Looking for Single-Nutrient Solutions

As you might expect, I get asked a lot of questions about health, especially diet and exercise. One of the similarities between questions is whether a specific nutrient is special or unique. When I do the research to learn about the nutrient, I’ve never found one that’s the be-all and end-all—not turmeric or echinacea or omega-3 fatty acids or anything else. Can they be beneficial? Absolutely. But they’re a finishing touch, not a foundation.

The foundation of health begins with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, quality protein, and the best oils. The foundation also includes basic supplementation such as a multivitamin-multimineral and probiotics, among others. If you don’t begin with the best diet, then specific nutritional gaps, whether due to food preferences or genetic issues, can’t be bridged effectively because the body isn’t built on a strong foundation. Once you build your foundation, some of the specific nutrients can fill in gaps and act as insurance for the days you can’t eat as well as you know you should.

Eat better. Eat less. Move more. Build a foundation and you might find miracle nutrients aren’t really necessary.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

P.S. Paula and I wish all of you a happy Memorial Day weekend! Travel and celebrate safely, and we’ll see you back here on Tuesday.