7 Nutrients We Are Missing In Fast Food

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on September 14, 2018

First, we are not fast food snobs. There are multiple reasons why a family decides to grab a McSomething to eat. It could be time, convenience—heck it could even be because you like the taste. Everything in moderation, right? There may even be some of you who don’t do fast food at all. You may still be interested in what nutrients your friends are missing out on.

7 NUTRIENTS MISSING IN FAST FOOD

With a fast food, you are most likely missing out on more than just these 7 nutrients—but these are the heavy hitters that you need for health and wellness: calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.  Read below to learn the benefits of these key nutrients you are missing from your diet.

Calcium: Our body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps as an aid in protecting against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Potassium: A high potassium intake reduces the risk of overall mortality by 20 percent. It also decreases the risk of stroke, lowers blood pressure, protects against loss of muscle mass, preserves bone mineral density, and reduces the formation of kidney stones—just to name a few.

Fiber: Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, and psyllium. Insoluble fiber—this type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools.

Magnesium: Magnesium is important for bone formation and calcium absorption. Calcium and magnesium are important for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, diabetes, heart health, and migraines.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant. As it moves through your body it scavenges damaging free radicals and fights inflammation. Vitamin A benefits are wide reaching and have an influential role in brain function, skin, heart, kidneys, lungs, vision, and immune system health.

Vitamin C: It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it’s thought to help prevent more serious complications) but the benefits of Vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs in the body. It is also an antioxidant. This means it helps to slow down processes that damage cells.

Again, no one wants to be judged for getting a convenient snack, but if you know what you’re missing you can compensate with a diet rich in the above nutrients. You can also get supplements to counter the effects of these missed nutrients. You can purchase any of the supplements above at Stellar’s online supplement store. You can also get most of these supplements that are free from allergens: milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat/gluten, corn, yeast, and soybeans. These supplements are also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

At Stellar Health and Wellness, we are moms and know how much work moms do. If you are a mom and want need to focus on your wellness, contact Dr. Della Parker, Integrative Nutritionist Amy Hardesty, or Massage Therapist Yvonne Schroeder for an appointment today or call 503-344-6631.