Choose the Right Magnesium, Time Your Vitamin D, and 3 More Wellness Tips This Week

Whether you’re browsing the supplement aisle or choosing lunch meat, this week’s wellness roundup offers practical tips to help you make choices that align with your health goals.

1. Choose the right magnesium supplement 💊

There are many over-the-counter magnesium supplements available, and knowing which one is right for your needs can be confusing.

Magnesium citrate and glycinate are well absorbed by the body. Magnesium oxide, on the other hand, is not absorbed as efficiently but acts as an osmotic laxative that draws water into your intestines. For this reason, it is more likely to cause diarrhea.

Regardless of which type you choose, do not exceed 350 mg per day of magnesium supplements. This quantity offers benefits while limiting side effects. If you are unsure whether you need a supplement or what type of supplement to take, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

2. Take iron and vitamin D at the right times ☀️

Some supplements and medications don’t go well together. Others work together and can even enhance each other’s effects. If you take vitamin D and iron to correct deficiencies, you don’t have to worry about harmful interactions. They perform different functions: iron supports healthy red blood cells, while vitamin D strengthens bones.

You can take both, but not at the same time, to maximize absorption. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, for example before breakfast. Vitamin D is best absorbed from fat, so take it with a meal containing healthy fats.

3. Choose the best meats for lunch 🥪

Lunch meat gets a bad rap, but it’s a convenient, affordable and tasty way to add protein to your meals. Some choices at the deli counter are better suited to certain health needs and goals than others.

Look for lean cuts of turkey or chicken breast that are low in sodium and free of nitrites or nitrates. Avoid heavily processed meats, like bratwurst, bologna, hot dogs, and pepperoni, which tend to contain more additives and salt. If you like ham, keep it as an occasional treat and opt for unsalted, low-sodium varieties.

4. Try kiwi to support your blood pressure 🥝

For a tiny, fluffy fruit, kiwifruit has some interesting health benefits, like maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Although it does not replace a lifestyle change or prescribed medication, eating more kiwi regularly may help lower blood pressure. The fruit is rich in potassium, which helps relax blood vessels. Even though it doesn’t move the needle on your blood pressure, kiwi is still a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

5. Avoid This Apple Cider Vinegar Trend 🍎

If you’re not a fan of kiwifruit or are looking for a natural “quick fix” to combat blood pressure, beware of viral social media trends. Despite the hype, a dose of apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, and lemon is not a proven remedy for blood pressure.

No research shows that taking a “dose” of these ingredients benefits your health or lowers blood pressure. Although each ingredient may have minor effects on circulation or sodium balance, these benefits are probably too small to make a real difference.

The drink may also cause side effects or interact with medications, so it’s best to avoid it and talk to your doctor about safe and effective ways to manage blood pressure.