Foods produced by modern, industrial methods do not always contain the abundant nutritional content once found in the shopping carts of our grandparents. Crops are often grown in soil that has been depleted of minerals from monoculture and chemical (instead of natural) fertilization. Researchers from Rutgers University report that organic vegetables contain twice as much (or even more) trace minerals than those found in the non-organic vegetables that are available from the grocery store.⁷ As a result, even people eating carefully balanced diets consisting of conventional store-bought produce may suffer from nutritional deficiencies.

Because our modern-day lifestyle demands fast food, “on-the-go” food, and quick dietary fixes, many foods today are being heavily processed in order to satisfy immediate gratification, and to prolong shelf-life. As a result, many important nutrients are being stripped from once nutrient-dense foods. In many cases, synthetic vitamins and minerals are re-added to foods, but these synthetic forms are far inferior—in terms of absorption and bioavailability—to the the natural nutrients found in raw, whole, unprocessed foods.

Finally, food manufacturers are creating high-calorie foods void of nutrients. While these may satisfy your calorie intake, they do nothing to help the body function effectively. For instance, drinking a tall glass of your favorite cola will spike your blood sugar levels, but it has no significant nutrients. A diet that consists mostly of high-calorie, processed, and non-nutritive foods can lead to chronic deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids—not to mention obesity, as the body continually sends out the “EAT!” signal in order to satisfy it’s demand for these essential nutrients it so desperately needs.

Additional Information about Deficiencies

1. Deficiencies Overview
2. Common symptoms of deficiencies
3. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for deficiencies
4. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of deficiencies
5. Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of deficiencies
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for deficiencies

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Article ID: 320