Combating Poor Eating Habits : Avoiding Toxins and Mineral, Vitamin Deficiencies

Individuals who follow a healthy diet  tend to live longer and have a reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Unfortunately, however, there is an unhealthy eating crisis taking place in the United States.

Poor eating habits often lead to people being overweight and obese, suffering from heart disease and stroke, developing type 2 diabetes, and even developing cancer.

Poor eating habits, including ingesting “toxins” in certain foods, can also lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Read on to learn more about the unhealthy eating crisis and how you can combat unhealthy eating habits.

Fast Facts

  • 9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium
  • 1 out of 6 pregnant women have too low iron levels
  • $147 billion is spent annually on health care for obesity

These stats should concern you and encourage you to strive toward a more balanced and healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Poor Eating Habits and Vitamin/Mineral Deficiency

Depending on your eating habits, you may be missing out on key vitamins and minerals. In the United States, nutrients that are not consumed well enough include Vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. The five main categories of mineral deficiencies specifically include iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc.

Missing out on the following vitamins and minerals can lead to negative health effects. See how to combat these deficiencies as listed.

  • Calcium deficiency: Eat yogurt, cheese, milk
  • Zinc deficiency: Eat whole grains, nuts, beans, dairy
  • Iron deficiency: Eat poultry, meat, fish
  • Potassium deficiency: Eat fruits and veggies
  • Magnesium deficiency: Eat legumes, seeds, nuts

Be sure to eat foods that are rich in critical vitamins and minerals to ensure healthy eating habits.

Poor Eating Habits and “Toxins”

There are several food ingredients that may be harmful when consumed in large quantities. Read on to learn what these are and how to fight against them.

  • Coumarin: Reduce the amount of cinnamon you consume and shop for cinnamon that does not contain coumarin
  • Refined seed and vegetable oils: Go for oils that are low in unsaturated fatty acids
  • Added sugars: Only eat processed foods occasionally, and avoid sodas and fruit juices
  • Mercury: Eat fish that is low in mercury such as salmon

Be sure to shop for nutrient-rich and healthy foods the next time you’re shopping at the grocery store.

About TrueCARE Integrative Medicine

The ever-changing healthcare landscape has presented challenges to patients and clinicians alike. Longer wait times and shorter office visits erode the potential for long-term, meaningful relationships between you and your provider, leading to an increase in chronic health issues and reactive, symptom-focused healthcare. At TrueCARE, you’ll receive patient-centered treatment including shorter wait times, more availability, and more face-to-face time with the provider. In-between appointments, your provider will be available to you via phone, text, video, or email.