by Troy Hurst DC, DAAPM
Have you ever thought about how much processed food you and your family eat? If you’re like most Americans, fresh nutrient-dense whole food vegetables, fruits, lean meats whole grains are the exception rather than the rule in your day-to-day diet. Science shows that this will directly impact how well your brain works. And it is even more likely to significantly impact functioning of the brain of any child who happens to live under your roof and eat the food you eat.
Modern food processing results in near complete loss of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. In laboratory experiments, animals that are exclusively fed processed foods either die painfully and prematurely, or exhibit radical growth abnormalities. And even if you are eating a superlative diet compared to most of Americans, keep in mind that “fresh” produce has been shown to lose 50 to 70% of some nutrients before reaching grocery stores.
All foods suffer losses of neuro-nutrients when processed. The storage of food processing takes its toll on fresh produce. Spinach stored at room temperature loses 70% of its vitamin C content within just 24 hours after picking. Refrigerated spinach loses half of its itamin C content in just two days. Broccoli and asparagus will also lose 35 to 50% of their vitamin C in cold storage. Cooking destroys another 30% of the vitamin C and up to 70% of the thiamin and 50% of the riboflavin. Canned vegetables lose 50 to 90% of their vitamin and mineral content. Freezing destroys 50-70% of the B vitamin content. No study of the American diet has ever shown that we get all of the vitamins and minerals we need for the best possible health through food alone. Every study reveals deficiencies and sub optimal intakes of multiple nutrients. So do not be deceived into thinking you can get enough vitamins and minerals through the foods you eat alone.
The reality is, even in America, one of the best fed nations on the planet, nutritional deficits are remarkably common. We have access to virtually an unlimited number of calories, but vitamins, minerals and healthful fats are far harder to come by in our food supply. None of the many analytical surveys and studies of the American diet performed today has shown that the United States population regularly takes in all of the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health through our modern food supply alone. Every study reveals deficiencies of sub optimal intakes of not one or two but multiple nutrients. The reality is that no scientific study has ever shown that adequate nutrition is obtained from the diet alone. In fact, the studies that do exist show the average American has grown accustomed to the distinctly subpar nutritional intake, and a great many experts agree, and the research reflects that this is a major cause factor in the rising incidence of many diseases. This lack of nutrients also zaps the passion and energy right out of life.
A quality multivitamin/multi-mineral product should deliver most or all of the following. Vitamin A 5000 to 20,000 IU, vitamin C 1000 to 2000 mg, vitamin D. 500 to 1000 IU, vitamin E 400 to 800 IU, vitamin B3 60 to 200mg, vitamin B6 50 to 100 mg, vitamin B12. 200 to 1000 mcg, folic acid 400 to 800 mcg, calcium 500 to 1000 mg, magnesium 400 to 600 mg, iron 15mg, zinc 15 to 35mg, selenium 200 to 250mcg. chromium 200 to 500 mcg, and potassium 100mg.
