On the Level About Nutrients Chuck Lehman, Any Lab Test Now A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest assures us that we are nutritionally balanced – right? And if we can’t always eat right, all we have to do is take one of the many super mega multivitamins and we’re “covered.” Actually, maybe not. The fact is that many people work diligently to improve and maintain quality health and can still have deficiencies in nutrition. This can even apply to the best of athletes. How can this be? There are several factors that can hamper your nutrient levels. First, we are all metabolically and biochemically unique and the nutrient requirements of one person may be quite different from another. This is particularly true with people who lead active lifestyles. And absorption, how our body processes what it takes in, is not always efficient. Our requirements at age 30 are quite different from our requirements at age 40, 50 and beyond, which is why the vitamin aisle has expanded in recent years to have more age-tailored options. Even in good health, absorption difficulties commonly occur as we age. But lifestyle choices such as low physical activity, social drinking and even high anxiety also impact our micronutrient demands. Common counter and prescription drugs (birth control, statin drugs and pain relievers) can also block the absorption of nutrients. Because vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress the function of the immune system, health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, fatigue, cardiovascular disease and cancer can be affected, directly or indirectly, by micronutrient deficiencies. The immune system must be healthy in order to identify a wide range of agents such as viruses and parasites and distinguish them from the healthy cells in order to function properly. Getting all the nutrients needed to maintain optimum health may include the use of a multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, research shows that 50% of the people taking multivitamins are still nutritionally deficient. Supplements are not all created equal and for the reasons mentioned above, it is difficult to know what our body lacks, or how it’s using what it’s getting. Should I choose a supplement based on my age? My gender? My lifestyle? My need to lose weight? Do I even need one? It is now possible to measure the function of selected vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential micronutrients to determine how your body is absorbing what it takes in. This analysis can reveal a person’s unique functional nutrient status. This opportunity of inner exploration allows us to greatly improve our health by knowing what our body is lacking.
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.