Get Fit Tip: Why Should We Take Vitamins?

Why should I take a vitamin for my health?

In a special three-part series, the “Today” show tries to clear up some of the confusion surrounding vitamins. We know they're important to our health, but what's the best way to get vitamins and which ones do we really need? Dr. Andrew Weil, author and director of the program in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson, was invited on the “Today” show to navigate through the nutrition maze.

When it comes to obtaining the micronutrients your body needs, your best possible source is food, especially fruits and vegetables. But circumstances may prevent you from eating optimally every day. The main reason I take supplements is for insurance against gaps in my diet. Also, researchers are finding that some important vitamins (D and E particularly) and minerals are protective against disease in amounts that may be difficult to obtain through diet alone, no matter how conscientious you are. This is another reason I take supplements faithfully and encourage my patients to do so as well.

I recommend a comprehensive antioxidant and multivitamin for women and men as the basic foundation for nutritional insurance. My recommended daily antioxidant regimen includes 200 mg of vitamin C, 400 to 800 IU of natural vitamin E (or 80 mg of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols), 200 mcg of selenium, 15,000 to 20,000 IU of mixed carotenoids, and 30 to 100 mg of coenzyme Q10.

Supplementation to cover dietary gaps is only one aspect of optimum health, which also includes the following lifestyle approaches:

Be active
For optimum health, I recommend walking every day.

Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
Vegetables and fruits are the best sources of antioxidants, although tea and dark chocolate contribute as well. Cold-water fish, freshly ground flaxseed and walnuts all provide omega-3 fatty acids.

Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable major illness. The best defense against the harmful effects of tobacco is to never use it.

De-stress
Practice breathing exercises and explore other relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation to find ones that work for you.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy