As a kid we were always told “make sure to take your vitamins”, and some of us as we’ve aged into adolescents and adults we may question the need to continue doing so. There are many pros and cons to taking vitamins – some doing wonders for your body, while others could actually potentially be making it worse.
If you’re anything like me and you’ve been getting sick more often then you’d like to admit in the last few months- it’s time to start thinking of potential causes and if your body is lacking certain nutrients. Plus, who didn’t love taking the Flintstones vitamins as a kid? Any excuse to start chewing on those again and I’m in! If you’re like me and struggling as to which supplements and vitamins to possibly start taking here are some of the kinds and benefits:
1. Vitamin C – the yummiest vitamin of all, and also the safest and most effective of the bunch. Vitamin C is great to take as an aid for the common cold, protecting the immune system, prenatal health, eye disease and function, along with helping nourish the skin.
2. Vitamin B-12 – is a water-soluble vitamin that many people might not be familiar with. This little pill keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy and is responsible for giving your body energy and for proper growth of hair and nails. It’s also been known to help aid in depression.
- Vitamin D – another common vitamin we hear about is Vit. D. This little guy helps absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone health. Remember when your parents always said drink your milk? This is exactly why. We also get Vit D. through the sun and its rays (so in the winter months a lot of people like to use tanning beds to get their sunshine fix).
A little fact however – breast milk doesn’t contain vitamin D. so babies have to take it in droplet form until they switch to formula or regular cow’s milk.
4. Folic Acid – Helps prevent neural tube defects – aka the term spina bifida that is formed in babies (which can cause paralysis and have someone be paralyzed for the duration of their life). It’s crucial for pregnant woman to consume enough folic acid and get tested for this. many foods such as breakfast cereal (yes good ol’ shreddies), beans and legumes, citrus fruit, bread, and pasta are rich in folic acid.
5. Iron – This one is always the toughest for people to consume and regulate. In order to keep up your iron intake you need to eat foods such as liver and organ meats (gross right?); luckily seafood, nuts, and many greens also provide it as well. Iron aids in helping our red blood cells function and prevent anemia.
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