What about supplements? The global dietary supplement market was valued at $151.9 billion in 2021. One fact I need to make very clear is to review any supplements, that you think you may wish to take, with your medical provider. Do not start taking supplements without complete investigation of the supplement and making the decision with your medical provider’s input. Be cautious of videos on the web that claim “cure-alls” for multiple disorders.
I am going to share some information about some of the more commonly accepted supplements by the medical field. I will be sharing information about a few that I personally take on a daily basis.
Curcumin
Turmeric contains about 100 compounds and the one that is credited with most of turmeric’s health benefits is Curcumin. Curcumin contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. So participants in some studies have shown that there is improvement in joint tenderness and swelling. Other conditions, specifically the anti-inflammatory properties, that may have some benefits are reducing depression symptoms, helping in treating diabetes, support skin health, and many others.
Turmeric should be combined with healthy fats, like coconut oil, or olive oil so that the curcumin can be easily absorbed by the digestive tract. Turmeric cannot be utilized effectively because of its poor bioavailability, but adding piperine, an active ingredient in black pepper, makes curcumin more easily absorbed by the body.
Magnesium
Magnesium is found throughout your body. Every cell in your body contains this mineral and needs it to function. Some of the benefits are:
- May boost exercise performance
- May combat depression
- May help support healthy blood sugar levels
- May promote heart health
- Offers anti-inflammatory benefits
- May help prevent migraine headaches
- May improve PMS symptoms
- May promote bone health
- May support better sleep
Some of the best food sources for magnesium are:
- Dark chocolate
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Spinach
- Nuts, such as almonds and cashews
- Legumes, such as black beans, chickpeas, etc.
- Avocados
- Whole grains, including wheat, oats, barley, quinoa, etc.
Those are two supplements that may add to your health and well-being. I offer this as information. I recommend if you are interested in taking these supplements, discuss with your physician or medical provider. Next week, I will discuss some additional supplements that you may find useful.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Mike
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5