A lot of people can find the idea of vitamins and minerals a little confusing. There are simply so many different kinds that it can be complicated to understand them all and next to impossible to ensure you’re getting absolutely everything you could possibly need. The fact is that we’re all complicated machines and as such our needs are going to be complicated. Just because we have those needs doesn’t need that we need to understand them all, sometimes it’s best to not get bogged down in the specifics at all. The following are some important facts to remember, things to make it easier to balance your diet!
If you’re eating a healthy and balanced diet (normal) then you’re getting all your vitamins and minerals. Don’t worry too much about them, if they were that hard to get then our ancestors would never have gotten them!
Vitamins C and B which are water soluble need to be replenished far more often than those in the fat soluble group (vitamins A, D, E and K). The fat soluble groups leave the body much slower and so take much less effort to effectively maintain.
Foods which are rich in refined flour and sugar should be avoided as they’re filling but almost completely devoid of vitamins and minerals.
Things like smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and certain medications and interfere with the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals. These things should be avoided unless ordered by doctors, in which case it may be wise to start taking vitamin supplements regularly.
As you get older your body becomes less efficient. This goes for most things but especially your ability to absorb minerals. At this point it may be wise to start taking supplements to augment your diet and ensure you’re getting everything you need to live a long and happy life!
