The days are getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change colour, marking the beginning of fall and another school year. Lazy summer days are over and it’s time to get back to school and back to routine. We’ve put together a list of essential supplements to include in your morning routine to keep your energy up while adjusting to the busy fall season.
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) an essential Omega-3 fatty acid, which is very important when it comes to brain health. Nerve-cell membranes in the brain, which are responsible for all of our cognitive functions, are made up of fat. By supplementing with healthy fats, specifically DHA, you can keep these membranes limber in order to maintain and even improve cognitive function.
Studies indicate that DHA can help improve attention, focus, memory and the efficiency of information processing, which are all important factors when returning to work or school.
2. Probiotics
It’s no secret that probiotics, or the “friendly bacteria”, are important when it comes to digestive health, but these microorganisms do more than just maintaining and replenishing intestinal flora, they are also a powerful immune booster.
Immunity starts in the small intestine, where up to 80% of the immune system is produced. Therefore the health of your small intestine is directly linked to the health of your immune system. This fall you can beat back to school bugs, while improving your digestive health, by supplementing with probiotics.
3. Multivitamin
No matter what age, it’s always important to ensure that we are receiving adequate levels of nutrients through our diet. This is especially important for children, who are at risk of developing negative effects on brain development if they lack the proper nutrition. If you’re a picky eater or you’ve encountered one, you know it’s not always possible to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need through your diet, which is where a multivitamin comes in.
By including a multivitamin in your back to school routine you can not only instil healthy habits in your kids, but you can ensure that they’re getting the right nutrients to support bone health and immunity, while improving cognitive function and increasing their energy. Don’t forget to take your own multivitamin as well!
4. Greens
Greens pack a whole lot of nutrition per serving and are an important part of a healthy diet. Not only are they full of minerals and vitamins, especially the dark leafy ones, they also contain powerful antioxidants.
Everyone knows it’s important to get enough greens in your diet, 4-6 servings for children and 7-10 for adults, but sometimes it’s difficult to meet these recommendations. If you’re not getting enough greens try adding a Greens supplement to your diet. Disguise it in a simple fruit smoothie, the perfect breakfast for providing the energy needed for a long day at school at work.
5. Protein
Protein, which is made up of amino acids, is essential for repairing, building and maintaining cells in the human body. Protein is essential for growth and development during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.
Make sure you’re getting enough protein by adding it to your morning smoothie in the form of a powder. With a variety of flavours and a smooth texture you’ll hardly notice it while ensuring that you’re getting enough protein throughout the day.
