Understanding the Link Between Micronutrients and Disease
In the United States, there is a widespread issue of excessive calorie intake coupled with insufficient nutrition, leading to a state of overfeeding and undernourishment. You can see this when you take a look at the epidemic of obesity & disease — we have sufficient calories and insufficient nutrients (all disease has a root cause associated with one or more nutrient deficiencies).
Research underscores that Americans suffer from significant deficiencies in crucial nutrients due to a diet lacking in essential elements. Our bodies, in desperate need of vital micronutrients, compel us to eat more in an attempt to obtain these necessary components. The imbalance in nutrient intake triggers hunger hormones as a survival mechanism, compelling continuous overeating and resulting in undernourishment, specifically related to micronutrients.
Micronutrient malnutrition refers to health conditions arising from a deficiency of vitamins or minerals in the diet. Micronutrients, encompassing vitamins and minerals, are essential for cell function, immunity, growth, metabolism, cognition, mood stability, weight regulation, detoxification and overall development. Prolonged micronutrient deficiency predisposes individuals to various chronic diseases, including neurological disorders, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Common micronutrient deficiencies in Americans:
94.3% deficient in vitamin D
91.7% deficient in choline
88.5% deficient in vitamin E
66.9% deficient in vitamin K
52.2% deficient in magnesium
44.1% deficient in calcium
43.0% deficient in vitamin A
38.9% deficient in vitamin C
These figures are concerning for a developed nation. The roots of this problem extend beyond the well-known shortcomings of the Standard American Diet (SAD). Chronic diseases, soil depletion, and prescription medications also contribute significantly to the depletion of micronutrients.
The SAD, characterized by chemical-laden processed foods (aka franken-foods), is a major contributor to the health crisis. Majority of its calories come from highly processed, pro-inflammatory foods that are void of essential nutrients, resulting in a deficiency of micronutrients, antioxidants, fatty acids, and phytochemicals crucial for immune function, brain health, and protection against chronic illnesses.
Chronic stress and inflammation hinder nutrient absorption, challenging the accuracy of Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) based on "healthy" individuals. Moreover, agricultural practices harm health by exposing us to inflammatory pesticides and depleting vital nutrients from the soil. Studies show a significant decline in nutritional content in cultivated fruits and vegetables over the past 50 years.
Pharmaceuticals, widely consumed in the U.S., can contribute to nutrient depletions, affecting proper absorption, metabolism, and excretion.
Almost half of American adults take prescription drugs, and nearly 20% take three or more.
Various factors, including age, stress, sleep, nutrient status, and microbiome health all influence the digestion, metabolization & absorption of micronutrients. To address this epidemic, adopting nutrition protocols like Paleo, AIP, or Whole 30 are a good first step. They’ll reduce the burden on the gut, allowing you to begin our gut healing 6R protocol that will ultimately support nutrient replenishment.
Remove irritants
Replace enzymes
Repair gut lining
Reinoculate microbiome
Replenish deficiencies
Rebalance hormones
Moreover, testing for specific nutrient deficiencies and using high-quality supplements, along with lifestyle changes, can help combat and replenish micronutrient deficiencies effectively. Regular testing and adjustments to your diet & supplementation plan are recommended to ensure optimal absorption and health as you age. Staying proactive and prioritizing the consumption of high-nutrient dense foods are key strategies in overcoming this widespread micronutrient crisis.
How To Identify If You Need To Test Your Micronutrient Status:
Curious as to whether or not you’re one of many that suffer from micronutrient deficiencies?
If you have the following symptoms, diagnoses, or risk factors, you more than likely are! Click on the links below to see nutrient-wheels for each symptom or condition.
If you struggle with any of the above symptoms, diagnoses, or risk factors — I invite you to test your micronutrient status with us through Vibrant Wellness. The Vibrant Wellness micronutrient test is the only test on the market to measure direct levels of extra- and intracellular micronutrients, giving us the most complete and accurate picture of your micronutrient status. See below for a list of all micronutrients tested within the Vibrant Wellness Micronutrient panel.
Click here to get your micronutrient test kit. It includes a live interpretation session with recommendations on how to get your nutrient status back up efficiently and effectively.
Already know your deficiencies and want access to quality supplements tested for purity, potency, and efficacy? Click here to get 10% off by creating an account within our online supplement shop.
