Do you feel like your energy levels are on a constant coffee rollercoaster? One minute you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating a nap under your desk. While caffeine is often the go-to culprit, there might be another sneaky factor at play: micronutrient deficiencies. 

Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals your body needs in small amounts to function correctly. But don't let the "small amounts" fool you; they play a huge role in maintaining your overall health. 

So, why do you probably need more micronutrients in your daily diet? Here are a few compelling reasons: 

Soil quality isn't what it used to be

Have you ever thought about the quality of the soil where your food is grown? It might surprise you, but soil quality isn't what it used to be. Over the years, intensive farming practices have dramatically depleted the soil’s natural nutrients, which has a direct impact on the nutritional value of the foods we eat. 

Decades ago, our grandparents enjoyed fruits and vegetables that were richer in vitamins and minerals. Today, despite our best efforts to eat healthily, the nutrient content in these same foods has significantly diminished. This depletion happens because modern farming methods often prioritise yield over nutritional quality, leading to a gradual loss of essential soil minerals. 

Even if you're committed to a healthy diet full of fresh produce, you might still not be getting all the nutrients your body needs. A salad in 2023 simply doesn't pack the same micronutrient punch as a salad from 50 years ago. This situation makes it increasingly challenging to obtain sufficient daily doses of essential vitamins and minerals purely through diet. 

Fortunately, being aware of this issue is the first step toward addressing it. By understanding the changes in soil quality and its impact on food nutrition, we can make informed decisions about our dietary choices and consider supplementing our meals with additional micronutrients to ensure our bodies stay healthy and vibrant.

Modern diets

Have you ever wondered why you feel sluggish despite eating three square meals a day? The answer may lie in the nature of modern diets. Sure, processed foods can be convenient, but they come at a cost. These foods often lack the essential nutrients your body needs. Research indicates that while they're high in calories, they're typically low in vitamins and minerals. Our heavily processed diets are often stripped of vital micronutrients during production. 

So what does this mean for you? Well, consuming a diet rich in processed foods means you're likely missing out on important nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and various B vitamins. In turn, this nutrient shortfall can lead to feelings of fatigue, weakened immunity, and poor overall health. 

By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, you can start bridging the gap. Think fresh fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds—all packed with the vitamins and minerals your body craves. What it boils down to is making mindful food choices to ensure you're fueling your body with what it truly needs, rather than just satisfying hunger.

Stress levels

In today's fast-paced world, stress and lifemy can significantly impact your nutrient absorption. Busy schedules, constant stress, and lack of sleep all play a role in how well your body absorbs and utilises the nutrients you consume. Even if you maintain a healthy diet, these factors can hinder your body’s ability to get what it truly needs. 

The consequences are far-reaching. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, disrupting your digestive processes and impairing nutrient uptake. Lack of sleep further compounds this issue by affecting the hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. 

Environmental toxins

We live in a world laden with environmental toxins, ranging from air pollution to chemical residues on conventionally grown produce. These pollutants do more than cloud the skies and taint our water; they also interfere with your body's ability to absorb and utilise essential nutrients effectively. Exposure to heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, for instance, can impair nutrient absorption at the cellular level. Pesticides and industrial chemicals can also disrupt your gut microbiome, making it more challenging to digest and assimilate vitamins and minerals. 

Why does this happen? Your body has a finite capacity to metabolise and detoxify harmful substances. When this system is overwhelmed, the mechanisms responsible for absorbing micronutrients are compromised. This can lead to deficiencies even if you're consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. 

Furthermore, these toxins can create oxidative stress, producing free radicals that damage cells and further reduce nutrient bioavailability. Over time, this can manifest in various health issues, from fatigue and weakened immunity to chronic illnesses. Therefore, mitigating exposure to these environmental toxins, alongside paying extra attention to your micronutrient intake, is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

The way you cook your food

Did you know that the way you cook your food can impact its nutrient content? Some common cooking methods, such as boiling or frying, can significantly reduce the nutritional value of your meals. This happens because certain vitamins and minerals are sensitive to heat, light, and water, making them less stable during the cooking process. 

For instance, boiling can cause water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and many B vitamins to leach into the water. Unless you consume the broth, you're likely losing a significant portion of these essential nutrients. Frying, on the other hand, can degrade healthy fats and destroy heat-sensitive compounds. 

Here are a few tips to retain more nutrients in your food: 

• Steaming: This gentle cooking method helps retain water-soluble vitamins and minerals.

• Sautéing: Using a small amount of healthy fat can help preserve nutrients while enhancing flavours.

• Microwaving: Surprisingly, this method can preserve nutrients due to shorter cooking times.

• Blanching: A quick dunk in boiling water followed by an ice bath can preserve colour, flavour, and nutrients.

Given these challenges, you might wonder if a supplement can make a difference. Nutravita's Multivitamins & Minerals could be the solution you're looking for. This comprehensive formula includes 26 essential vitamins and minerals designed to support your daily nutritional needs. 

Whether you're dealing with the challenges of modern agricultural practices, the time pressures of daily life, or absorption troubles, taking a high-quality supplement can provide peace of mind. Nutravita's Multivitamin and Mineral supplement offers a convenient solution to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs every day. 

Incorporating a supplement into your routine can make all the difference in achieving a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

Riya Lakhani-Kanji MSc ANutr is a registered nutritionist and health writer. Equipped with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Human Nutrition, Riya leverages her scientific knowledge to create engaging content that empowers people to embrace the power of plants.