5 Supplements You Need to Know About
/If you're serious about fitness, then you've probably heard of the benefits of supplementation. While a well-balanced diet will often provide you with the nutrition you need for daily life and function, a fitness program or regular exercise might mean that you need a little more of a boost.
Supplementation isn't new to athletes and fitness-minded people. Whey protein, for example, is a particularly popular supplement no matter what your training regimen. If you want to expand a little of your supplement knowledge, however, I've put together a list of five supplements below that you probably need to know about.
CLAs
I've covered CLAs in a previous post, but it's good to underline the role they can play in fitness. CLAs, or conjugated linoleic acids, have been found to help burn body fat faster, which can put you closer to your fitness goals.
While they're definitely not a magic pill, they're a good enough weight loss aid if that factors into your fitness plans. A great choice would be BulkSupplements CLA, which is 80% CLA and made from natural safflower oil. It's great value, and the softgels make it easy to consume when you're on the go.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy, but one of the best things about it is its probiotic properties. ACV can help boost your digestion, making it easier to absorb important nutrients. It's also an immune booster, can help keep your energy levels up, and reduce the changes of blood sugar level spikes.
Brightcore ACV gummies are a great way to get the benefits of ACV quickly and conveniently. They're made from organic apples grown in the USA, and are non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no artificial binders and fillers.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for people who do a lot of cardio. These fatty acids can improve your heart health and even reduce joint inflammation, making recovery much easier. While the best source of omega-3s are always whole food such as fatty fish, supplements are an easy way to measure your intake even when you're on the go.
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is a popular choice because they're made from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies. Nordic Naturals products are third-party purity tested, and have no fishy aftertaste. They also offer the same supplement in liquid form if you aren't into pills.
Creatine
Creatine is another essential supplement that can do wonders for boosting your performance and recovery. It can be found in meat, fish, and other animal products like dairy. Creatine is especially important for high-intensity exercises, as they help your muscle cells produce more energy and can even speed up muscle growth.
There are several different types of creatine supplements available on the market, but Thorne Research's creatine supplement is a pretty good bet. It's unflavored and NSF certified for sports use, making it an ideal supplement for fitness. Plus, it's sustainably sourced and free from most major allergens.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a variety of different roles in the human body. For fitness in particular, research has found that glutamine can play an important role in recovery. It also boosts your immune system, and can provide fuel in the form of nitrogen to the cells in your body.
KAGED Muscle Glutamine supplements are third-party tested, making them a quality option for people who need a higher dose of glutamine. It comes in powder form so can be mixed in with your shakes or meals, and is hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly, GMO-free, and kosher.
Supplementation isn't always necessary, but can definitely aid in your performance and recovery. Each person's nutritional needs are different, so you may need all or none of the supplements on our list above. Before you get started, always be sure to check in with your doctor or nutritionist to make sure that you're targeting the nutritional gaps in your diet.
