Every cell in our body has a need for essential nutrients that must be obtained from food or supplements. As a nation, we are generally over fed and under nourished. This means too many calories, and not enough nutrients such as essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and phytochemicals. There are many reasons for this lack of vital nutrients in our food supply including:
Depleted soils from over-farming and mono-cropping
Transportation of food from other countries
Processing, canning, and freezing
Non-organic farming produces inferior crops
Agricultural breeding for size and yield instead of nutrition
Un-natural diets and lifestyles for cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals
What is the solution?
We need to eat the best we can, favoring whole foods, organic produce, brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, and home cooking when possible. Essentially everyone should add quality supplements their healthy diet. The most recommended supplements include: a multi-vitamin, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Other healthy ideas include buying a Juicer and using it 3-6 times per week, and buying a powerful blender such as a Vitamix, Ninja, or Nutribullet. These machines allow us to take in more concentrated nutrients from fruits and vegetables without all of the chewing involved in eating the whole foods. Experiment with juice and smoothie recipes online- Play with your food! I love to teach my patients to have fun, play, and experiment their way to better nutrition.
If you need extra support for your nutrition goals through naturopathic telemedicine, you can schedule online at the blue button on the right side of the page.