Why we’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals and what we can do about it
When I first started out many years ago, I never would’ve guessed I’d become so interested in nutritional deficiencies. Yet, after 30 years working in health, I have come to strongly see the link between people’s poor health and nutritional deficiencies. I have also noticed this first-hand with my own health struggles as well.
Personally, I take magnesium, which has been fantastic for my blood pressure and muscle tension. I often hear similar sentiments from clients, who say things like, “When I stopped taking the magnesium, I sure knew about it!”. Their pain came back, their sleep wasn’t as restful, and their muscular strain and cramps were worse off.
So, why might we need nutritional support in the form of supplements?
Our body needs nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. Supplements can play an important role in ensuring our levels are adequate, beyond what we can extract from our modern-day diets. 21st Century living also means many of us are dealing with chronic stress. Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, which inhibits digestion, meaning nutrients aren’t absorbed as they should be.
We know some health conditions and chronic diseases are related to dangerously low levels of some vitamins and minerals. For example, we know heavy alcohol drinkers can be low in vitamin B1, which can lead to all sorts of health problems such as chronic fatigue, heart complications, psychosis, and nerve damage. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, and there is some debate as to whether a severe magnesium deficiency can lead to heart problems.
The nutrient chromium is safe to take and can help with blood sugar imbalances.
Chromium helps our cells to absorb and use glucose for energy rather than glucose/sugar racing around our bloodstream. A short course may be all that is necessary to help in this area. Your GP can check your blood sugar with a simple blood test, so it is always prudent to have regular check-ups.
A nutritional deficiency can also negatively impact how we age
If we are constantly losing vitamins and minerals without them being replaced, we end up in a deficit. The extra nutrients that supplements provide prevent marauding free radicals from harming healthy cells, speed the repair and regeneration of damaged cells, and facilitate renewal. The upshot of all this is a longer, healthier, more vital life.
Ideally, when we take supplements, we want our body to hold on to these vitamins and minerals so they can be absorbed as much as possible. As I am writing this, I am doing a little experiment in the kitchen! I have two bowls. One has an Entire Katoa food state multivitamin and mineral slowly dissolving in warm water. In the other bowl I have a synthetic vitamin. The Entire Katoa supplement appears to be dissolving faster and this quick absorption is highly beneficial for the small intestine. So, the quality of the supplement you choose is an important factor to consider.
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