Surgeon shares best supplements for exercise, sleep, heart health and more

Supplements are often seen as a quick way to support overall health, but with endless options lining pharmacy shelves and flooding social media, knowing what actually works can feel overwhelming.

From boosting performance and improving sleep to supporting heart and gut health, there is a different pill or powder for nearly every concern – making it difficult to separate evidence-based choices from trends if you do not have the right guidance. That is where expert insights can help cut through the noise.

Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, has outlined some of the most effective supplements for key aspects of health, including exercise performance, sleep, bone strength, heart health, gut function and more. In an Instagram video shared on 25 March, the heart surgeon highlights, "Keep in mind, these are supplements, not substitutions for exercise, a well-balanced diet, rest and recovery, and strong community."

Exercise

According to Dr London, one of the most effective supplements for improving exercise performance is creatine. He explains that it not only enhances endurance and supports muscle growth but is also backed by extensive research demonstrating its safety and benefits. He notes, "Best supplement for exercise [is] creatine. [It] increases endurance, builds muscle mass and is very well-studied."

Sleep

Dr London recommends magnesium as one of the best and safest options for improving sleep. He highlights that it is well tolerated, highly effective, and associated with minimal side effects, making it a reliable choice for those struggling with sleep issues. He states, "Best supplement for sleep? Magnesium. [It is] well tolerated, very effective, [has] minimal side effects."

Heart health

The heart surgeon suggests omega-3 supplements as the best option for cardiovascular health. According to Mayo Clinic, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are healthy fats that support heart health by lowering triglycerides, reducing inflammation, decreasing arrhythmias and slowing plaque buildup in arteries. Dr London highlights, "Best supplement for heart health? That's a tough one. I'd have to go with omega-3s."

Gut health

According to Dr London, the most effective "supplement" for gut health is not a pill at all, but fibres such as psyllium husk – an essential nutrient often lacking in modern diets. He emphasises that fibre plays a crucial role in improving glucose control, regulating cholesterol levels and directly nourishing the gut microbiome. He explains, "Best supplement for gut health? Fibre. Not a sexy supplement, but improves glucose control, helps control cholesterol and it directly supports healthy gut bacteria."

Bone health

The heart surgeon recommends vitamin D and calcium as the best supplements for bone health. According to PubMed, vitamin D is essential for bone health, acting as the key that allows the body to absorb calcium from food, which builds and maintains strong, dense bones. Dr London states, "Best supplement for bone health? Vitamin D."

Longevity

The heart surgeon emphasises that, unfortunately, there is no single supplement that can guarantee longevity. Instead, extending your lifespan requires consistent effort – prioritising whole, nutrient-dense foods, staying physically active, and allowing for proper rest and recovery. Dr London explains, "Best supplement for longevity? Man, I wish there was one, but you still got to do the work. Whole foods diet, consistent exercise, rest and recovery."

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.