The 21st century brought with it a number of unique health challenges. Stay healthy in the modern world with these nine key additional strategies designed to take millennials into consideration.
A lot of pre-packed comfort foods, hours spent on devices like computers and cell phones, more time sitting and less time outdoors. Our modern lifestyle often consists of fast food, less sleep, more stress and lots of coffee. Most of us need some help. Tackle your new millennium health challenges with these targeted tips.
1.Multivitamin
It is fundamental, but crucial, especially nowadays when decades of agriculture have left land (and plants grown in it) empty of vital minerals. Moreover, most of us regularly do not eat the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables, choosing fast, convenient (read: less dense nutrients) meals and snacks. A well formulated multivitamin and mineral supplement is essential to fill nutrient gaps. Choose one derived from whole fruits and vegetables, not synthetically created; even better if it is organic. In this case, a longer list of ingredients is preferable (synthetic vitamins and supplements tend to have a short list of ingredients). Tip: Store your coffee maker “once a day,” so you’re sure to remember it every morning.
2.Vitamin D
We spend far less time outside than we were before generations, and when we’re outside we have a sunscreen, great news to prevent skin cancer, not so great about our vitamin D status. Vitamin D is important and necessary for healthy bones in the formation of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. And sunshine vitamin also reduces the risk of diabetes, cancer, depression, and other health issues. While many multis contain vitamin D, it is usually in small amounts; add supplements to your diet to make sure you get enough. Choose a more accessible D3 (cholecalciferol) from your body and take at least 1000 IU a day.
3.Eye-health antioxidants
Consider this: the average American is now looking at screens for a total of 10 hours a day. Computers and mobile devices have taken us all over the world and enabled us to communicate as never before. However, our electronic devices also produce a blue light that causes free radical damage and can cause serious eye damage over time. Protect your peepers with antioxidant supplements for eye health. One of the best: Ocuguard Blutein Protection contains kelp-derived lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and fukosanthin; these antioxidants have been shown to fight free radicals, absorb blue/green light, and prevent eye damage.
4.Omega-3s
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t eat enough fish, walnuts or other sources of omega-3 fats. Why you need them: Omega3s are a powerful ally in the modern world that balances mood and relieves stress, anxiety and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can make you a disease-free future. They have been shown to protect them from heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and eye degeneration. Search for omega-3 sustainable fish oils or vegan herbal supplements. There is no set standard for how much you need, but it is generally recommended for EPA and DHA 250–500 mg.
5.Probiotics
The new millennium brought “multi-tasking” into our daily lives. Stress is one of the problems with multitasking, however, and many people add food to the list of tasks they take on, juggling more than they can literally chew. If this describes you, you probably need probiotics. These beneficial bacteria found in the intestines help to cure intestinal problems, improve immune function, balance mood and prevent long-term disease. However, stress, antibiotics and poor diet (especially altered fats and sugar, high in most meals, fast foods and prepared foods) are easily damaged. If you don’t regularly eat homemade yogurt, miso, tempeh, or sauerkraut, look for a supplement. Look for one of the three major strains — L — with at least 10 billion live bacteria. Lacobacillo, B. Bifidum, B. B. Long-length, as well as L. Ferment, L. F. Rhamno, L. L. Plantar and some other strains. Plantarum Stomach acids can destroy probiotics and take them with an empty stomach; some studies suggest that probiotics best survive 30 minutes before meals containing fat (which buffer stomach acids).
6.Antioxidants
Another microwave meal? It might be very “jetson,” but we sacrifice the fresh ingredients (and a wide range of antioxidants) we get from home-cooked foods. If your routine is described most nights during the week, adding an antioxidant supplement is crucial. The immune system, which supports skin look young, is protected against disease and degeneration by antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, flavonoids and polyphenols. However, high doses of a synthetic antioxidant can do more harm than good. Look for a full food blend: you can make your best bet on a powdered green food with fruits and fruits or an additional organic fruit and vegetable blend.
7.Collagen
More than ever, we call ourselves “vegetarian” or “vegan.” Besides vitamin B, collagen is missing from a vegetarian
or vegan diet. Even if you eat meat, the collagen you used to eat from past generations is probably not available as homemade soup stocks and broths (a rich natural source of collagen) become a thing of the past. Be sure to feed and support the joints, ligaments and tendons of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, helping joints move more easily to reduce pain and discomfort, and helping seins and ligaments heal faster. It also improves your skin’s health, strengthens your nails and teeth, builds bones, and provides firmness and elasticity as a skin ages to prevent wrinkles and shrinkages. You can find collagen in bone bread, gels and high-quality protein such as salmon; or add a collagen powder scoop to your morning smoothie or green drink to make sure you get enough. Look for hydrolyzed collagen that is digested and more easily absorbed from organic or grazing beef or wild marine sources.
8.L-Theanine
Anxiety and depression are more prevalent in our modern society. The American Psychological Association reports anxiety for 12 percent of millennia and diagnosed depression for 19 percent. And Gen-Xers also have a fair share of stress between work, money, and job stability. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green and black tea, has a measurable calming effect on the brain and increases the body’s production of GABA and dopamine. Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, reduces stress and anxiety; magnesium is a natural relaxing muscle that can reduce stress and improve sleep, and passion flowers have been shown to effectively treat nervousness and anxiety.
9.Mushrooms
Dense formulas of nutrient mushrooms are great for daily energy, immune health, and mental endurance. Two hallmarks for millennia: lion mane, especially amyloban, one of the mushroom’s active ingredients, have shown support for memory, mental focus, concentration, and brain nerve cell health. Cordyceps, a medicinal mushroom rich in health-recovery polysaccharides, has been used as an effective energy booster in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Researchers at the University of Fukui in Japan reported that cordyceps have anti-fatigue effects.
Take a Pass on Plastic
Plastic is omnipresent in the modern world. It encompasses almost everything from bottles of water to comfortable foods. What is disturbing is that these plastics contain phthalates, chemicals that leach into our food and water. These phthalates imitate estrogens that can cause the hormone imbalances of the body. They may affect reproductive organs and hormones, especially in prepubescent males. Some have been associated with breast and other cancers, allergies, obesity, thyroid and other hormonal disorders. Phthalates interrupt the endocrine system responsible for hormone production and metabolism, among other important functions. In addition to preventing bottling of water and ensuring that food does not microwave or store in plastic containers, it helps eliminate phthalates from the body by taking glutathione. Glutathione is known to contribute to the metabolism and detoxification of the endocrine disruptive compound. Also make sure your body helps detoxify these chemicals by eating plenty of organic cruciferous vegetables and sweating toxins through training and/or sauna.