Dietary Supplements: An Aid for Going Back to Work and School
As great as this summer has been, the back-to-school and back-to-work season is here. And, with it, comes temperature changes, more stress, and less time for ourselves. For this reason, consuming dietary supplements is a great alternative to boost the energy levels we had on vacation.
These supplements can help you improve your strength, increase your endurance, boost your immune system and reduce stress. However, it’s essential to know how to consume them with caution and choose the most suitable for our specific needs. In this article, we’ll tell you all about them.
What are dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements are products used to supplement the diet and provide essential nutrients for the body. They can be taken alone or in combination with other food and are available in different formats, such as capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids.
In times of high stress, such as going back to work or school, they can be a way to maintain energy and reduce stress. So, if you’re looking for vitamin supplements, try to buy quality products from reliable places, to give your body a chance to feel good and be able to face all the challenges that the return from vacation brings.
It’s important to emphasize that food supplements don’t replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. However, they can be an effective way to ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Here’s everything you need to know about the most effective ingredients for resuming work or school routines after the vacations.
Find out more here: How to Motivate Your Child to Study after Vacation
What ingredients are typically used in supplements?
The most common ingredients in nutritional supplements are vitamins and minerals. These have the advantage of being safe and effective, as well as being an easy way to supplement the diet. It has been confirmed that multivitamins/multiminerals can be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease and even some types of cancer.
Vitamin C, for example, is a water-soluble organic acid found naturally in many foods and is used to prevent or treat deficiency. In general, it’s one of the most important ingredients that we can find in these supplements.
Read more here: 8 Symptoms of a Vitamin C Deficiency
Many studies have shown that vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that helps us fight stress, fatigue, and temperature changes. It also helps us to strengthen the immune system, which is ideal for this time of year when viruses are making their way again.
Other ingredients of great benefit in food supplements
Apart from vitamin C, other nutrients widely used in supplements are vitamin D, folic acid, and omega fatty acids. Depending on the situation, some experts recommend a daily intake of these nutrients to improve the overall functioning of the body.
Vitamin D is another water-soluble vitamin that our body produces naturally as a result of exposure to sunlight. Some research has confirmed that vitamin D is necessary to keep bones strong and healthy, as well as to improve the overall functioning of our bodies. And, unfortunately, once our work obligations begin, it’s common for us to spend more time indoors than outdoors.
In addition, many dietary supplements also contain folic acids and omega fatty acids. Folic acids are a form of B vitamins found naturally in many vegetables and legumes; they’re used to prevent or treat anemia.
Omega fatty acids are essential nutrients for the brain and heart and are found in some fruits, vegetables, and vegetable oils. Multiple studies have shown that omega can help improve mood and mental capacity, which is ideal for a challenging back-to-school or back-to-work season.
Should my family take dietary supplements?
Although many experts recommend a daily intake of certain nutrients, the reality is that not everyone needs to take dietary supplements. In general, it’s recommended that those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or who have nutritional deficiencies should take supplements to supplement their dietary needs.
On the other hand, if you maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly, your body is probably already getting everything it needs naturally. However, in times of extreme stress, if you feel your energy levels are low, it doesn’t hurt to give your body a little help. If you do, you’ll soon notice the improvement and be able to face new challenges in the best possible way.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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- Johnston CS, Barkyoumb GM, Schumacher SS. (2014). Vitamin C supplementation slightly improves physical activity levels and reduces cold incidence in men with marginal vitamin C status: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2014 Jul 9;6(7):2572-83. doi: 10.3390/nu6072572. PMID: 25010554; PMCID: PMC4113757. Recuperado de: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25010554/