“Even if you stick to a well-balanced diet, you may not be getting sufficient nutrients,” says Dr. Michael A. Smith M.D., author of the new book and educational tool, “The Supplement Pyramid” and host of Healthy Talk.
In fact, nearly all Americans have an inadequate intake of Vitamin E and nearly a third does not get enough Vitamin C according to government statistics.
“It doesn’t matter how many fruits and vegetables you’re eating if they’re grown in nutrient-poor soil,” says Smith. “The unfortunate truth is that the nutrient content of our soil, and thus our crops, has been steadily declining for decades.”
While organic produce may reduce your exposure to pesticides, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be more nutrient-rich. So in addition to a healthy diet, what can you do to ensure you’re getting sufficient nutrition? Smith offers a few tips:
• Take an ideally dosed multi-vitamin/mineral. From Vitamin A to zinc, your body is dependent on these nutrients for optimal health. But not all multivitamins are the same. Skip the bare-bones variety that provide minimal doses of some essential nutrients, and opt for a robust multivitamin that delivers ideal doses of a full spectrum of essentials.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that your body can’t live without, supporting mental and cognitive health, decreasing cardiovascular disease risk, and lowering systemic inflammation. But because your body can’t make them, you either have to get omega-3 fatty acids through your diet or supplementation.
• All of your cells need energy to function, particularly your heart and brain cells. You may have never heard of coenzyme Q10, but it plays a critical role in cellular energy production. Look for this supplement in ubiquinol form, which is absorbed much better by the body.
• It doesn’t matter how healthy your diet is. If your gut is compromised, it can’t extract the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals you need to survive. Not only that, but about 70 percent of your immune system is actually located in your gut. Since so many factors diminish levels of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, it’s essential to replenish their numbers with daily probiotic supplementation.
• When seeking out supplements, stick with a company that has an established track record of selling high-quality products and uses only pure, potent raw materials. They should also include dosages of key ingredients high enough to impact your health. Find out if your supplements make the grade by doing your research.
Don’t assume a healthy diet is sufficient. Key supplements can improve the way you feel.