Do you feel tired most of the time? Is your hair brittle, your nails weak, or your eyesight poor? If so, you could be experiencing deficient nutritional intake. Despite all our efforts to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, and exercise regularly, there are certain lifestyle choices that we make which decreases our body of nutritional intake. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Habits That Decrease Nutritional Intake      

1. Consuming processed foods

Foods that contain refined sugar or refined flour are considered processed foods. And why are processed foods so bad for us?

Because they lack vital nutrients that our body needs to function optimally as most nutrients from processed foods are removed. Without proper nutrition, the body may start to malfunction. Hence, it is important to consume processed foods in moderation for optimal nutritional intake. Instead, opt for fresh ingredients and take herbal supplements, such as NuPlus, to ensure that you meet your daily required nutritional intake.

Fill your nutritional gaps with NuPlus^®. Fortified with essential nutrients, complex carbs, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, bioflavonoids, and amino acids. NuPlus^® is an ideal plant-based supplement, low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. Mix it in water or sprinkle on food to boost your daily nutritional intake needs.      

2. Excessive alcohol use

Heavy drinking increases the risk of cirrhosis, as well as oral and esophageal cancer. Moreover, alcohol is a diuretic, causing the loss of water-soluble vitamins B complex and vitamin C. Alcohol is also a gastric irritant and can lessen appetite, making it difficult for heavy drinkers to obtain other important nutrients.

Drink alcohol in moderation and consume foods that are rich in Vitamin B and C such as whole grains, nutritional yeast, green leafy vegetables and fruits to replenish them into your system.

3. Smoking

Besides increasing the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive-related diseases, numerous studies have found that smokers have 30 percent less vitamin C than nonsmokers.

Besides abstaining from tobacco products, smokers should include foods that are abundant in vitamins C, E, and folic acid into their diet. This includes nuts, oils, orange juice, beets, and dark leafy greens. Alternatively, take Vitamin C supplement, such as Citric C, for an additional supply of your daily Vitamin C nutritional intake.   

4. Over-reliance on over-the-counter medications

Various off-the-shelf medications affect the absorption of nutrients. Antacids, used for relieving heartburn and indigestion, can prevent the absorption of iron, calcium, folate, beta-carotenes, and vitamins C, D, E, and K. Laxatives containing mineral oil can lead to a loss of vitamins A, D, and E. Certain diuretics and painkillers, such as aspirin, can lead to potassium deficiency.

Individuals taking these drugs regularly should eat foods that contain the relevant nutrients and consume organic supplements to strengthen the immune system and boost one’s daily nutritional intake.

5. Frequent use of prescription medications

Taking prescription medications such as antibiotics and cholesterol-lowering drugs, can cause side effects that decrease nutrient absorption by the body.

If you are taking prescription medications, it is recommended that you consume herbal supplements on a regular basis to compensate for drug-induced nutrient depletion. This may boost your nutritional intake for the body to function optimally.      

6. Excessive exercise    

Over-exercising promotes iron loss. Individuals who exercise regularly should consume foods that are high in riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is necessary for energy. Riboflavin sources include dairy products, eggs, nutritional yeast, and sprouts. In addition, avoid drinking sports drinks as these beverages often contain lots of sugar, which is bad for the body and can inhibit nutrient absorption.

Instead, replace your sweetened drinks with Sunrider’s Fortune Delight®. With zero sugar and just 10 calories per serving, it helps to balance the body and support energy without a sugar or caffeine crash.

7. Experiencing Prolonged Stress

Due to our modern hectic lifestyle, pressure from work and home may see us often stressed. When the body is undergoing stress, it uses up essential nutrients faster. Moreover, as we age, our body isn’t able to absorb nutrients as efficiently as before. Therefore, getting enough nutrients from food alone can be challenging.

Nutrients that require boosting in one’s senior years include calcium, vitamin D (you require triple the amount of Vitamin D after age 70), zinc, fiber, protein, water, and vitamin B12. It’s the opposite with iron – men and post-menopausal women often need to cut back on this mineral because excessive iron consumption is linked with enhanced cancer risk.

To boost your daily Vitamin D intake, consider taking Sunrider® Vitamin D3. This plant-based dietary supplement is fortified with antioxidants, protective polyphenols, and healthy fatty acids that enhance vitamin D absorption. Take one capsule during breakfast to help support strong bone and teeth health, as well as enhance immune system function.

It is important to recognize the effects your dietary and lifestyle choices have on your health. Remember to cut back on habits that might compromise good health and compensate with the right foods and supplements.