Taking Vitamins? That’s Not Enough…

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

We’ve all heard about the importance of taking vitamins – and hopefully you have a quality multi-vitamin sitting in your medicine cabinet right now.

But did you know vitamins are only the tip of the nutritional iceberg? And that missing out on some other nutrients can be disastrous to your health?

We are on the edge of what I like to call the third wave of nutrition – understanding how important these other nutrients are for our health.

This group of nutrients I’m talking about are called the phytonutrients (plant nutrients), and they are every bit as important as vitamins (maybe even more so).

And making sure you’re getting enough – and the right kinds – can help stop disease and add quality years to your life.

Phytonutrients, which include polyphenols, bioflavonoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and many others, are extremely important for our health – especially as we grow older.

Take a look at the studies that crossed my desk just this week:

  • University of Warwick researchers found that resveratrol (found in red grapes) and hesperetin (found in oranges) decrease blood sugar and reduce heart disease.
  • Researchers from Virginia Tech, Roanoke College and the National Institute on Aging found that a resveratrol-enriched diet prevented aging by improving both muscle and nerve cells.
  • Polyphenols were found to reduce the effects of high blood sugar.
  • Anthoxanthins were found to protect our brains from Alzheimer’s.
  • Polyphenols were found to work with our gut bacteria to reduce inflammation.

And that was just one week.

While the science is just beginning, what is clear is that you need to get as many phytonutrients as possible.

But that can be difficult.

There is a trick to getting more phytonutrients in your diet: eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can.

But, if you are like most people (including me), you have a hard time getting enough fruits and vegetables and should consider supplementing.

I personally take a powered fruit and vegetable blend every day to make sure I’m getting enough of these essential nutrients.

And you can pick up some supplements like resveratrol at just about any vitamin shop.

Health and Happiness,

Scott Olson

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana

Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....

Read This

MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity

“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...

Read This

The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke

Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...

Read This

The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED

Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...

Read This

Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...

Read This

The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods

It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...

Read This

Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution

There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...

Read This

REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief

Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....

Read This

Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses

“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...

Read This

The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline

As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...

Read This