In recent years, more and more people have started to incorporate nutritional supplements into their daily routine. But why is that? Are nutritional supplements really necessary, or is it just a passing trend? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the reasons why more and more people are turning to micronutrients and whether they are really necessary.
1. Nutrient-poor soils 🌱
Our soils have been depleted by intensive farming and contain fewer minerals and vitamins. This means that our fruits and vegetables are less nutrient-dense today than they used to be.
One of the main reasons why nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular is the decreasing nutrient density in our food. Intensive farming and the use of chemical fertilizers have meant that the soils on which our fruits and vegetables grow contain fewer and fewer minerals. This means that even fresh fruits and vegetables often contain fewer vitamins and minerals today than they used to. A study from the University of Texas showed that the levels of key nutrients in fruits and vegetables dropped significantly between 1950 and 1999.
2. Stress and lifestyle 🏃♀️
The modern lifestyle is often hectic and stressful. Chronic stress can increase the need for certain nutrients, especially those necessary for managing stress and supporting the nervous system, such as magnesium and B vitamins. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of sleep and a hectic daily routine also contribute to many people not getting enough nutrients.
3. Environmental factors 🌍
Pollution and toxic exposure to chemicals and heavy metals put our bodies under additional stress. These environmental factors can impair the absorption and utilization of nutrients and increase the need for antioxidants, which help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
4. Studies prove the effect 📚
There is an increasing number of studies that demonstrate the positive effects of micronutrient therapies on various health problems. For example, studies have shown that certain micronutrients can help alleviate symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. In addition, there is evidence that micronutrient therapies can be supportive in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
5. Preventive health 🛡️
Many people take dietary supplements to preventively support their health and avoid deficiencies. Given the challenges mentioned above (nutrient-poor soils, stress, environmental factors), many see this as a way to promote their overall health and reduce the risk of disease.
6. Specific health problems 🩺
Certain health problems and life circumstances can increase the need for micronutrients. For example, pregnant women need more folic acid and iron. Older people often have an increased need for vitamin D and calcium to support bone health. People with chronic diseases or special dietary restrictions may also benefit from targeted supplementation.
High Stress and Nutrient Needs:
1. Physiological Responses to Stress
When we are stressed, our body goes through a series of physiological responses known as the "fight-or-flight response." This response increases the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a rapid response by providing energy and modulating various bodily functions.
2. Increased Energy and Nutrient Use
During stressful times, the body uses more energy to support the increased activity of stress hormones. This leads to an increased need for certain nutrients, particularly those involved in energy production, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin C. These nutrients are depleted more quickly when the body is constantly in a "state of alert"【13†source】【14†source】.
3. Impaired nutrient absorption
Stress can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system. Chronic stress can lead to digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal inflammation, and an imbalance of gut flora. These conditions can impair the absorption of nutrients from food, thus contributing to deficiencies【14†source】.
4. Reduced food intake
Stress can also affect eating behavior. Some people tend to eat less during stressful times or turn to unhealthy foods that contain fewer nutrients. Stress-related overeating of processed foods can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as these foods are often low in essential vitamins and minerals【14†source】.
5. Increased nutrient loss
Another effect of stress is increased loss of nutrients through excretion. For example, increased cortisol levels can reduce magnesium levels in the body as this mineral is excreted in increased amounts through urine. The same is true for other micronutrients such as zinc and calcium【14†source】.
Summary
High stress leads to increased demand for nutrients, reduced absorption of these nutrients due to digestive problems, altered eating behavior, and increased loss of nutrients. These factors all contribute to the fact that people who are under chronic stress may be more likely to suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Supplementing with micronutrients can therefore be a useful measure to mitigate the health effects of stress and support overall health.
Do you have questions or experiences with nutritional supplements? Share your thoughts. Let's find ways to strengthen our mental health together. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram for more tips and information on mental health and micronutrient therapy!
Sources: 1. [Mindbodygreen - Magnesium Benefits for Mental Health](https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/magnesium-benefits-for-mental-health) 2. [National Institutes of Health - Magnesium](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/) 3. [PubMed - Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disorders](https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024559/)