As the new year begins, many people are looking for ways to improve their overall health. There are simple things you can do like get more sleep, drink more water and exercise, but what about supplements? We are inundated on a daily basis with products that promise a quick fix, but what can you take everyday to keep us well? Here to help you are 5 foundational products that we think most people could benefit from in the new year.

Probiotics

Many of us are familiar with the probiotics found in yogurt, but we would need to consume truckloads in order to obtain the same probiotic content found in a high quality supplement. These healthy bacteria are a crucial part of our digestive and immune function and have also been shown to influence our mental health. During the winter, we bring home plenty of germs from the office, school and daycare, which spreads quickly throughout a household. A daily multi-strain probiotic likeProgressive can help to support the immune system all year.

Multivitamin

The quality of the food we eat today is much different from that a hundred years ago. Even natural, whole foods like leafy greens and nuts are not what they once were thanks to poor soil quality. Adaily multivitamin can help to fill these nutritional gaps in our diet. We would never suggest that a poor diet can be fixed with supplements alone, but incorporating a high quality multivitamin into a balanced lifestyle can support all aspects of our health.

Greens

As we mentioned previously, multivitamins help to fill nutritional gaps. An organic powdered greens supplement likeAmazing Grass can do the same.Growing leafy greens throughout the Canadian winter can be a difficult task, which means many of the greens at the grocery store have been shipped from warmer places like California and Mexico. Fruits and vegetables that have been shipped from overseas have been picked before they are fully ripe. The ingredients in a greens supplement have been picked at an optimal time and processed quickly in order to maintain its fiber and nutrient content. The Amazing Grass formula also contains probiotics and digestive enzymes for improved digestion and absorption.

Fish Oil

The essential fatty acids found in fish oil are essential because the human body is unable to make them. We must instead obtain these nutrients through our diet or supplementation. Keeping the brain healthy is important throughout all stages of life, especially as we age.Research has shown that fish oil supplementation may support memory and reduce the risk of dementia later in life. The omega-3 content of fish oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce symptoms of PMS, joint pain, and skin conditions.

*EFAs can also be obtained through vegan sources like hemp and flax seed oil.

Protein Powder

Whether you’re working out more or eating better, a plant-based protein powder can be a great addition to anyone's diet. Protein is an important macronutrient that helps to keep us feeling full, builds lean muscle and even supports the immune system and hormone health.