“Deficiencies in micronutrients arising from a high-calorie, nutrient-poor diet may be responsible for many modern health problems from cancer to obesity.”  Bruce Ames

How aware are you of common nutrient deficiencies?

But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17; NAS)

I know many have planned well for their economic future and have little concern over what is swirling on around them in today’s current situation.  However, how many of us apply that same level of seriousness to our long-term mental and physical health and well-being?  Oftentimes, we employ a ‘wait and see’ attitude which, more often than not, causes us to ignore the issue altogether.

Our health is not necessarily a priority until we become sick and can no longer ignore it. Then our priorities quickly shift and change.  At that point we’re ready to spend money and will make a serious effort to restore our health. Sadly, however, sometimes it can be too late.  It almost was for me many years ago.  That’s why I’m so passionate about educating people to take responsibility for their own health.

May I challenge you to ask yourselves, “What can I do today to prevent myself from becoming ill in the future?”  Even though this may not seem important now, talk with someone who is suffering from a life threatening or debilitating illness or who, like me spent years and thousands of dollars recovering from one.

It’s common knowledge nowadays that most illnesses stem from a two-pronged fork.  The body is deficient in necessary nutrients (it is lacking in things it needs for life and health), and/or the body is toxic or overloaded with things that it does NOT need for life and health.  Metabolic diseases or illness are caused by a nutrient deficiency such as scurvy, or Pellagra.  Toxin related diseases or illness are those caused by substances harmful to the biological processes of human beings.  We’re daily being exposed to toxins from exhaust fumes, air pollution both from inside the home and in the workplace, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, carcinogenic ingredients in our food and personal care products, pharmaceutical drugs, and electromagnetic radiation, to name just a few of the common ones.

Deficiencies occur as a result of the above toxicity issues along with eating a diet of little to no nutritional value.  As quoted from Bruce Ames, when he spoke to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, “A diet rich in junk food, which has lots of calories but few vitamins and minerals, forces the body to enter a ‘crisis mode,’ designed to keep the body alive over the short term. The problem is that this leads the body to neglect its own long-term survival, including tasks such as repairing regular DNA damage and maintaining a healthy immune system.”   DNA damage increases deficiency of many of the nutrients necessary for life and health.  A recent study showed that 56 percent of the population fails to meet the recommended magnesium intake guidelines, and that 93 percent fail to consume enough Vitamin E.  As much as 80 percent of the US population is deficient in Vitamin D.  There are safe and healthy ways to correct nutrient deficiencies.  Begin by eating more whole foods and less processed foods.  Write to me if you’d like to know more.

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for our most amazing bodies.  May we seek You for the best way to care for them.

Link of the Day
Nutritional Deficiency and Its Symptoms
(Note:  I’m not making endorsements for this website.  It simply provides further information on common deficiencies.)

Blessings on you as you continue to learn ways to take care of your body.