If you are following a Paleo (Paleolithic) diet, then you are already consuming nutrient dense, natural foods that are ideal for a healthy lifestyle. People who follow this diet can enjoy a vast improvement in health and enjoy other benefits such as a reduction in body fat, increase in lean muscle, stabilization of blood sugar levels, healthy cholesterol and blood pressure and more. Even though this diet offers an incredible amount of nutrients and vitamins through food alone, there are some supplements recommended to fill in the gaps. Check out our recommendations for the top 10 paleo supplements.
Probiotics
Many people turn to the Paleo diet because they experience digestive problems due to food intolerances. That’s why it’s important to supplement with probiotics that will provide an influx of extra good bacteria that can balance your gut and improve your health. Probiotics can be found in yogurt and many fermented foods but can also be consumed safely as a supplement.
Omega 3s
Whether you are dieting or not, omega 3s are very important to your overall well-being. More commonly known as fish oil, omega 3s have proven to offer a wide range of benefits, including increasing your metabolism, reducing your risk for cancer, reduced risk of join pain and supporting heart health. When in doubt – pop a fish oil capsule!
Vitamin D
Over 50% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is critical to our health, and in recent years supplementation has significantly increased. It can be found in seafood and sunshine, but you would need a lot of it in order to get what you need.
Magnesium
Magnesium has been known to help with the prevention of cramps, headaches and blood clots. It also helps with energy levels, which can easily diminish when limiting carbs.
Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is one of the most widely consumed antioxidant supplements which boosts heart health and overall energy. Your body already produces a small amount of CoQ10 on its own but getting more through a good supplement can be a total game changer for your health.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is another vitamin that is critical for our health that many people don’t get enough of. This vitamin helps with proper red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, numerous neurological functions and more. The Paleo diet offers plenty of food options rich in Vitamin B12 like clams and liver, but if you aren’t a fan of clams or liver, you may consider adding a supplement into the mix.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally makes on its own, but it is also a natural supplement that can help with sleep when you need it. But it can also be helpful for digestive health, weight loss and maintenance and metabolic health. Melatonin is generally used as a sleep aid, but it is not addictive and is considered very safe. The way it works is that it lowers your body temperature and helps align your internal clock so you can fall asleep faster.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K is needed to activate proteins and regulate calcium metabolism – this helps to keep calcium in your teeth and bones where it belongs, and out of soft tissue and your blood. If you have elevated blood calcium it could significantly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Many Americans are deficient in Vitamin K2, which is found mainly in raw dairy.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is used for more than just boosting our immune systems – it is necessary for building the structural components of the body and for maintaining antioxidants. It’s fairly easy to consume the daily recommended dose of Vitamin C with a healthy Paleo diet, especially if eating plenty of citrus fruits.
Selenium & Iodine
Selenium play an important role in thyroid function and iodine also supports the thyroid, prevents brain damage and strengthens the immune system. Selenium can be found in meat, ocean fish and in Brazil nuts. Iodine can be found in seafood. The need for these nutrients is small, and as it is with most vitamins and nutrients, you can typically get your daily dose through a balanced diet.
If you are following a Paleo diet, then it’s important you choose the supplements that are right for you. Pick your supplements wisely, do your research and work with a medical professional or certified nutritionist to ensure that you are taking the right dose for your health. Our team is well-versed in numerous weight loss programs, diets and exercise trends and we would be happy to answer your questions and to help create a custom plan unique to your goals and lifestyle. For more information on tips to eat right and live a healthier lifestyle check out our blog!
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