Simplifying Supplementation
There’s a whole world out there of supplements- and even more conflicting opinions as to which ones you need and in how much. So JetFuel answered our questions to get down to the important stuff: making sure you’re as healthy as you can be.
1. WHY DO WE NEED SUPPLEMENTS?
Supplements provide a concentrated source of nutrients that we can consume in addition to a healthy diet to provide our body with vital substances that may otherwise be lacking.
You can think of supplements as an ‘insurance policy’ for the days when you are on the go and too busy to eat all of your recommended servings of fruit and vegetables.
2. WHAT MICRONUTRIENTS DOES YOUR BODY NEED AND WHAT CAN’T IT MAKE ITSELF?
Although your body makes many of the nutrients it needs to carry out its functions (known as non-essential nutrients), some nutrients can’t be made rapidly enough, or at all, to meet daily needs. These are called essential nutrients, and they must be obtained from outside sources such as our diet or supplements.
Whereas the body can create vitamin D (from sunlight) and vitamin A (from consuming enough orange coloured vegetables) it can’t produce the nutrients; Omega 3 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, Vitamin C and E, and minerals.
In addition, your body needs minerals to function properly, which it can’t produce. There are 16 essential minerals that optimum nutrition requires. Firstly, ‘macro minerals’; sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and sulphur, are needed in larger amounts by the body.
Secondly ‘trace minerals’; Iron, Zinc, selenium, copper, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum and manganese are needed in smaller amounts. Minerals are often known as electrolytes as they help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain water balance.
BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR SKIN:
Vitamin C promotes healthy collagen production and it is also a powerful antioxidant which protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Live Bacteria in the gut can help prevent skin problems as a healthy gut promotes healthy skin. There have been proven benefits in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, like acne vulgaris, atopic eczema, and rosacea.
Zinc protects the skin's lipids which make collagen, whilst helping to heal and rejuvenate skin.
BEST SUPPLEMENTS IMMUNITY:
Vitamin C helps our white blood cells function well and strengthens our immune system.
Vitamin D have been shown to boost the immune system. The vitamin promotes a healthy immune response.
Immunity Support is an all round supplement that can boost your immune system with essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
ENERGY AND PERFORMANCE:
B Vitamins assist brain function and metabolism.
Gut health is very important as healthy gut bacteria balance blood sugar levels to maintain energy.
Ashwagandha helps increase energy levels and improves overall concentration.
SLEEP AND RELAXATION:
Magnesium helping to release tension and help relax muscles. Magnesium also helps you produce the famed sleep hormone melatonin.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to sleep problems. Make sure you are getting your daily dose to get those zzzz.
B Vitamin support brain function and metabolism. Also helps to produce serotonin and melatonin, which are both key for sound, peaceful sleep, and to regulate mood
Iron that provides oxygen to our blood, cells and tissues which helps circulation. Iron deficiency is one of the more common causes of the sleep disorder, restless legs syndrome (RLS). Sufferers of RLS feel the irresistible urge to move their legs in the night and it is so distracting they cannot sleep.
