Healthy Supplements for Better Fitness by Charlene Ryan, holistic nutrition advisor, ISSA trainer
... and some that every person should have on hand to help boost immunity when needed so there won't necessarily be a need to go buy harsh medications with artificial colors, and flavors.
For protein sources, I love plant proteins and whey protein isolate. Plant protein is less taxing on the body than protein from meat, dairy, and eggs. I, being mainly vegetarian, believe you can get all the protein you need from just grains, nuts, seeds, lentils, legumes, and produce. It all adds up in a day. I recommend experimenting with various plant protein powders to see which ones you like the best, or better yet, vary it anyway or make a mixture. Whey protein isolate can be a quality protein source when you need extra. The trick is to find the purest whey and avoid complexes where the isolate is only a fraction of the mixture. About Time whey is hormone-free, pure whey protein isolate and it comes in yummy flavors. Whey protein helps boost immunity and fill in the gap of protein deficiencies for active people. After a workout, whey is easily absorbed into the body for use in tissue repair---great for muscle building. You can purchase About Time by clicking on the banner ad on my homepage.
I recommend CLA for the active person looking to get leaner. I also recommend it as a supplement for those wishing to increase healthful fats in the diet. So that covers a great deal of the population i think
Fish oils are on the rise; DHA and EPA are noted for delivering healthful fats to important body tissues such as the brain, skin, and joints. Country Life is a reputable brand in the natural food world. Country Life Fish body oil can be taken daily. It is a fantastic supplement for anyone, even nursing mothers.
Vitamin C powder( in the form of ascorbic acid;buffered or non-buffered) or buffered vitamin c capsules. During times of bodily stress and during cold and flu season, vitamin C is helpful when it can saturate your cells. A virus cannot penetrate a C-filled cell. Vitamin is water-soluble and any excess will not build up in the body. Note: Buffered C's contain calcium because it acts as the buffeer so If I happen to be taking my calcium, I may choose my non-buffered C., but also note that too much C can interfere with the calcium uptake. Many indications for C in prevention and treatment are up into the grams. It is deemed safe to take 5,000mg (5g) on average on days when you need it.
Calcium and magnesium should be in a ration or 2:1 in the body and in supplements. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and is a super nutrient in and of itself. Schiff calcium/magnesium/Vitamn D3 is a fantastic mix of these three important bone-building and bone-keeping nutrients.. I like this one because it is a softgel.
Olive leaf is a potent anit-viral. Who doesn't need an anti-viral? Along with a clean diet, you can ward off viruses before they creap into your system, and help them be on their way if you've already been affected.
If you're looking for a great whole foods multi-vitamin, Peter Gillham's Organic Vitality is one way to go. This liquid can be taken alone or added to smoothies. It tastes great and I can say, my kids also like it---I give a lesser amount to them, but since it's food, you don't really have to worry about overdose.
For those in multiple fitness activities and with training goals such as muscle building, amino acids can be the missing link. I'm a living proof that certain aminos such as arganine and ornathine can help prevent muscle loss. Taken at night before bed, there's less chance of muscle breakdown while you sleep. If you do choose to try out amino acid supplements, find complete essential amino acids all in one supplement, because Too much of one can lead to imbalances. Also, make it important to have an active lifestyle. It make no sense to take all these supplements that support muscle if you're not going to use them (the muscles).