This post was sponsored by Nature Made® as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.
Today I wanted to share with you all something that I’ve been doing for quite a while, but that is especially important when putting my body through marathon training – supplements. Before you say anything, I realize that everyone has their opinions on supplements. For me, I don’t want to take the chance of being deficient on anything so I make sure that I am taking at least my basic supplements regularly.
Here are some of the Nature Made supplements in my regimen:
Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc
We’ve had this one around the house for quite a while. Each of these vitamins is important for various reasons. Calcium obviously helps to promote bone health. This is especially important for me as I am approaching my 30s, which are the years where it is believed your bone density begins to decrease.
Magnesium helps your body to maintain proper muscle and nerve function in the body. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body and supports your immune system. Magnesium just like calcium is stored in the bones and can also increase bone health.
Zinc, unlike Magnesium and Calcium, cannot be stored directly in the body and must be taken in daily. Zinc can help to absorb minerals into the body and aids in immunity, metabolism, and protein synthesis. It is often taken when looking to boost your immune system.
I currently take this twice a day in the morning with breakfast and in the evening before bed.
Iron
If you’ve never had an iron deficiency, you are a lucky one! They can be extremely nasty and harmful to the body. The symptoms can seem as though you are just tired or overtrained. You’ll often see a drop in your performance, fatigue, and really not understanding why.
Even a small drop in you iron levels can cause differences in how your body feels and how you perform. Iron specifically helps your body to metabolize protein and plays a big role in the production of red blood cells.
I usually base how much iron I take on my diet for the day. If I’ve had a lot of foods high in iron, I may skip my supplement. However, if I feel my diet was lacking that day I take one of these before bed. My stomach is pretty sensitive to iron so I always try to take it with a small amount of food.
Potassium Gluconate
Potassium has always been a part of my post-run routine to aid in proper recovery. Potassium also helps to aid in heart health and nerve function within the body. Potassium for runners, works a lot like sodium in the body. It helps to balance out the electrolytes in your body. This can help keep your muscles from cramping and aid in recovery.
I typically will take a potassium supplement after my run and then again before bed if I have had a particular long or hard work out that day.
As you may notice, all the vitamins above are from Nature Made. What really makes Nature Made different from other vitamin brands?
- Nature Made has been rated the #1 best selling brand for quality vitamins, minerals, and supplements.**
- They have commitment to transparency. That means they are completely open and honest and working in full view.
- For 40 years, they have focused on the quality of their product. From ingredient sourcing, to industry-leading manufacturing practices, to their third-party verification approach, they believe it is their responsibility to lead in delivering quality products and a quality consumer experience.
All of these were found at my local Walmart. The selection was large but it was easy to find exactly what I was looking for.
Nature Made is currently running a 30-Day Healthy Habit Builder Campaign.
All you need to do is go to NatureMade.com/Challenge and join the Nature Made® Healthy Habit Builder program. You can get motivation and tips around your specific health goals. In addition, you’ll be automatically entered to win a grand prize of $5,000*
This is a great and easy way to start putting your healthy habit as a priority!
Giveaway
Want to win one of 20 $50 Walmart gift cards to help you get the Nature Made vitamins you want? Just click on the following link: Nature Made Wellness 4
*I-C will randomly select 20 winners from all program entries and will handle fulfillment of the winning prizes.
Good luck!
**Based in part on data reported by Nielsen through its Scantrack Service for the Vitamins Category for 52-week period ending 1/02/2016, for the xAOC Market. Copyright © 2016 Nielsen.Nature Made is the #1 Pharmacist recommended supplement brand in 9 categories.
**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C) 18 YEARS AND OLDER.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter by 3/31/16. Internet access required. 1 Grand Registration Prize (actual value $5,000) and 30 Challenge Prizes (each actual value $250) available to be won. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit HealthyHabitBuilder.com. Sponsor: Pharmavite LLC, 8510 Balboa Blvd. Suite 100, Northridge, CA 91325.
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