We are all familiar with the motto, you are what you eat. Considering how important nutrition is to our health, the majority of people are in need of making dietary adjustments. In fact, 90 percent of Americans are walking around with nutrient deficiencies. They are lacking things such as:
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Vitamin D
These vitamins allow our bodies to function at full capacity and to stay healthy. When we are lacking in any of these nutrients, we are at a higher risk of developing a chronic disease. Health issues like osteoporosis, depression, thyroid issues, mood disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases are all more prevalent among individuals who are not getting the proper nutrition.
At Omnia Health, we notice that a lot of our patients believe they are eating pretty well. If they had to guess, most feel they don’t have any nutrient deficiencies. However, when we really take the time to break down their daily snacks and meals, ideal nutritional values are under or over the ideal amount.
Overfed And Undernourished
Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge faced by the vast majority of Americans. More often than not, struggles are a result of food quality as opposed to quantity. Nowadays there are so many artificial and highly processed ingredients. You know — the extremely long words that nobody can pronounce. These are not things we want to put into our bodies. We also want to avoid foods and drinks that are filled with fake nutrients that possess no nutritional value yet fill us up with calories. Additionally, they can be harmful to our health.
Around 90% of Americans are taking in a higher amount of sodium than the recommended daily requirement. Excessive sodium is one of the major causes of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
Source: U.S. Food And Drug Administration
Everyone’s body is different. Therefore, one person’s ideal weight will not be the same as another’s. What it really comes down to is creating and implementing a personal nutrition plan that allows your mind and body to perform at their best. Extreme lifestyle changes or diets are not the answer. It’s about finding a balance for how you eat, sleep, workout and manage stress levels. All these components must work together in a way that is manageable for the long-term. Being healthy is not a fad, it is a lifestyle that must be embraced.
Nutrition Isn’t What It Used To Be
There’s been a change in the past 50 to 70 years that has caused the nutritional value of our food to significantly decrease. This trend is called the Great Nutrient Collapse and it is a result of many variables in our lives and environment. One of the main culprits is the ways in which our agriculture and farming practices have changed. There has been a shift from a focus on quality to making quantity the priority. The produce we are consuming today is not what it used to be in years prior. In fact, today’s apple may contain 38 percent fewer nutrients than the same one from 1950.
So the question remains: How do we ensure we are getting the proper amount of nutrients to stay healthy? Well, Omnia Health has a couple healthful tips to get you headed in the right direction.
Eat The Rainbow
You may have heard this philosophy before and there’s a good reason why — it works! Having a variety in your diet is very important. Besides, it gets boring to eat the same things every day. Mix up your fruits and vegetables. From citrusy to sweet, your taste buds will thank you. Switch up your proteins and switch out that chicken for some beef, pork or even better, salmon.
At the end of the day, consuming foods that are high quality and full of nutritional value is the most important thing. That means incorporating power foods like blueberries, kale, beans, avocados, and nuts. Here at Omnia Health, we are huge fans of nuts and seeds. They are tiny, unexpected powerhouses of nutrients you can add and mix to a variety of food and beverages. Chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds are all fantastic, high density foods.
A study of 2,000 people from the U.S. found just 22 percent drink the USDA recommended eight to 10 glasses a day.
You also want to commit to staying properly hydrated. Health experts commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon a day. Raise your glass (of water) and cheers to your proper nutrition and good health!
Take A Closer Look
I suggest that almost all my patients get their nutrient levels tested. From vitamins to minerals to amino acids. It’s crucial to understand how your body is currently functioning with and processing your nutrients. You’ll want to have answers to the following nutrition-related questions:
- Are you able to break them down and absorb nutrients?
- Are any nutrients causing problems? If yes, how can we shift your diet to address any issues?
- What changes can be made to eliminate any nutrient deficiencies?
- Are you in need of any supplements?
- Is it possible you’re experiencing any illnesses or symptoms due to your nutrition?
When it comes to nutrition, Omnia Health believes it’s not about feeling full but eating a balanced diet that allows you to live life to the fullest. We have the knowledge and products to help you meet your personal goals and live a healthier, happier life.
We would love for you to follow us on Instagram or Facebook {omniahealthcolorado} and feel free to join our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out on health and wellness insights. Whenever you’re ready to take the first step toward achieving overall well-being, we are ready to get the conversation started!
