Four Supplements to Get You Through the Summer Season

It’s been a long year, and sometimes a little help to get you through to the fulltime whistle that is the year-end is needed. Supplements are a great way to up your mental and physical wellbeing, giving you that extra boost of energy to see you into the new year. “Generally, the goal is to get all the nutrients from a nutritionally balanced and complete diet,” says Shana Terhart Young at Cape Dieticians. “This is achieved by eating a diet that does not exclude or restrict any food group, and having regular meals daily.” 

However, different bodies need different nutrients, and at different times in their lives, and there are certain supplements which can be beneficial, especially if you’re burning the candles at both ends this silly season.

Vitamin C

December and January are busy – at work you’re trying meet last-minute deadlines, and socially it’s event, after party, after braai… It can take its toll on your body. “Vitamin C is known for its ability to boost the immune system,” says medical doctor, Dr Aadil Khan. This powerful antioxidant helps our bodies resist infection, including the common cold. It has a natural anti-histamine action too so it helps beat those seasonal allergies. Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid - lessens oxidative stress to the body, makes cuts and other wounds heal faster, and helps your body extract iron from the food you eat. A typical dosage is 60 to 70mg, but nutritionists say 500 to 1000mg is optimal. However, consult with your Clicks pharmacist first regarding the right dosage of daily oral supplements.

Milk thistle

A 2016 study found that milk thistle improved diet-induced liver damage in mice. The medical community needs more evidence to prove that milk thistle benefits human livers in the same way, however researchers theorise that it does. The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production. Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, which is why milk thistle may be beneficial for liver problems. So if several boozy nights lie ahead for you this festive season, think milk thistle. Although it cannot prevent a hangover, it may ease your symptoms.

Try: Clicks Milk Thistle Liver Remedy Tablets

Whey protein

“Your body uses amino acids, the building blocks of protein, to create immune cells and help them function. Studies in endurance athletes suggest consuming 1.2-1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight every day is ideal,” says Dr Khan.

Whey protein is a high-quality complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids. It’s an alternative protein source that’s often used by gym enthusiasts looking to build muscle mass – hello, summer beach body! Because it comes in powder form, it can be added to almost any meal and/or beverage, making it a convenient supplement to fit into your day.

Shop: The GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein 


Probiotics

A healthy gut is vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system and for your overall health. According to dietician Abby Courtenay, a healthy digestive system is especially important for keeping your immune system in tiptop shape as well as your weight under control – both vital this summer!

There are trillions of bacteria in your gut, some good and some bad. The good ones play an important part in effective digestive health. Probiotics, which can be found in some dairy products like yoghurt, or in supplement form, contain these ‘good’ bacteria. “The most common strains in the gut include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, so be on the lookout for these when choosing a probiotic,” says Courtenay. “Plus, always consult your doctor first about whether you can take probiotics, or any other supplement, if you’re immune compromised.”

Chat to your Clicks pharmacist about the best probiotic supplement for your digestive system.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to many health benefits. They may help promote brain and heart health, reduce inflammation, and protect against several chronic conditions.

“Omega-3s are an important nutrient to supplement for those who are not consuming oily fish at least once or twice a week, who struggle with inflammation conditions, or who have high stress jobs,” says Terhart Young. And if you are going to supplement, she says, don’t get the omega-3s and omega-6s combination – most people get adequate omega-6s from their diet.

Try: Coyne Healthcare Bio Health Purest Omega 3 Capsules


The right supplements for you

Check out the Clicks Supplement Recommender as a good start in getting an indication of what might give you the boost you need right now.

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