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Do You Have a Nutritional Deficit and What Can You Do About it?

For many individuals, nutritional demand has become greater than the diminished supply of essential nutrients we get from our diet.

The quantity and quality of the nutrition we get from our food is determined by the soil it is grown in and the processing it goes through. Today, the soils in which we grow our fruits and vegetables are depleted of many essential minerals. We consume more and more processed foods that are lacking in the nutrients they once had. In addition we make food choices that tend towards fast and convenient foods, which often provide empty calories high in fat and concentrated carbohydrates. On the other side of the scale, environmental factors, stress, illness and medications have increased our nutritional demand.

Pollutants in our environment produce an ever-growing amount of free radicals, increasing the demand for antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin’s A, C and E.  Life’s stresses deplete the body of the B vitamins, particularly pantothenic acid. Stress also depletes Vitamin C, electrolytes, and the trace mineral zinc.

Every illness is associated with a body system.  For example high blood pressure and heart disease are associated with the cardiovascular system. Muscle spasm and joint pain are associated with the musculoskeletal system, etc.

Each body system requires specific nutrients for optimal function. An illness increases the demand for nutrients required by the associated body system. Illness can also be a reflection of a nutrient deficiency.  Frequent colds or flu may reflect a deficiency in those nutrients that are necessary for a healthy immune system.

Thousands of medications (both prescription and over the counter) interfere with the absorption and utilization of nutrients.  Use of medications such as NSAIDS, antacids, diuretics, anti-hypertensives, oral contraceptives etc. can lead to drug induced nutritional deficiencies.

Five steps to reduce your nutritional deficit:

Step 1:  Eat fresh whole foods whenever available. Fresh whole foods offer the richest source of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

Step 2:  Make certain food is properly digested and that nutrients are properly absorbed. Low stomach acid and diminished amounts of digestive enzymes limit the amount of nutrients absorbed from the foods we eat.

Step 3:  Avoid environmental pollutants. Avoiding free radicals generated by the sun’s ultra-violet rays, air and water pollution, pesticides, herbicides, microwaves, etc. dramatically reduces oxidative stress and the demand for antioxicants.

Step 4:  Reduce stress.  Exercise and purposeful relaxation can lessen the impact of a stress filled life and work environment. We welcome your participation in fitness classes at the wellness center.

Step 5:  Supplement the diet for those nutrients where demand is increased and dietary intake is limited by soil depletion and food choices.

Dietary and lifestyle changes are the first steps in reducing nutritional deficit.