PHYSIOLOGICAL BODY SYSTEMS THAT NEED NUTRIENTS

What parts of your body need nutrients in order to operate properly?  This is somewhat of a trick question because it may be obvious that the answer is:  all of them.  However, in order to drive the point home, I find it helpful to list out the various physiological systems in the body that need the nutrients, vitamins and minerals in order to function.  In no particular order, some of the primary physiological systems include:

• Gastrointestinal tract which is responsible for (1) digestion of nutrients; (2) absorption of nutrients, which requires appropriate intestinal integrity (i.e., not intestinal permeability, or leaky gut); and (3) a healthy gut microbiome
• Cardiovascular system to processes fats (also called lipids) and regulate glucose metabolism
• Hepatic system that is comprised of the kidneys and liver that operate the body’s detoxification and waste elimination processes
• Endocrine system which controls most aspects of hormone production and function and hormones serve as chemical signals, or communicators, throughout the body
• Nervous system that controls neurotransmitters and their function to serve as communicators in the brain
• Energy production, although not a distinct physiological system, but a required function, deals with imbalances in mitochondrial function, the oxidative/redox system, metabolism, ATP production and thyroid function.
• Immune system to address immune function, allergies and food sensitivities

EAT THE RAINBOW

As noted in my prior post, this is a strong reason why we need to eat the rainbow and ensure we are taking steps to get plenty of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from polyphenol-rich vegetables and fruits into our system.  We also want to be sure to be consuming plenty of fiber for the benefits to our gut, cardiovascular system and the overlap with many other physiological systems.  In terms of the amount of fiber you want to be aiming for, think 25-30 grams a day at minimum. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS ARE INTEGRATED AND OVERLAP

Furthermore, all of these physiological systems work together and the functions are integrated and largely overlap so if you have an imbalance or deficiency in one system, most likely it will affect other physiological systems.   The vitamins, minerals and nutrients in an abundant whole foods diet can contain most of what is needed to operate your physiological systems optimally although there are certain circumstances where targeted supplementation to address deficiencies or areas where there are not sufficient nutrients in food can be used to address imbalances in your body.  Also, eating a whole foods diet can help mitigate inflammation which is a cause of many imbalances.  If I can help you achieve balance and determine the optimal eating pattern for you to maximize nutrient intake, please reach out!