8 Recommended Supplements to Include in Your Diet

I wanted to talk today about some of the supplements you may want to consider including in your diet due to the benefits they have been shown to provide in numerous studies over many years.

1. Ginseng - Enhances energy and vitality and is believed to increase alertness and physical performance. American and Asian ginseng are of the same genus and have similar ingredients and similar benefits.
2. Guarana - Enhances mood, increases energy and fights fatigue. Contains alkaloids and has a similar stimulant effect as the caffeine found in coffee and tea.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Heart-healthy. May help lower triglycerides and increase HDL (good) cholesterol and help thin the blood to improve circulation. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseeds/flax oil.
4. Capsaicin - Helps to sooth sore muscles, provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Capsaicin is a compound found naturally in hot chili peppers.
5. Psyllium Husks -Prevents constipation and aids in digestion. Taken in powder form with 8 ounces of water, psyllium is a natural, water-soluble fiber that helps keep you regular. Also believed to lower blood LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
6. Ginger - Calms an upset stomach, relieves gas and indigestion and may relieve menstrual and stomach cramps. Ginger is a plant originating from Southeast Asia that has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicinal practices.
7. Probiotics - Help to restore proper balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria (living microorganisms) that keep our digestive system working effectively. They are also believed to boost immunity, helping to prevent illness.
8. Andrographis - Boosts immunity, helping to fight colds and flu. It is also believed to aid in proper digestive functioning and to protect against certain cancers. Andrographis is an annual plant that flourishes in South-East Asia, China and India.

Give the supplements a try. As always, be sure to read the labels carefully. If in doubt, the Internet is a great place to perform additional research.

Here's to your health!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International