Natural supplements aren’t as strictly regulated as medications, which might prompt some questions as to how effective they really are. Many plants and herbs offer medicinal properties and their extract can be used in dietary supplements and herbal products. Supplements offer different health benefits, work differently for everyone, and may have potential side effects, so it is best to consult a specialist before trying a new herbal supplement to address a potential health problem. Some of the potential health benefits from incorporating vitamins and supplements into your wellness regimen are as follows.
Boost Immunity
There are many vitamins and supplements that are directly linked to boosting your immune system. Vitamin C and zinc are two vitamins that have noted health benefits, including supporting the function of various immune cells and enhancing their ability to fight off infection. Elderberry flowers have antiviral properties and are a great way to help relieve symptoms of a cold.
Another natural immunity booster is mushrooms. Fungi are becoming increasingly popular solutions to improve your immune system and come in all shapes and forms. While everyday mushrooms such as white mushrooms are rich in nutrients and offer their own benefits, there are a handful of more exotic fungi that have particularly powerful medicinal properties. Chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, shiitake, turkey tail, and cordyceps are all types of mushrooms that support immune function. You can find them dried, as powder, or in capsule form. Many of these mushrooms offer benefits beyond just immune support, including boosting cognitive function, reducing anxiety, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and improving sleep. By taking a mushroom supplement or adding a scoop of medicinal mushroom to your tea or smoothie in the morning, you can significantly boost your health and overall wellness.
Support Organ Function
Sometimes your organs need a bit of a boost to improve efficiency and a handful of natural supplements offer this support. For example, ginkgo can help treat heart disease and St. John’s wort can help with kidney and lung disease. If you’re seeking to improve your liver function, consider taking organic milk thistle supplements. An herb that has been used as a natural remedy for centuries, milk thistle supports liver health. Specifically, milk thistle extract is designed to support healthy liver function by protecting the liver from damage from free radicals. Silymarin in milk thistle helps to remove toxins from the liver. Look for chemical-free, vegan, organic capsules to ensure you are consuming the best product available.
Aid Digestion
From probiotics to ginger and turmeric capsules, natural supplements have the ability to help your digestion. Probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that aid the bacteria living in your gut, can be used to help a wide range of gastrointestinal issues. If you deal with nausea, extract from the ginger root can be helpful to settle your stomach. Fiber supplements are another way to improve the consistency of your digestion.
Anti-Inflammatory
Many supplements have anti-inflammatory properties with wide-reaching health benefits. Inflammation is a common side effect of stress, trauma, poor eating habits, and other illnesses. Foods and plant-based supplements, such as berries and chaga and turkey tail mushroom supplements, are rich in antioxidants and help reduce inflammation. Other natural supplements that counter inflammation include fish oil and curcumin, which is a component of the yellow spice turmeric. By incorporating these into your diet on a daily basis, you can help control problems with inflammation.
Increase Energy Level
You don’t always need to rely on caffeine for an energy boost or mental clarity. In fact, some of the best ways to combat fatigue are through natural supplements. Vitamin B12, ginseng, and Ashwagandha, which is a medicinal herb used in Indian Ayurveda that enhances your body’s resilience to stress, are all fantastic mechanisms to increase your energy.
Mushroom products are also potential remedies. Lion’s mane mushroom, which can be taken as a supplement or added into tea or a smoothie, has powerful properties that stimulate a bioprotein called nerve growth factor (NGF) that can improve your brain health and provide mental stimulation. Cordyceps mushrooms are also a great way to boost energy as they improve your blood flow and help the body use oxygen more efficiently. The next time you’re struggling to stay awake or need to focus for an extended period of time, try out a natural solution before reaching for that cup of coffee or energy drink.
