Sometimes we take all the supplements or feel like we’re doing the right things but we’re still not getting all the benefits of certain vitamins and minerals. As you know though in our search for our Best Lyfe Ever, we never want to do things that are not all the way in.
Some people may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals due to something called leaky gut syndrome. This is where food allergies have caused inflammation of the lining of the stomach and digestive tract. The tiny cracks that line the stomach which allow food to pass through and be absorbed by the small intestine become larger, resulting in food particles entering the bloodstream where the body then perceives these as attacking it and sends out white blood cells as a defense. This results in inflammation or swelling of the affected area, which impacts digestion and absorption of necessary vitamins in a negative way.
Other Factors That May Hinder the Body’s Ability to Absorb Nutrition from Food:
Lack of good bacteria in the digestive tract and lining of the stomach, as a result of excess sugar intake, too many rounds of antibiotics, alcohol use, and stress. The good news is that these beneficial bacteria can be replenished by way of probiotic foods such as bananas, yogurt, garlic and onions, raw cheeses, and fermented foods such as tofu, soy sauce, pickles and sauerkraut.
Eating too fast and not chewing food thoroughly. The longer food is in the mouth and being masticated to tiny bits, the more likely a person will be able to fully absorb its vitamin makeup and benefit from the nutritional value. Saliva contains enzymes that help break down the composition of your food so that you can digest it completely. Chewing further helps this process along.
Too many processed foods and not enough whole foods. Processed foods are exposed to extremely high heat to prolong their shelf life and make them more portable and easy to prepare. Anything that has had the liquid extracted from it (think powdered soups, gravies, even juices) is probably nutritionally inferior. Consider the destruction of delicate enzymes and amino acids that assist us in deriving the necessary nutrition from said food.
Eating the wrong food combinations. Foods that are strategically combined afford the best potential for obtaining the full nutritional benefit. For example, green vegetables are great but your body will be able to use them even better if you combine with a healthy oil such as olive, an acid such as vinegar or lemon, and an aromatic such as garlic.
Cooking (or not cooking). Lightly cooking some foods (such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli) is said to help them be processed more easily by partially breaking them down. On the other hand, something like oranges and lemons pack the biggest nutritional punch if served fresh and uncooked.
In the end this is just one step in living your Best Lyfe Ever. Nothing replaces a healthy diet and lifestyle. I can never express this enough. Eat the right foods and move your body! But don’t forget to breathe also! Enjoy your Best Lyfe!
