Sodium is probably the most controversial nutrient. For decades it has been closely associated with table salt (sodium chloride) and used interchangeably in everyday conversations. Often vilified, sodium is usually portrayed as harmful and bad for human health. However, sodium is a necessary part of a balanced diet. It is needed for survival, and in… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Sodium
Vitamin D is unique in that unlike other vitamins, the body can produce it (in response to sun exposure). The body can also receive vitamin D through foods rich in the vitamin. It is an important nutrient since it plays a pivotal role in many systems of the body. What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Vitamin D
When life gives you lemons you make the best lemonade possible. It can be challenging to muster the energy to move when you just aren’t feeling it, but movement is beneficial. It reduces fatigue, energizing you for the remainder of the day. It can be used to treat anxiety and depression by changing the levels… Continue reading Stay Active at Home
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to resort to overly processed ingredients to eat on a budget. Real food can be consumed, even when pockets are not overflowing with cash. Eating meals that are tasty, full of nutrients, and affordable are not a pipe dream. For some, it may take a new way… Continue reading 10 Things to Consider While Eating on a Budget
Vitamin C is one of the most commonly known nutrients. It is included in many supplements and added to a variety of food products. It is an essential vitamin the body receives from food. Although vitamin C is normally associated with helping alleviate cold and flu symptoms, it can aid in maintaining vision health, warding… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Vitamin C
Selenium is one of those nutrients we don’t hear about often, but boy does it play a major role in our bodies. It is an essential nutrient, which means we have to get it from the foods we eat. What is Selenium? Selenium is a vital mineral that plays a significant role in many areas… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Selenium
There are two main sources of Vitamin A: animal sources (retinol) and plant sources (carotenoids). It is the vitamin A in plants that give it a green hue to greens, and red or orange color to some vegetables (think sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots). It is no surprise that a diet lacking whole foods is low… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Vitamin A
It is estimated that only 20% of the US population is getting enough magnesium. There are several reasons why this number is so low, including a diet lacking in whole foods, as well as an increase in chronic illnesses that deplete magnesium from the body. Add to that the fact that most blood panels test… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Magnesium
Walking. It gets a bad rap. The idea of early morning mall walkers seems to resonate with many when the concept of walking comes up. Some call walking a cop out. Others see it as a waste of gym time. It may not be as physically demanding as running or as strenuous as biking, but… Continue reading The Power of Walking
The need for potassium can be easily overlooked. It is not talked about as much as other minerals, nor is potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) diagnosed as often as other vitamin or mineral deficiencies. It is the third most abundant mineral in the body (behind calcium and phosphorus), yet approximately 98% of Americans do not meet daily… Continue reading Nutrient Spotlight: Potassium
