Essential Vitamins You Absolutely Can’t Afford to Skip

Staying fit boils down to two main things: eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting plenty of exercises. But even if you’re already doing those, you might be wondering if there’s more you can do to get in even better shape, especially with a big event or beach trip coming up.

One avenue to explore is vitamins and dietary supplements. They can give your health a boost, both right now and in the long run. Even if you’re not hitting the gym regularly, vitamins can help a lot—strengthening your immune system and giving you the energy you need throughout the day.

Here are some of the best supplements to consider if you want to treat your body well:

1. **Multi-vitamin**: A good multi-vitamin can fill in the gaps of nutrients you might be missing from your diet. But don’t just grab any brand you see on TV or at the drugstore. Research online to find high-quality, highly recommended options.

2. **Vitamin C**: This vitamin is essential for boosting your immune system, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, promoting eye health, and, for men, potentially extending life. It acts as a natural antibiotic, antiviral, antihistamine, and antitoxin.

3. **Magnesium Citrate**: While calcium is known for bone health, it’s not very effective without magnesium. Magnesium is critical for absorbing calcium and supports over 300 other bodily functions. Every organ in your body needs it!

4. **Vitamin D**: This vitamin seems to do it all—it can protect against cancer, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure, improve moods, and even reverse depression.

5. **Omega-3s for Women**: Usually derived from fish oil or algae, Omega-3 supplements give you essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA. These can reduce depression, combat high blood pressure, help with weight loss, clear your skin, and alleviate arthritis pain. Just make sure the supplement label lists both DHA and EPA.

Since everyone’s body is different, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor or nutritionist. They can help you understand where your diet might be lacking and suggest the right vitamins and supplements for you. Often, a simple blood test can show what’s missing and help create a plan to get your body on the right track.

Remember, diet and exercise are the core of a healthy lifestyle. Supplements can help, but they shouldn’t replace those key habits.