants.
Supplement Your Way To Wellness
When taken together, vitamins C and D provide well-rounded musculoskeletal support, immune function support, and more. If you are new to supplements, these are two great vitamins to begin taking.
Of course, you should consult with your physician before starting a new supplement regimen. If you need more guidance, schedule your consultation with Warner Orthopedics & Wellness today:
