The Importance of Seven Essential Nutrient Groups

Dr. Joe Hymer, M.D.:  During my decades of experience as a family practitioner, I have watched myself and my fellow physicians prescribe pharmaceutical drugs for anything from bacterial infections to depression.  I have seen drugs achieve great results when the body is subjected to some type of trauma or infection, but I have rarely observed long-term, positive results when they are used to treat disease.  I am very concerned by statistics from The Center for Disease Control that show that 95 out of 100 of the 30-year-olds living today will suffer and die from a degenerative disease such as cancer, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and heart disease.  The more research I have done, the more I realize that most diseases are the result of a deficiency of nutrition and/or elevated toxicities in our bodies, hence they have many contraindications.  My purpose is not to condemn drugs, but instead to encourage you to consider that the greatest thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to increase your commitment to balanced nutrition.  Dr. C. Everett Koop, our former U.S. Surgeon General, has stated that of the 2.4 million deaths in the U.S. each year, 75% of them are a result of nutritional related factors.

We need to take charge of our lives before it is too late.  It is vital for us to increase our commitment to nutrition.  A variety of nutrient dense is the best way to ensure that we provide our bodies with the nutrition it needs.  I say "nutrient dense" so that we can avoid taking in too many calories.  I have found that there are seven essential nutrient groups that are vital for our continued vibrant health:

1.  Vitamins:  We need vitamins that are easily assimilated by our bodies.  Many bottled vitamins contain synthetic isolates that simply pass through our body without being utilized.  This occurs partly because vitamins require trace minerals to function optimally in the body.  For example, vitamin E works much better when the trace mineral, selenium (the anti-aging antioxidant, slows down aging), is present in its natural form.

2.  Minerals:  Mineral products that have a land-based source frequently contain traces of harmful minerals such as Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead. However, deep-sea minerals are free from these toxic substances, because they originate in the deep, pure ocean waters, thousands of feet below the surface. Deep sea minerals provide the entire spectrum of major and trace minerals that your body needs for vibrant health. Other mineral products in the marketplace only contain the 10 major minerals, but just like vitamins, these minerals all require trace minerals to function properly. For example, the essential mineral Calcium functions optimally when Boron, Manganese, Magnesium and Strontium are present.

3.  Protein: Hydrolyzed whey protein is non-allergenic and much easier for the body to absorb. It is questionable how much of the other types of protein is actually utilized by our body. Many people don’t recognize the important role that a quality protein plays in supporting our immune system.

4.  Fiber: Fiber plays a vital role in helping our body rid itself of the toxins that lead to aging and poor health. In addition, extensive studies indicate that the high intake of dietary fiber has been linked to a lowering of heart disease, as well as a lowering of the risk for type 2 diabetes.

5.  Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): EFAs are present in every healthy cell in our body. Our health begins, and ends, at the cellular level. There are numerous health benefits we receive from EFAs such as more energy, detoxification of our cells and healthier skin.

6.  Enzymes: These are vital for the proper digestion of our food. Without good enzymes, we are more likely to gain weight and feel lethargic. There are several beneficial enzymes such as: invertase, amylase, lactase, protease 4.5, and cellulase.

7.  Probiotics: These are the “good” bacteria, or “friendly flora”, that are vital in helping to fight the “bad” bacteria present in our bodies. In order to benefit us, however, the probiotic must “survive” the trip through our stomach, and into our colon where it can promote good health. Yet, every year consumers spend millions of dollars on probiotics, such as acidophilus, that never reach the colon alive. The probiotic, L. Salivarius, is proven to survive this “trip” so it can help fight infectious disease and strengthen our immune system.

Since our cells are constantly “re-cycling” every day…it is so important that we give our bodies these essential nutrients everyday. I wish you the best in your journey to better health through better nutrition.