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It’s officially summer-a time when our bodies are on display when than any other season-and you might be gearing up to look your best in a bikini.
With lockdown officially in the rear view, it’s time to shed the quarantine 15 you may (or may not) have gained. But let’s face it: dropping weight and feeling good comes via exercise, sleep and a balanced diet that hits all the key vitamin and mineral groups. Sometimes, that’s just not feasible-and furthermore, it’s harder to lose weight the older we get.
As we age, our metabolism starts to slow down and reject unhealthy habits that we may have picked up in our younger years. That’s why taking multi vitamins becomes increasingly important as we move from our 20s, into our 30s and 40s.
Below, we consulted with dermatologists and nutritionists to determine some of the best vitamins you should be taking every morning to boost metabolism. Keep scrolling to find out!
Turmeric
According to Heather Hanks, a nutritionist with Life Insurance Star, taking a turmeric supplement or vitamin is a must. "As a powerful antioxidant, turmeric helps reduce inflammation that may be fighting your ability to lose weight, such as hormone fluctuations, insulin resistance and depression," she explains. "Fish oil is another supplement that can help reduce inflammation."
Probiotics
Probiotics have a reputation for soothing digestive disorders like diarrhea, constipation and acid reflux, but they do so much more than that.
As Heather notes, probiotics are "'good' bacteria responsible for boosting the overall health of your microbiome, which influences how well your body performs chemical reactions, such as metabolism, absorption and digestion. Probiotics are also helpful for reducing stomach bloat, which is something many people in their 30s deal with."
Whole food multivitamin
To address any nutritional deficiencies in your diet that may be slowing down metabolism, Heather recommends that you consume a daily multivitamin.
But on its own, this may not be enough! For maximum health, be sure "you are eating enough protein from lean sources and staying away from foods that contribute to inflammation, such as gluten, refined sugar, grains, dairy and soy," she adds.
Collagen supplement
Collagen has been having its moment in the spotlight lately, but it's better than just a buzzy trend. A naturally occuring protein in the body that plays a role in building bones, skin, muscle and ligament, it may also help with weight management goals. That's because protein has been shown to support satiety, so consuming it (via a collagen supplement) may help you feel fuller for longer, ultimately keeping those pesky pounds at bay.
Collagen becomes increasingly important as we age. "Our bodies produce a little less collagen each year as we age, and supplementing with it helps counter aging and keeps our joints healthy," explains Emily Countryman, founder of Ideal Wellness. "It's also excellent for skin, hair and nails."
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of several essential nutrients your body needs in order to function properly. But, as Emily points out, "most Americans, regardless of age, are deficient in magnesium." This is a bummer, because magnesium does everything from boost metabolism to reduce fatigue.
Reduced magnesium in the body has also been linked to insulin resistance that could lead to weight gain. While this doesn't mean that low magnesium levels are a sole contributor to weight gain, the correlation alone is a good incentive to start taking a magnesium supplement every morning.
In fact, start taking these five multi vitamins every morning and say hello to your healthiest self yet!