As we get older, our needs tend to change. We may feel different and need specific nutrients. Fortunately, quality supplements make it easier to meet those nutritional needs so you can feel your best at any age.
With so many internet sites touting vitamins, you may get overwhelmed and wonder if any of them are worth the money. We can tell you taking quality vitamin supplements can truly make a difference in your overall health, even as you age. There are also some key supplements you should be taking as you get older and we are going to explore those in this article.
We know you’ve probably heard that you need more calcium as you get older. The issue is many people take way too much of it and when you do this it tends to end up in your kidneys and arteries. (1) It’s also not the only thing you should focus on to have strong bones. So, what should you do if you want to have healthy bones after age 50, and beyond?
Taking D3K2can help build strong bones. The K2 will help transport the vitamin D where it should go and keep it from the arteries and kidneys. When you take these together it produces a synergistic combination for optimal results. (2) When you take at least 5,000 I.U.s of D3 with K2, you will find you need much less calcium.
Many may not realize that magnesium is also good for building strong bones. It improves your heart health and nerve function and increases brain health. Since it plays a key role in cellular functioning, magnesium should not be overlooked, especially as you get older. (3) Added to this, low magnesium levels can impact your vitamin D and make it ineffective. We like this blend of calcium and magnesium together.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help slow biological aging. (4) It’s also great for brain and joint health. If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, taking enough omega-3s is also associated with lowering inflammation. Now, we have all seen older adults walking a little slower and talking about having more aches and pains. Often, this is due to having inflamed joints. Lowering inflammation with omega-3 fatty acids can make a dramatic difference in how you feel. Inflammation equals pain and discomfort.
Some people buy energy drinks that contain minimal amounts of B vitamins and think they’re doing something good for their health and energy levels. Truthfully, most of these drinks contain copious amounts of caffeine and sugar and minimal levels of any vitamins. You also need multiple B vitamins, including B12, B6, and B9 for overall neurological health. They are crucial for immune function, energy, cardiovascular health, and many other processes. (5)
We know a lot of people take multivitamins to reduce the amount of supplements they take. One of the issues we often find is they buy something found at the grocery store that only has trace amounts of the nutrients you need and is filled with chemicals and other ingredients that aren’t healthy.
We believe in taking a good quality multivitamin that can cover much of what you may need. It’s also a great option if you’re on a budget and can’t afford numerous supplements at one time. Our multivitamin supports wellness and provides a solid foundation to fill in nutritional gaps that often come with our diets. We tend to compare a multivitamin to having an insurance policy for wellness.
CoQ10 is crucial for energy production. When you don’t have enough CoQ10, it can contribute to some serious health conditions, including heart failure, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. (6)
Now, we know you can’t take a handful of supplements and expect things to change overnight. There are some other things you can do that will make incredible differences in your health as you get older.
With plant-based diets being pushed in the media and the internet, many people are confused and think they need less protein as they age when the opposite is true. Protein is healthy and if you don’t have enough protein in your diet, you cannot maintain lean muscle mass and won’t have the strength you need to live a full life and do the things you want.
Many studies show that the more muscle you have, the longer you live and the less likely you are to have diseases. (7) You can eat meat, fish, eggs, and dairy to get healthy protein sources.
In our practice, we see people move away from exercise when they need to move more. Some people seem to think that lifting heavy weights or running is for the younger generation, but resistance training is good at any age. Now, we aren’t saying you need to do CrossFit workouts, but there are small steps you can take to build muscle and endurance.
Weight training can help you have lean muscle mass and strengthen your joints. Taking a thirty-minute brisk walk each day is also a great way to get your heart pumping and stay strong. Remember, your heart is a muscle and you want to keep it strong like other muscles. Many people love taking a walk in nature because they get exercise and it helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation. (8)
One takeaway we want you to have is that not all supplements are created equal. You can always find a bargain but that doesn’t mean it will benefit your health. Choose your supplements wisely and make sure you’re getting them from trusted sources. We have tons of free information on our website regarding wellness and would love to help you improve your health.
You can contact us today to learn more about our programs, products, and consults to get you on the road to feeling better than ever. Remember, you don’t have to be weak just because you are older.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypercalcemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355523
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5613455/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7912123/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180226122548.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30779018/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602
https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/01/23/protein-needs-for-adults-50/