Selenium works with Vitamin E as an antioxidant, both protecting cells and supporting immune function. Zinc : helps your body use food, supports enzymatic reactions and promotes cell reproduction and tissue growth and repair.

Probiotics : help promote healthy bacteria growth in the intestine by either changing or reintroducing new bacteria. Phytonutrients are bioactive chemicals in food that slow the aging process and reduce the risk of many diseases.

Fitness Nutrition Forums. Learn More Nutrition Fitness Forums. Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Supplements If you are worried about specific nutrients in your diet or think you are not getting enough, there are some basic steps you can take to make sure you are getting enough nutrition everyday!

Roan James. The FDA only really recommends supplement intake for the following groups of people: People over 50 are recommended to consume vitamin B in its crystalline form, found in fortified foods or supplements Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant are recommended to eat iron-fortified foods, or foods high in heme-iron combined with foods that enhance iron absorption, like vitamin C Women who may become pregnant should focus on consuming adequate synthetic folic acid in addition to food forms of folate Older adults should consider consuming extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods or supplements For those who are concerned they are not getting enough of a specific nutrient here are some key essential nutrients and food sources.

Sources: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, nuts and dairy products. Sources: Whole grains, legumes, nuts and green vegetables. Sources: Green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified foods, dairy products, and tofu.

Sources: Bell peppers, guava, papaya, oranges, broccoli, grapefruit, mangos, cantaloupe, cabbage and collard greens. Sources: Vegetable oils, nuts and sunflower seeds, soy, spinach and peanut butter. Sources: Fatty fish, fish oils, sunlight, beef liver, cheese, fortified foods like milk and egg yolks.

Sources: Saltwater fish, potatoes, iodized salt, and cooked navy beans. Chromium helps insulin use glucose in your body. Sources: Whole-gains, cheese, peas, eggs and meats. Sources: Nuts, seeds, organ meats, and seafood.

Sources: Meats, beans, spinach, seeds, and whole wheat foods. Sources: Whole-grain products, lentils, pineapple, strawberries, and kale.

Sources: Seeds, whole-grains, seafood, organ meats, and eggs. You will surely find one that can help meet your nutritional needs while keeping your taste buds and wallet happy.

I am a dietitian who worked in a hospital for many years. Ensure is really good if you need something that is non-milk-based.

These provide vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates, and are much cheaper. You can also make them into milkshakes with ice cream and add some variety.

Melissa P. of Kelso, WA. I am unsure if this is the equivalent of anything, but a dietician suggested mixing one cup of whole milk with one-half cup of dry powdered skim milk and one-half cup of decaffeinated Ovaltine.

This and daily vitamins helped my son through a very tough time. You may want to ask a dietician or your family physician if the caloric and other numbers are similar.

Patricia R. Subscribe to get money-saving tips just like these by email that can help you stretch and grow your dollars. Twice each week, you'll receive tips that can help you free up and keep more of your hard-earned money, even on the tightest of budgets. We respect your privacy.

We hate spam. Unsubscribe at any time. I have two recipes. or soak them in a bit of milk for your specific consistency 4 ice cubes tablespoons sugar or honey I prefer honey because it is a natural, non-processed item; you can get a less processed sugar, but it can be expensive unless you know how to shop for it tablespoons wheat germ.

Place milk and oats in a blender and let sit for five minutes. Blend until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend again. Add more sugar if needed. More fruit may be added to your tastes.

Increase sugar if the fruit is tart. Puree and enjoy with a squeeze of lime if desired. You can vary the fruit used, such as banana, pineapple, or other berries. Sharon S. Related: Produce Purchasing Tricks From a Produce Manager. If you prefer whole foods over processed products, there are natural alternatives that can provide essential nutrients.

You can opt for nutrient-dense foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, lean meats, fish, dairy products, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. These foods offer a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. For example, avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help promote heart health.

Nuts and seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Lean meats and fish provide high-quality protein, along with important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. When incorporating natural food alternatives into your diet, it's important to ensure that you are consuming a variety of foods to obtain a broad spectrum of nutrients.

By diversifying your food choices, you can maximize the nutritional benefits and enjoy a wide range of flavors and textures. Remember, the key to finding a suitable substitute for Ensure Plus is to consider your individual nutritional needs, preferences, and goals. Whether you choose to make homemade meal replacement shakes, opt for commercial products, or focus on natural food alternatives, there are plenty of options available to support your health and well-being.

Now that we have explored the different types of substitutes, let's evaluate the pros and cons of using these alternatives. Substitutes that provide a similar nutritional profile to Ensure Plus can offer health benefits such as improved energy levels, support for muscle recovery, and overall well-being.

However, it is essential to be mindful of any potential risks or allergic reactions associated with certain ingredients.

Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice. One advantage of exploring different substitutes is the opportunity to find options that suit your taste preferences and texture expectations.

Experiment with various products or homemade recipes, and find one that satisfies your palate. The convenience factor should also be considered when evaluating substitutes. Some options may require minimal preparation and can be consumed on the go, while others may require more time and effort to prepare.

Determine what fits best into your lifestyle and daily routine. In conclusion, finding a good substitute for Ensure Plus is possible by considering the nutritional profile, criteria for a suitable substitute, exploring different types of substitutes, and evaluating the pros and cons of these alternatives.

By taking these factors into account, you can identify a substitute that meets your specific needs, preferences, and goals. Remember, always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice before making any significant changes to your diet.

Stop worrying about what you can't eat and start enjoying what you can. No bloat, no pain, no problem. Our gut friendly keto, paleo and low FODMAP certified products are gluten-free, lactose-free, soy free, no additives, preservatives or fillers and all natural for clean nutrition.

Try them today and feel the difference! Your cart is empty Continue shopping Have an account? Your cart. Update Check out. casa de sante Wellness What Is A Good Substitute For Ensure Plus. What Is A Good Substitute For Ensure Plus Ensure Plus is a popular nutritional supplement designed to provide essential nutrients and calories for individuals who are at risk of malnutrition or have increased nutritional needs.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Ensure Plus Before we delve into finding a substitute, it is important to understand the nutritional profile of Ensure Plus. Key Nutrients in Ensure Plus In addition to its calorie content, Ensure Plus is also rich in essential nutrients.

The Role of Ensure Plus in a Balanced Diet While Ensure Plus can be a valuable addition to a person's diet, it is important to note that it should not replace regular meals.

Criteria for a Suitable Substitute When considering a substitute for Ensure Plus, several factors need to be taken into account. Nutritional Equivalence The substitute should provide a similar nutritional profile to Ensure Plus.

Dietary Restrictions and Preferences Your dietary restrictions and preferences should be considered when selecting a substitute. Cost and Availability Another important factor to consider is the cost and availability of the substitute. Exploring Different Types of Substitutes Now that we have established the criteria, let's explore the different types of substitutes available that may serve as suitable alternatives to Ensure Plus.

Homemade Meal Replacement Shakes One option is to prepare homemade meal replacement shakes using whole foods and protein sources.

Other Commercial Meal Replacement Products There are several commercially available meal replacement products in the market that offer a similar nutritional profile to Ensure Plus.

Natural Food Alternatives If you prefer whole foods over processed products, there are natural alternatives that can provide essential nutrients. Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Substitutes Now that we have explored the different types of substitutes, let's evaluate the pros and cons of using these alternatives.

Health Benefits and Risks Substitutes that provide a similar nutritional profile to Ensure Plus can offer health benefits such as improved energy levels, support for muscle recovery, and overall well-being.

Taste and Texture Comparisons One advantage of exploring different substitutes is the opportunity to find options that suit your taste preferences and texture expectations.

If you're having trouble eating all the nutrients you need, focus on eating foods that are easy to digest. Fibrous green vegetables are important in your diet, but they make you feel full and are difficult to digest.

Peanut butter is an example of a high-calorie, protein-rich food that you can use as a spread or eat alone. Two tablespoons of peanut butter provides about calories, according to USDA Nutrient Database. Other spreads, like hummus and guacamole help you pack calories and nutrients into your meals.

Cook food with extra butter, olive oil or canola oil to quickly increase fats and calories. An article from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends adding ingredients like heavy cream, maple syrup or chopped nuts when appropriate to add calories.

Nutrition Nutrition Basics Vitamins and Supplements. Make your own nutrient-rich Ensure supplement with whole foods like milk, fruit, and peanut butter. Try Other Brands. Video of the Day. Make Your Own. Small Meals and Snacks. Eating a Balanced Diet. Boosting What You're Eating.

Ensure Original: Nutrition Facts Carnation Breakfast Essentials: Rich Milk Chocolate Nutrition Facts American Cancer Society: Nutrition for the Person With Cancer During Treatment: A Guide For Patients and Families Chobani: Products-Fruit on the Bottom USDA National Nutrient Database: Trail Mix USDA National Nutrient Database: Egg, Whole, Cooked Hard-Boiled USDA National Nutrient Database: Raisins, Seedless Cancer Dietitian: Smoothies a Cancer Fighting Combination Fitbit: Calories in Peanut Butter Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Healthy High-Calorie Eating.

A crowd was forming! How do you read these labels? What do we really need and is this the right choice for me? The media tells us about all sorts of studies that inform us that we need all sorts of supplementation in order to stave off disease and live longer lives.

So, is filling a basket at the pharmacy the answer? Supplementation should be just that, supplementation, an addition to an already healthy lifestyle. It is not a substitution.

If you are eating a healthy whole foods diet, rich in leafy greens, grains, vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, lots of clean water and healthy fats you are supplementing already.

If your weekly routine includes exercise and proper sleep, your body is getting most of what it needs. Supplementation should be considered if going through extreme times of stress, illness or if medication is being taken that may deplete certain vitamins or minerals.

Consult your Doctor, Naturopathic Doctor or a Registered Holistic Nutritionist before starting a new regiment of supplements to make sure that this is right for you. Check with your pharmacist to make sure that any medications that you take do not interact with your supplement. Start off slowly.

Introducing many new supplements at once may be hard on your body. Give your system time to adjust. Always start with the lowest dose and work your way up if needed. Purchase your supplements at Health stores that specialize in supplements.

You are looking for pharmaceutical grade supplements that are not full of fillers and additives. Buying them at your local discount store is not advisable. In this case, you get what you pay for. If you find this too expensive, remember, much of what we need can be found in a good healthy diet!

This means that your body will have access to and use more of the actual vitamin or mineral than other forms. Make sure that the supplement is targeted for your age and sex category. Men for instance, should not be taking multi- vitamins that are made specifically for women.

Their needs are different. One size does not fit all! B Vitamins should always be taken in a complex unless advised by a medical professional as they are delicately balanced in our system and can be thrown off kilter easily.

A daily multi-vitamin can indeed be good nutrition insurance against missing out on important nutrients, like iron , vitamin D , and calcium. Depending on which gaps in your child's diet you need to fill, you could give them a gummy vitamin, chewable multi-vitamin, or vitamin to simply get extra vitamin D.

However, it's also ideal to work on acclimating your child to eating a more varied diet, even if you also give them a daily vitamin. It's challenging for vitamins to provide all the nutrition your child needs, particularly as the goal is for them to eat a varied diet of whole foods.

Learn more about alternatives to vitamins for picking eaters. But what do you do when your picky eater is so picky that he won't even take a daily vitamin? It may come as a surprise to some parents, but there are kids who think that chewable vitamins are too chalky and who won't even touch a gummy vitamin.

What do you do then? You could try different brands of chewable vitamins and gummy vitamins in different flavors and with different characters, hoping they will like one of them, but that is an expensive option.

Vitamins for kids aren't cheap. Of course, the best alternative to a vitamin is simply to get your kids to eat more whole foods that are chock full of vitamins, removing the reason that you thought they needed vitamins in the first place.

That is, in fact, the advice of the American Dietetic Association, which states that "the best nutrition-based strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to wisely choose a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods.

These nutrient-rich foods would include fruits , vegetables , whole grains , beans, nuts, and seeds. Eating a lot of these foods might be easier said than done for a picky eater, though.

One easy, although not necessarily inexpensive, alternative to vitamins for picky eaters might be that instead of plain milk , you give your child a nutrition drink, such as:.

Available in a lot of different flavors, these nutrition drinks can also provide your child with extra fiber, protein, and calories.

You do want to make sure that the extra calories from these drinks don't fill your child up and make them eat even less food, though. Ovaltine is another popular drink mix that you can add to milk to supplement some of the vitamins and minerals your kids get.

Lastly, if your child won't take a vitamin and you really think he should, you could try to give him more vitamin-fortified foods. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful substance that has been studied thoroughly in recent years Curcumin fights inflammation at the molecular level by blocking an inflammatory signalling molecule called NF-kB 13 , For example, in a study in 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis, mg of curcumin per day was more effective than the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac Curcumin also has numerous other health benefits.

According to one study, curcumin may also help fight depression. In fact, the results of this study found that curcumin performed as well as the antidepressant drug prozac These supplements are widely available in health stores and online.

Curcumin is the biologically active agent in turmeric. They inhibit the production of cholesterol in your liver, leading to significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels. Interestingly, an extract of a type of fermented rice called red yeast rice may have similar effects. It contains small amounts of monacolin K, which is the active ingredient in the statin drug Lovastatin Still, the amount of the active ingredient in supplements can vary up to fold depending on the brand Due to the potency of monacolin K, the Food and Drug Administration FDA has ruled that red yeast rice products containing this substance should be considered a drug rather than a supplement Some manufacturers try to evade these regulations by selling red yeast rice supplements that only contain trace amounts of monacolin K.

For this reason — and due to potential side effects — you should ask your healthcare provider to help you find a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer. It can reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart attacks and death in people who already have heart disease.

Garlic is a popular ingredient in cuisines worldwide, but it has also been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years, including by the Greeks and Romans The main effects of garlic are due to one of its active compounds, allicin, which is highly beneficial for heart health Even more importantly, aged garlic extract can significantly lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and early death 33 , In people with elevated levels, garlic can lower systolic blood pressure the top number in a reading by 8.

In one study in people with high blood pressure, garlic tablets were even more effective than the blood-pressure-lowering drug atenolol Garlic also appears to boost immune function and fight the common cold.

You can buy garlic supplements in stores and online. Supplements containing aged garlic extract are available as well. Garlic has a wide range of biological effects. It can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and help fight the common cold. Supplements, no matter how effective, can never replace a healthy lifestyle with real food , exercise, and good sleep.

If you have a medical condition or take any medications, consult with your healthcare provider before trying these substances. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Life can take a toll on your energy levels. from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

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Shining light on night blindness. Can watching sports be bad for your health? Beyond the usual suspects for healthy resolutions. August 31, Photos Courtesy of Manufacturers These heavily marketed liquid meals and nutrition shakes aren't always the best option for your health. Here's what you need to look for.

Nutrition in a bottle These examples offer the ratio of calories, protein, carbohydrate, and fat per serving recommended by dietitian Stacey Nelson of Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Drink 8 ounces Calories Fat grams Protein grams Carbohydrate grams Boost high protein 6 15 33 Ensure high protein 6 12 31 Protein Zone by Naked Juice 2 16 34 Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus mango flavor 1 16 31 The risks of nutrition drinks Supplemental nutrition shakes contain more than just healthy ingredients.

Alternative option to nutrition drinks A potentially healthier option is a shake or fruit smoothie that is food-based and found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.

What to look for in a nutrition drink No matter which drink you choose, look at the ingredients. Share This Page Share this page to Facebook Share this page to Twitter Share this page via Email.

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Learn more about alternatives to vitamins for picking eaters. But what do you do when your picky eater is so picky that he won't even take a daily vitamin? It may come as a surprise to some parents, but there are kids who think that chewable vitamins are too chalky and who won't even touch a gummy vitamin.

What do you do then? You could try different brands of chewable vitamins and gummy vitamins in different flavors and with different characters, hoping they will like one of them, but that is an expensive option. Vitamins for kids aren't cheap.

Of course, the best alternative to a vitamin is simply to get your kids to eat more whole foods that are chock full of vitamins, removing the reason that you thought they needed vitamins in the first place.

That is, in fact, the advice of the American Dietetic Association, which states that "the best nutrition-based strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to wisely choose a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods.

These nutrient-rich foods would include fruits , vegetables , whole grains , beans, nuts, and seeds. Eating a lot of these foods might be easier said than done for a picky eater, though. One easy, although not necessarily inexpensive, alternative to vitamins for picky eaters might be that instead of plain milk , you give your child a nutrition drink, such as:.

Available in a lot of different flavors, these nutrition drinks can also provide your child with extra fiber, protein, and calories. You do want to make sure that the extra calories from these drinks don't fill your child up and make them eat even less food, though. Ovaltine is another popular drink mix that you can add to milk to supplement some of the vitamins and minerals your kids get.

Lastly, if your child won't take a vitamin and you really think he should, you could try to give him more vitamin-fortified foods. For example, instead of regular peanut butter, you might offer your picky eater Peter Pan Plus peanut butter, which includes extra vitamin A, iron, vitamin E, vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, and copper.

And if you make their peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a good whole wheat bread read the nutrition label , then they will also get extra fiber , calcium, vitamin D, and some other vitamins and minerals too.

Choosing a good breakfast cereal is another good way to find a vitamin-fortified food to help take the place of a vitamin. Instead of sugary cereal, give your picky eater a more vitamin-fortified cereal, such as Total or Multi Grain Cheerios.

Other vitamin-fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods that your picky eater might eat or drink include:. Of course, that doesn't mean that a box of apple juice could take the place of a multi-vitamin, but by choosing enough whole foods and vitamin-fortified foods, you could certainly feel comfortable that your kids are getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need.

Reviewing your child's diet with your pediatrician could help to make sure he doesn't need an extra supplement. Marra MV, Boyar AP. Position of the American Dietetic Association: nutrient supplementation.

J Am Diet Assoc. By Vincent Iannelli, MD Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. It provides various health benefits but is particularly effective at lowering blood sugar levels 1.

These effects are thought to be due to numerous mechanisms. In particular, berberine is believed to reduce glucose production in your liver and improve insulin sensitivity 2 , 3. Studies show that taking berberine can lower blood sugar levels to a similar extent as the popular diabetes drug metformin 4.

It lowers triglyceride and blood pressure levels, as well as total and LDL bad cholesterol, which may reduce your risk of heart disease 1 , 6 , 7 , 8. Berberine has also been shown to have antibacterial effects and may protect against heart failure 9 , 10 , However, keep in mind that this substance is very powerful and has a range of biological effects.

Berberine is a powerful supplement. For example, it may help lower blood sugar levels and improve most major risk factors for heart disease. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful substance that has been studied thoroughly in recent years Curcumin fights inflammation at the molecular level by blocking an inflammatory signalling molecule called NF-kB 13 , For example, in a study in 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis, mg of curcumin per day was more effective than the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac Curcumin also has numerous other health benefits.

According to one study, curcumin may also help fight depression. In fact, the results of this study found that curcumin performed as well as the antidepressant drug prozac These supplements are widely available in health stores and online.

Curcumin is the biologically active agent in turmeric. They inhibit the production of cholesterol in your liver, leading to significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels. Interestingly, an extract of a type of fermented rice called red yeast rice may have similar effects.

It contains small amounts of monacolin K, which is the active ingredient in the statin drug Lovastatin Still, the amount of the active ingredient in supplements can vary up to fold depending on the brand Due to the potency of monacolin K, the Food and Drug Administration FDA has ruled that red yeast rice products containing this substance should be considered a drug rather than a supplement Some manufacturers try to evade these regulations by selling red yeast rice supplements that only contain trace amounts of monacolin K.

For this reason — and due to potential side effects — you should ask your healthcare provider to help you find a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer. It can reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart attacks and death in people who already have heart disease. Garlic is a popular ingredient in cuisines worldwide, but it has also been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years, including by the Greeks and Romans The main effects of garlic are due to one of its active compounds, allicin, which is highly beneficial for heart health Even more importantly, aged garlic extract can significantly lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and early death 33 , In people with elevated levels, garlic can lower systolic blood pressure the top number in a reading by 8.

In one study in people with high blood pressure, garlic tablets were even more effective than the blood-pressure-lowering drug atenolol Garlic also appears to boost immune function and fight the common cold.

You can buy garlic supplements in stores and online. Supplements containing aged garlic extract are available as well. Garlic has a wide range of biological effects. It can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and help fight the common cold.

Supplements, no matter how effective, can never replace a healthy lifestyle with real food , exercise, and good sleep.

If you have a medical condition or take any medications, consult with your healthcare provider before trying these substances. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Life can take a toll on your energy levels. Fortunately, these 11 vitamins and supplements can boost your energy levels when you need it most.

Numerous herbs and plants have been used for centuries as natural remedies, but if you're interested in alternative medicine, it can be tricky to know…. Supplements that increase nitric oxide in the body are incredibly popular.

Here are 5 benefits of nitric oxide supplements for health and performance. Resveratrol is a plant compound found in red wine. Resveratrol supplements may have several benefits for health, and this article explores the top 7.