Vitamins & Supplements
Numerous studies have demonstrated that most people consume a diet that is inadequate in nutritional value for their needs. The studies indicate that the chance of consuming a diet that meets the needs for all nutrients is unlikely. This is due to a number of reasons. The most obvious is that we desire convenient, efficiently prepared packaged foods ("junk foods") which lack the nutrients we require. Another reason is that most commercially grown produce today contains fewer nutrients than food grown more naturally or organically. Commercial produce is grown with the use of artificial fertilizers, harmful pesticides and herbicides. The result is an inferior food that contains less nutritional value as well as residues of pesticides and herbicides.

Another way to ensure you can meet your nutritional needs is to take nutritional supplementation with high quality vitamins, minerals, and cofactors, which help improve your intake of essential nutrients. It is best to consult your qualified health professional to determine which supplements would best fit your needs.

Daily Values On food and supplement labels, you will see nutrients listed as "Percent Daily Value," or the relative amount of that nutrient in a portion of food, compared to another standard of dietary needs. This "DV" amount is different from the RDA.

Diet
Research is indicating more than ever before that your diet plays a very important part in your health and is essential for prevention for a wide variety of diseases including heart disease and cancer. At the same time more non-nutritious foods are making their way onto store shelves. Many people do not eat enough high quality nutritious foods and they also indulge in certain foods that are detrimental to their health.

The basics of a healthy diet include at least five servings of fresh vegetables or fruit a day, high quality low fat protein, and high quality oils containing the essential fatty acids, especially the omega 3 oils derived from cold water fish or flax seeds. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain, in addition to vitamins, minerals and fiber, an important group of substances called "phytonutrients". These substances have been found to play an essential role in metabolism and detoxificiation, as well as provide protection from the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Avoid, if possible, any "junk" or packaged foods. These foods contain very little quality nutrition and often contain numerous substances that may be harmful to your health such as refined sugar and hydrogenated fats.

Some people find that certain diets are helpful to them such as the Zone diet, or the Atkins diet. However, each of us is biochemically unique, thus advantagous for you to consult a qualified health professional who can advise you appropriately of what would constitute a beneficial diet relative to your individual constitution.