Should I Take Supplements To Boost My Health In Isolation?

We’re all spending a lot more time at home, whether in self-isolation, quarantine or doing our best to #staythefuckhome to help flatten the curve it begs the question—how does staying at home impact our health?

Should we be taking a supplement to boost our health? Well the answer is a little complicated, even according to science.

Nutrition and wellness coach and studio owner at Kettle Fit North Fitzroy Nat Canavan tells me supplements are no substitute for a well-balanced diet.

“I would strongly recommend getting as much fresh produce, organic where possible, as it will have more of the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need,” says Nat.

“Eating a rainbow is really important, and a variety of foods to keep healthy and strong.”

However, if you’re struggling to reach your nutrient goals during isolation, there are a few supplements that can help.

Vitamin D

We’re all indoors a lot more and with winter coming (allegedly) we’re having less sun-time and natural Vitamin D time then usual—a supplement here might be useful.

“Vitamin D is so important for anxiety and depression and our mental health which can be plummeting at this point in time,” says Nat.

Magnesium

“Mag is great from a health and fitness point of view as it’s responsible for some 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It’s great for relieving muscle cramps, helping with sleep and giving you a boost to keep your training on track,” says Nat.

Zinc

Zinc is beneficial for our immune systems, in fact some studies suggest that taking a zinc lozenge can help speed up recovery from a common cold. Research further suggests that zinc can slow down age-related macular degeneration, and helps our skin stay healthy.

It can be found naturally in it’s best source in oysters, but you can also get it in seafood, red meat, chicken or fortified breakfast cereals.

“It’s also important to look at what behaviours might be depleting your minerals like excessive intake of alcohol, smoking or eating processed foods. Trying to make your food as nutrient dense as possible, and then looking at supplementation after that.

Nat advises to always chat to your GP if you’re unsure about whether or not to supplement.