Medically Reviewed by Next Health CEO & Founder, Dr. Darshan Shah

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Supplementation has become an essential part of many of our wellness routines. Health-minded individuals now understand that crops grown decades ago were far more nutrient-dense than the crops we have today. Due to factors such as over-farming, modern agricultural practices, and the increased prevalence of environmental toxins, the soil in which our food grows is nutrient-depleted.  In fact, a study from the Kushi Institute analyzed nutrient data across 12 different vegetables over a 20-year period. They found that average calcium levels decreased by 27%, iron levels dropped 37%, vitamin A levels were reduced by 21%, and vitamin C levels declined by 30%.

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As a result, supplementation is a necessity for those looking to fill in the nutrient gaps in their modern diet in order to enhance their vitality and promote their longevity.

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However, the supplement industry can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Valued at over a $35 billion market, there are a lot of voices in the supplement industry that cannot all be trusted. It is important to remember that supplements are not FDA-regulated, meaning harmful substances can be included in products without consequence for the provider. In fact, researchers have found toxic substances such as lead, arsenic, aluminum, and others in store-bought supplements.

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With approximately 77% of Americans utilizing nutritional supplements, Dr. Shah outlines his top supplement choices for enhancing overall health and longevity as well as trusted providers of high-quality ingredients:

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CoQ10

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Coenzyme Q, also known as CoQ10 and ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally. CoQ10 is involved in cellular maintenance and growth and is considered vital for healthy bodily function. The body’s natural levels of CoQ10 decrease with age, which can hinder the body’s ability to combat oxidative stress and promote healthy cellular function, leading to symptoms such as inflammation, brain fog, pre-mature aging, compromised heart and brain health, and more.

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Supplementing the body’s levels of CoQ10 has been linked to decreased inflammation, reduced risk of neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more), improved heart health, improved fertility and enhanced skin health.

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It is also important to note that another key benefit of CoQ10, due to its ability to combat oxidative stress and free radical damage as an antioxidant, is promoting mitochondrial health. Mitochondrial health is critical in regard to overall cellular function and energy. By supporting mitochondrial health with CoQ10, you can combat stereotypical signs of aging such as wrinkles, brain fog, joint pain, sluggishness, and more.

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Omega-3s

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Omega-3 fatty acids (such as ALA, DHA, and EPA) are essential to the structure of every cell in the body. Specifically, omega-3s are an integral component of cell membranes and affect the function of cell receptors in these membranes. They are critical in the starting point of making hormones that regulate blood clotting, the contracting and relaxing of arterial walls, and regulating inflammation.

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Given these mechanisms, omega-3s are incredibly beneficial to the health of your heart. Studies show that omega-3s can help lower triglyceride levels and decrease the change of heart disease and stroke.

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Omega-3s are also known to be an effective supporter of brain health. Because this nutrient supports cell membranes, it has been shown to promote healthy cell communication in the brain and has been linked to decreased rates of depression, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.

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Other benefits of omega-3s include: supporting fetal development, combatting symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and reducing risk of asthma.

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Magnesium

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Over half of Americans do not get enough magnesium daily yet this essential mineral is involved in over 600 reactions in the body.

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Magnesium acts as a cofactor in the body, meaning it is a helper molecule in enzymatic reactions in the body:

• Energy production (converting nutrients into energy)
• Protein production (creating proteins from amino acids)
• DNA repair and maintenance
• Muscle support (aids in muscle contraction and relaxation)
• Nervous system regulation (aids in the health of neurotransmitters and cellular communication)

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As a result, it has a wide range of potential benefits in the body. One of the notable benefits of magnesium supplementation is enhanced athletic performance and stamina. As this mineral aids in energy production and muscle movement, one study of 2,570 women linked improved levels of magnesium to increased muscle mass and power. Moreover, studies on older volleyball players linked a daily intake of 250 mg of magnesium to increased jumping and arm strength.

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NAD+

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NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and this coenzyme reacts with oxygen in every cell of the body, specifically in the mitochondria. Because mitochondria are responsible for producing approximately 90% of the body’s energy, NAD+ is critical in providing nearly all systems with sufficient energy.

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Unfortunately, our NAD+ levels deplete naturally with age (mainly due to environmental toxins, poor diet, chronic stress, lack of exercise, and more). In fact, studies show we lose approximately 40% of our NAD+ supply by age 40. This decreases the energy supplied our cells, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, worsened athletic performance, low energy levels, accelerated signs of aging, and more.

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Supplementing with NAD+ can help elevate your overall wellness by rebooting your body and mind. Potential benefits include:

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-   Enhanced mental and physical energy: Supporting mitochondrial function with NAD+ has been shown to lead to increased levels of mental and physical energy. Next Health patients have even reported doing multiple workouts and improved productivity after their treatment.

-   Elevated mood: Studies have even shown that boosting mitochondrial health can lead to a decrease in anxiety and depression. This is because elevated mitochondrial function and communication can mediate the targets and damage of stress on various bodily functions

-   Reversed signs of aging: Potentially one of the most valuable and unique benefits of NAD+ Therapy is reversing signs of aging. This is because mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main components of bodily decline. When mitochondrial function is improved, your body can combat and even reverse signs of aging such as the appearance of skin wrinkles and aging spots, difficulty moving, low mobility, and more.

-   Promotes weight maintenance: To support weight loss, healthy mitochondrial function is necessary as without our source of cellular energy our cells are unable to successfully carry out the functions required to aid in metabolic health.

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Learn more about the benefits of NAD+ here

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Vitamin D3 & K2

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In foods and dietary supplements, vitamin D is typically found in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Although both forms can be absorbed during digestion and utilized by cells, studies have shown that vitamin D3 is more effective in raising the levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream for an extended period of time than vitamin D2.

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Active vitamin D in the bloodstream is called 25(OH)D and is the main indicator of someone’s vitamin D status. To optimize the body’s levels of 25(OH)D it is recommended to take vitamin D3 with vitamin K2. This is because vitamin D3 and K2 have a synergistic relationship and vitamin K2 helps ensure the transportation and absorption of vitamin D. When levels of K2 are low, vitamin D can accumulate as deposits in the arteries and is not effectively absorbed.

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The combination of these two supplements has a wide range of benefits including:

• Enhanced immune health: vitamin D is involved in the innate immune response (first response to pathogen) and can decrease your rate of infections as well as combat potentially cancerous cells.
• Improved heart health: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased risk of heart diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.
• Elevated mood: A review of over 7,000 found that vitamin D supplementation helps improve depression symptoms and supports mood regulation.

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Curcumin

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Many of us are familiar with turmeric as this spice has been used in India for hundreds of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. Curcumin is the lesser-known compound that is the main active ingredient in turmeric that gives this spice its healing properties.

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Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory. Because oxidative stress is one of the main causes of aging and inflammatory diseases, curcumin is essential in supporting longevity and overall health.

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Studies show curcumin is so beneficial because it can neutralize free radicals and stimulate the action of other antioxidants.

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Curcumin is also shown to support brain health as it is linked to the formation of new neural connections and decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as curcumin may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier, combatting inflammation in the brain.

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This antioxidant has also been linked to cancer-prevention properties. In a 30-day study of 44 men with potentially cancerous lesions in the colon, four grams of curcumin daily reduced the number of lesions by 40%.

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Ashwagandha

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Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is an annual evergreen shrub that is local to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It is best known for stress and anxiety support as research shows it helps control hormonal mediators of stress such as cortisol. Ashwagandha is also known to reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system in your body that regulates the stress response.

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Moreover, the leaves of Ashwagandha contain trimethylene glycol, which can promote sleep induction naturally. Consistent quality sleep is essential in regulating our stress response.

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These relaxing properties of ashwagandha are fairly well known but this adaptogen is also linked to improved athletic performance. An analysis across 12 studies of both men and women who took ashwagandha doses between 120 mg and 1,250 mg per day found that participants experienced improved physical performance, specifically in strength and oxygen use during exercise.

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Shop Dr. Shah's Top Supplement Picks

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If you're looking for health-enhancing supplements, visit our VITABOOM page that features supplement stacks curated by Next Health CEO & Founder, Dr. Darshan Shah. Every stack is designed to target specific health goals and optimize your overall well-being.

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Next Level Supplementation

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Next Health also offers IV Therapy, NAD+ Therapy, & Vitamin Shots to deliver top-tier vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients straight to your bloodstream.

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Although supplementation is incredibly beneficial, the gastrointestinal tract destroys a lot of nutrients during the digestive process. Therefore, frequent medical services such as those listed above are a great way to ensure you are getting everything you need to live your healthiest, longest life.

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Request A Complimentary Consultation To Learn More

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To book your IV Therapy appointment, call or text us at: (310) 295-2075

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Sources:

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0049676

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet#:~:text=Omega%2D3s%20are%20nutrients%20you,working%20the%20way%20they%20should.

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8