By Dawn Yanek
With so many supplements being touted as the "next big thing," it's hard to figure out which ones work and which ones are right for you. Check out this list of supplements that medical professionals take themselves so you can stop playing a guessing game with your health.
ZINC
"Zinc is one of the most important minerals to stave off infection. It promotes immunity and helps your body resist invasion by bacteria and viruses. It is also important for nervous system development, and for moms-to-be, zinc is super important for a healthy pregnancy. In addition to recommending it to patients for general prevention, I recommend it to my allergy patients because they are generally more prone to infection. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc is anywhere from 8 to 11 mg per day, depending on your age and if you are male or female. I take a daily multivitamin that contains it." –Tania Elliott, MD, allergist and chief medical officer of the preventative health company EHE
Vitamin C
"Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that functions as an antioxidant and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C is, of course, abundant in many fruits and vegetables, but prolonged storage and cooking diminish its content. Besides its well-known protective role against common colds, vitamin C has also been shown to have a significant and positive effect on blood vessels. Such effect has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke in large studies. As a vascular surgeon, I recommend a vitamin C supplement to patients after a vascular procedure for a faster recovery." –Kerem Bortecen, MD, an endovascular and interventional surgeon at NYC Surgical Associates. These are the 12 vitamin mistakes you might not realize you're making.
Boswellia Seratta
"Boswellia serrata is an herbal remedy from India considered to be the new turmeric, as it has lots of anti-inflammatory compounds. Clinical studies have shown that it can reduce inflammation as well as joint pain and swelling. The standardized extract of boswellia in the clinical studies—called ApresFlex—is 100 mg, and it's used in a number of good-quality joint formulas, including mine, Opti-Lite Flex. But always talk to a doctor before taking any products, especially if taking blood thinners or anti-seizure medications." –Joe Feuerstein, MD, director of Integrative Medicine at Stamford Hospital and assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Read the full article at Reader's Digest