Harmony with Food Radio Show #227: Micronutrients and Weight Loss

Did you know that the nutrients you need go far beyond Vitamin D and Iron? Deficiencies in nutrients can greatly impact your ability to lose weight and many other problems in the body.

I'm a believer in personalized nutrition, which is based on the concept that one size does not fit all. Differences in genetics, prenatal experience, health history, lifestyle, nutrient intake, metabolism, and our microbiome all contribute to how we respond to different therapeutic diets.

That's why I use the Bio Unique Boutique. The testing I offer helps me figure out what your individual needs are so that I can create a therapeutic diet and nutrition strategy for you!

Nutrient Deficiency

Unfortunately, doctors don't get a lot of education on nutrition. In 4 years of schooling, only about 25% of medical doctors receive even 19 hours of nutrition education. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, up to 90% of Americans aren't getting enough of the nutrients that are critical for optimal health. Over 98% are deficient in Omega-3 fats, 80% in Vitamin D, 50% in magnesium, and 10% in Vitamin C.

Impact of Specific Minerals on the Body

Vitamin B12 - Controls energy production, gene expression, methylation, nerve function, and mood.

Folate - Another important B vitamin that can be measured directly in the blood, but folate tells you much more about your folate status.

Magnesium - Magnesium is required for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. It is essential for the production of ATP, which is the energy that our body uses. It also has the ability to reduce anxiety, calm your nervous system, improve sleep, and control blood sugar. It can also help with symptoms like constipation, PMS, and muscle cramps.

Zinc - Boosts the immune system, produces testosterone, maintains your hair volume, helps repair your gut lining, and helps your thyroid work properly.

Why Micronutrient Testing is Important

When we think about nutrient deficiency, we often think about it in terms of deficiency that will cause disease, like anemia, but we want to think of it in terms of what levels will promote optimal health. As we age, absorption difficulties and increased demand for nutrients are more common. So, even if you think you're eating a balanced diet and you're at the right way, you may not be getting enough of the specific nutrients that you need.

With testing, you'll be able to figure out exactly what nutrients you're deficient in, and what foods, drinks, and supplements you should or should not be consuming.

Weight Loss & The Microbiome

Recent research suggests that the composition of the gut microbiome can actually predict an individual's likelihood of obesity. Another new study shows that differences in the profile of the gut microbiome can determine how an individual will respond to weight-loss interventions.

You gut bacteria play a role in digesting fiber, certain antioxidants and micronutrients in plants known as flavonoids, which may prevent weight gain, and it can influence how dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the intestines, which may affect how fat is stored in your body.

Another study looked at the impact of the bacteria prevotella vs. bacteriosides and found that those with a higher amount of prevotella lost body fat more easily than the participants in the bacteriosides group. In fact, many of the 15 good gut bugs are linked with lower weight and less visceral, or belly, fat.

Why Diets Don't Work

Restrictive diets can actually slow your metabolism down. So, when you're done with a diet, you try to eat like a normal person and you gain all the weight back. When you lose weight rapidly, you lose muscle mass in addition to fat, and muscle burns more calories.

The Alternative - Personalized Nutrition

That's why I focus on micronutrient and microbiome testing instead of dieting. When we can tailor a diet that works for specifically for you and focus on improving your nutrient profile, getting rid of foods that are inflammatory to your body, and improving the balance of your gut microbiome, you will start to see sustainable results without slowing down your metabolism or over-restricting.

Ready to get started? Head over to the Bio Unique Boutique or book a free call with me today!