“New Year, New You” Part 2

By K. Ross

Happy 2025 “New Year, New You” part 2! As I mentioned in last week’s blog, this months’ blog will be solely devoted to health and wellness. We discussed getting fit and where or where not go, now I would shift our focus on to vitamins and which ones to add to your “daily routine.”

There are so many factors that prevent us from getting us a well-balanced meal every day and without these key nutrients, well let’s face it, it has a negative impact on our health.

Please let me share one warning before I list my “TOP 5” everyday vitamins. Yes, it is true, you can consume too many vitamins and this can be dangerous. So please, please read the labels before taking any vitamins. Now that I gave my PSA, let’s move on to my “TOP 5!”

As I’m sure you have googled at one point, “which vitamins should I take every day?” You get the same answer every time…A, B, C, D, and E. (are you singing the alphabet song in your head?!). While a couple of these are on my “TOP 5” list, I’m going to make a couple other suggestions. My suggestions have no age discrimination, they can be taken anyone over the age of 16. So, if you’re reading this blog and are 25 or if you are 90, these suggestions are for you!

Let’s start the “TOP 5”

Vitamin C – I know this one may be a given, but I can’t stress it enough. Germs, germs…they are everywhere help protect yourself and fight off these nasty germs. This lovely vitamin has so many wonderful qualities…an antioxidant, supports your immune system and helps absorb and store iron. So, if you’re like me and don’t eat enough fruit or if you do eats lots of fruit, this vitamin will help you stay health!

Vitamin D – Like Vitamin C, Vitamin D can also help and reduce your chances of getting sick, but that’s not why I take it! I take this vitamin because it helps with bone and muscle health. Like our immune system, our bones and muscles need lots of love too. If our immune system is healthy, we need our bones and muscles for all the fun activities we plan! (I will suggest, Calcium, if you’re very bone and muscle focused.)

Collagen, collagen, collagen!! (Guys, you can keep reading, this is for you too!) I call this the “wonder vitamin.” Did you know collagen is a protein? We all know how important it is to get as much protein in our diet and we can. Does this make you a collagen believer yet? Did I hear NO? Well then, let me go on with all of the other amazing benefits collagen has to offer. The main purpose of collagen is to help new cells grow, so aids in ealthier nails and hair, skin health, ease joint pain, weight management, gut health, and so on. But I think I’m pretty sure I sold you on collagen…the “wonder vitamin.” And just for clarification, Collagen is not exactly considered a vitamin, but I won’t tell, if you don’t!

While this one may not be considered a vitamin too, but it does contain Vitamin B and C. Apple Cider Vinegar…whether in liquid or pill or gummy form, this can help you in so many ways. Instead of getting into another rant about all the benefits apple cider vinegar do for your health, I’m just going to give the reason why I take it. Gut health. Let’s say it together… a healthy gut is a happy gut! An unhappy gut can wreak havoc in our everyday lives. You can take this in the morning/evening or take it before a big meal…just take it! You and your gut will thank me later!

And finally, Omega 3. Some people may call it fish oil, but whatever you decide to call, you’ll be happy your choice! For now, I will refer to it as Omega 3. Omega 3s main function is basically to help your body function properly. It helps with your heart, your brain, your overall mental health, and even your eye health! Collagen may be my “wonder vitamin,” but Omega 3 is the “SUPER vitamin.” So go pick up some today or put in your online shopping cart! Happy shopping!

I hope I didn’t bore with too many details, I just wanted to give a good overall approach to a few vitamins that can be added to your “every day” routine. And always remember to check with your doctor to make sure which vitamins are on you do/don’t take list. (Yes, that’s my second PSA announcement!)