The best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy and happy is by eating well-balanced meals of nutrient-rich foods. But dietary restrictions may prevent you from consuming an adequate amount of a specific nutrient. Furthermore, certain medical conditions and even aging may cause your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients to decrease.

If this is your story you may need to talk to your doctor about adding dietary supplements to your regimen. Here are some to consider:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can improve heart health and cholesterol, decrease joint pain, and improve depression, ADD, and other neurological disorders. Omega-3s are found naturally in cold-water fish (such as salmon and tuna), shellfish, nuts, plant oils, flaxseed, and fortified foods (such as certain brands of eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, and soy beverages).

If you’re not getting enough Omega-3s from what’s on your plate, dietary supplements including fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, and algal oil would be good supplements to include.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that occur naturally in your stomach to help increase bowel movements for detoxification and to help your immune system fight disease. Probiotics can help to ease symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious diarrhea, and diarrhea from antibiotics.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, can improve energy, mental clarity, and heart health. Some evidence suggests that CoQ10 can lower blood pressure and CoQ10 supplements are sometimes used to help treat heart failure and other heart conditions. If you are taking statin drugs for high cholesterol, CoQ10 could prevent or treat possible side effects such as muscle pains and liver problems.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 improves energy, mood, and sleep, and decreases bone loss, risk of cancer, and multiple sclerosis. A blood test with your doctor can help determine if you are vitamin D deficient and if you need to take a daily or weekly supplement. If you do need a vitamin D supplement, choose one with vitamins A and K, too, for better absorption.

If you’re looking for a gynecologist who cares about your overall health, make an appointment with Dr. Mia today.