Report Suggests That 90 Percent of Americans Have a Nutritional Deficiency
Even if you are among the healthiest of eaters, chances are you are suffering from a nutritional deficiency.
Sound extreme? Well, a study done in 2011, reported that nine out of ten Americans are lacking at least some key dietary nutrients. This high percentage may seem outlandish, but more research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that out of 70 athletes whose diets were analyzed, all of them had at least two or more nutrient deficiencies. The most common being iodine, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and vitamin E. This isn't the only study that confirms these findings, over the years more and more data has been collected to suggest that it is difficult, even for the healthiest of eaters, to get all of the essential vitamins and minerals from their diets alone.
It is also observed that those who partake in popular diets such as Atkins or The South Beach Diet, have a very high likelihood of developing a nutritional deficiency. These diets are often very low or even void of key micronutrients such as vitamin B7, vitamin D, vitamin E, chromium and iodine.
The key to a healthy and deficient free diet is balance. Eating a various array of whole and healthy foods is the best way to get the nutrients you need. Omitting whole food groups, as many trendy diets suggest, puts you at greater risk of not getting certain key nutrients and micronutrients. Start by getting rid of all processed foods, whose nutritional content is minimal at best, and add in various whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Supplementing with high quality vitamins may also be of benefit, to fill in any gaps in your diet.
The best thing to do to ensure that you are getting the optimal level of nutrition in your diet is getting tested by your doctor or nutritional professional. Chances are that you currently have some sort of deficiency. A simple test could help to determine where you could improve your diet and what key vitamins and minerals you could potentially be missing.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.