It is no secret that the consumption of adequate nutrients is essential to optimum health and well-being. Each vitamin and mineral plays a vital role in the functioning of the human body. Though overt deficiencies of micronutrients are less common in the United States than worldwide, it is an unfortunate reality that many Americans are consuming suboptimal levels of required nutrients.
Studies show insufficient consumption of vitamin D, vitamin E, and magnesium in well over half of US adults. Additionally, over 40% of the population does not meet the daily intake requirement for calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. As the popularity of processed and convenience foods has risen, the consumption of crucial nutrients has decreased. The result is an overfed, undernourished society.
If sub optimal nutritional status is the norm for the majority of people, what does that mean for the conscientious eater? Is the consumer who focuses on eating a balanced, fresh, unprocessed diet receiving every vitamin, mineral, essential fatty acid, and antioxidant required to thrive? Sadly, even the most well-rounded eating style may still lead to gaps in nutrient status.
There are a wide variety of factors that prevent people from achieving optimum nutrition through food alone. Industrial agriculture practices deplete the soil of key minerals. Long distance transportation and long-term storage of produce created a shift away from local eating. These factors result in fruits and vegetables that are simply not as nutrient dense as they once were.
The quality of the modern food supply is not the only concern. Chronic stress levels of modern life lead to higher nutrient needs. Changes in daily exposure to environmental stressors have created a toxic burden that may prevent utilization of ingested nutrients and reduced exposure to sunlight impacts nutrient absorption.
This is where appropriate use of dietary supplements come into play. It is easy to be overwhelmed by this option, given that the industry grew to be valued at over 55 billion dollars in 2020. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow to ensure optimal health through diet and supplementation.
First, reach for food as the primary nutrient source. Aim to consume 4-5 cups of vegetables, 1-2 cups of fruit, plenty of healthy fats, and adequate protein from high-quality sources. Learn about local farmers and seasonally appropriate eating. Next, consider supplements in whole-food form. To gain maximum benefit from supplemental nutrients, it’s important to avoid synthetic and isolate compounds. Look for nutrients in their naturally occurring form.
Finally, seek out professional guidance to assess nutrient status and supplemental need. Nutrition professionals, like those at MetroEast Natural Healing Center in Oakdale, use a targeted approach to assess states of malnutrition, toxicity, and other causes of ill-health. Highly trained and experienced nutrition practitioners specialize in creating customized dietary and supplemental plans to improve the health of their patients. From minor symptoms to serious health concerns, the expertise of a holistic practitioner can make a major difference in reaching one's health goals.
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