Top Supplements for Cold & Flu Season

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein foods, and adequate fluids are essential for a strong immunge system, optimal performance and overall health.  However there are a few nutrients that are difficult to get in through food.  This is where supplements come in, or as I like to call them, complements, as they should be complementing our nutrition rather than supplementing it.

3 “Complements” to include in you and your Family's Diet

  1. Vitamin D3

    If you live north of Atlanta, odds are you are Vitamin D deficient, especially in the winter months. Very few foods contain Vitamin D so during the winter months it is a great idea to add a complement to you and your child’s diet.  You want to get something with D3 as it is the active form of vitamin D.

Food Sources: Vitamin D milk, egg yolks, fatty fish (herring, sardines, cod)

Complement: NOW Vitamin D-3, 1000 IU

  1. Omega 3 Fish oil

    Stress, intense workouts, infections, and excess weight can cause inflammation in the body. Omega 3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory properties as well as brain health. The American diet provides us with many omega 6 fatty acids and very little omega 3.  Unfortunately, omega 3’s have much greater benefits. Look for a higher about of DHA over EPA on back of label.

Food Sources: Walnut, Flax meal/seed/oil, Salmon, Albacore tuna, mackerel, chia seed

Complement: ProDHA 1000mg, Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA, Smarty Pants Kids Complete

  1. Probiotics

    Hippocrates stated, “all disease begins in the gut.”Adequate probiotics or the "good" bacteria in our GI tract continues to gain importance in one’s overall health. Our digestive system is a vase ecosystem of organisms that research suggests can influence our genes in various ways from mental health to athleticism. Antibiotics, processed foods, diets high in omega 6 (low in omega 3), and alcohol can all possibly have negative effects on gut health. Adding in the probiotics or “good bacteria” into our diet helps improve gut health.

Food Sources: yogurt, kefir, pickled foods, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi

Complement: Primophilidus Kids, BioGaia ProTectis,  Klean Athlete Probiotic 

 Questions? Please feel free to ask question, feedback, etc.  I love hearing for you guys.  Stay healthy everyone!

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