How to Live the Healthiest and Longest Life Possible Part 2: Supplementation

image

In my first post in this series, I discussed how important diet is in our quest to live the healthiest and longest life possible.  If you missed that post, it can be found right here: http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/anti-aging-basics-live-healthiest-longest-life-possible-part-1/.  In this installment, we will take our next step towards ultimate health by discussing the importance of supplementation.

In today’s modern world, supplementation is more important than ever before.  With pollution, depleted soils, radiation from Fukushima, or even just the high stress lives most people live, taking the right supplements is absolutely crucial.  Ray Kurzweil, the famed scientist, inventor, and futurist, has been quoted as saying that he takes 150 supplement pills every day.  This is an extreme example of the importance of taking supplements, of course, but there are many other examples of some of the worlds’ smartest people making supplementation a priority in their busy lives.  People who understand the value of supplements do not leave anything regarding their health to chance.  They know that ultimately they must do whatever it takes to stay healthy because their very existence depends on it.

Unless you happen to be living in one the most lush and pristine areas of earth, smart supplementation is mandatory in my opinion.  If you’re new to taking supplements, don’t be intimidated; not only will you feel better; you’ll rest easier knowing that you’re taking charge of your health and wellbeing.

Occasionally, I hear from people who complain that they have taken supplements in the past but felt that they were not doing anything and stopped.  Without fail, I find out that they were making a few simple beginner mistakes.  First, the right forms of various vitamins, minerals, etc., must be taken in order to be effective.  Lots of people don’t know where to begin, so they pick up a cheap, synthetic multivitamin from the grocery store and, of course, get upset when they feel that the supplement is ineffective.  Synthetically manufactured vitamins and minerals do not get absorbed and utilized very effectively by the body, hence ones health is not improved while taking these cheap imposters.  When taking multivitamins, or individual vitamin and mineral supplements, make sure to take one that is food based, and raw if possible.  This way, your body is getting these important nutrients as nature intended, and can utilize them properly.

Second, most mass produced supplements do not have adequate dosages of key nutrients in them.  The RDA for vitamins and minerals has been set way too low for any significant health effects to be felt.  Unfortunately, the FDA, mainstream media, and even well-meaning relatives have convinced us that taking supplements is dangerous and that supplements taken in excess of their RDA can have adverse effects on our health.  This is not true, the only way to get the most of your supplement regimen is to make sure key nutrients are taken in therapeutic dosages.  Let’s take vitamin C for an example.  Everyone agrees that vitamin C is important to take regularly for great health, yet why is the RDA for vitamin C set at a measly 90 mgs for men and 75 mgs for women?  At this low a dosage, we will be lucky if we’re even able to prevent scurvy; as studies conducted in the United States and Canada have shown that a third to a quarter of people are deficient in vitamin C as it is.  In order to get the potent antioxidant potential and powerful disease preventing benefits of vitamin C, a higher dose must be taken.  I personally like to take at least 1,000 – 2,000 mgs of vitamin C every evening at bedtime.

The third most common mistake I encounter is when people do not take the right combinations of supplements.  This is a big deal, because most, if not all, vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc., work best when combined.  The synergistic effects of the right pairings can have a huge positive impact on health.  A common mishap is taking vitamin D without vitamin A, or vice versa.  These two must be taken together to not only get the best effect out of each of them, but taking one without the other can lead to the one being taken depleting from the body the one not being taken.  Taking effective combinations is particularly important when putting together an anti aging regimen.  For example, two of my favorites, Curcumin and Resveratrol, are great alone, but are far more potent when taken together.

I feel that combining a healthy longevity based diet with a great anti aging supplement regimen is one of the smartest things anyone can do.  Whether you’re just interested in being more healthy and energetic, or have aspirations to live a super long life, taking vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant supplements is essential.

I have been researching and taking supplements for over 30 years, and I know that I have been able to stay healthy and fight aging successfully as a result.  The topic of supplementation is vast and could never be encapsulated in a single blog post; this entry is only meant to be an introduction.  Please feel free to reach out to me with your questions, comments, and concerns regarding supplements and I would be more than happy to help you out.  Also, don’t forget to stay tuned for future installments of this series and to learn more from the world of anti aging research.

 About the Author:

Troy Pratt is a lifelong natural health enthusiast.  After being inspired by his grandfather at the age of 12, he has gone on to study natural health and anti aging for over 3 decades.  He is passionate about helping others to achieve great health and fight aging.  Please visit him at http://www.antiaginghero.com.

Troy Pratt
Hi everyone! I have been studying natural health and anti aging since I was a teenager. I keep an open mind and love trying new supplements, super foods, and natural anti aging techniques. I live in Colorado and enjoy spending time outdoors with my Boston Terriers. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions at [email protected].