Monica Gavin, M.D., owner of the Azani Medical Spa and a diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine knows firsthand that eating the right foods may still not arm you with the correct amount of nutrients and antioxidants you need to protect yourself from disease and weight gain. While proper eating habits and exercise should be your first line of defense, there a number of amazing supplements that she suggests to help boost your immune system and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Gavin is so confident in these three supplements that she not only recommends them to her patients, she takes them herself.
1. Fish Oil or Flax Seed Oil: Fish oils and flax seed oils are the most important supplements you should be taking because of the remarkable health benefits they have been proven to contain. Flax seed oils have even been put in baby formula to help strengthen infants.
- Both contain the recommended omega-3 fatty acids that the body cannot naturally produce.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are great for your heart and protect you from stroke and heart attack by breaking up clots.
- Improves memory and focus.
- Reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer.
- Reduces inflammation.
2. Vitamin D: According to Dr. Gavin, a lot of people are unaware that they are vitamin D deficient. You can get tested for your own vitamin D level by your physician, who can then recommend the amount of the supplement you should be taking.
- You won’t get all the vitamin D you need from the sun.
- May prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
- Regulates the immune system to protect you from illnesses like the common cold.
- Protects against rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Resvertatrol: Resvertatrol is the active ingredient in red wine and is linked to numerous health benefits.
- Helps maintain a healthy heart.
- Proven to be a wonderful antioxidant.
- Reduces age related diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- In low doses, helps produce cell growth.
Similar to Resvertatrol is the acai berry. The supplement comes from acai berries that grow in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil and is growing in popularity thanks to celebrity endorsers like Britney Spears who credits the supplements with helping her lose weight. Any dark berry, says Dr. Gavin, has wonderful antioxidants.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
