Our body is a miracle! With all of the intricate design functions going on, it can only be explained as such!
I have learned over the years that treating your body well will give you the health and wellness we crave to live a long and happy life. I wish I could go back to my younger self and tell her some things, however! While obviously, I cannot do that, I can continue to learn and do better.
One thing I have learned and that is for your body to function properly, you need to give it six essential nutrients each day. Here’s a quick overview of each one.
The 6 Nutrients Your Body Needs On A Daily Basis
1) Water
Water is the most basic nutrient your body needs. Every single cell in your body needs it to function and up to 70% of our body is made up of water.
It helps regulate our body temperature and heartbeat, helps the cells deliver energy, and is vital in burning fat, just to name a few functions. Most experts recommend 7-8 glasses of water a day in addition to the five servings of fruits and vegetables we should be eating. Anything with caffeine in it does not count toward your recommended daily allotment since caffeine drinks, like coffee and tea, expel water from the body. They do have other benefits, however!
2) Minerals
Minerals like magnesium are involved in over 500 distinct processes in the body; sodium and potassium help keep your heart beat regular, and calcium is essential for not only your bones, but for your muscles too. Eating a wide variety of vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, will help provide the daily intake you need. Supplements can help, but make sure they are top quality!
3) Vitamins
Vitamins are chemical components that help other chemical reactions happen in our bodies. Involved in almost every function in our body, from our immune system to our mood levels, to our bone strength, vitamins make our bodies’ functions possible.
Since some forms of cooking destroy certain vitamins, it is best to eat the majority of your food raw, steamed, grilled, or quickly stir-fried to get the most benefit from the available vitamins in your food. Also, supplements will help as long as they are top quality.
4) Protein
Without protein, our bodies couldn’t manufacture the amino acids needed to repair muscle tissue or control certain hormones properly. It is also used as a source of energy when there are not enough carbohydrates available. Good sources of protein include eggs, fish, chicken, beef, milk, beans, and seeds.
5) Carbohydrates
The fuel that is the body’s first choice in running the brain and the muscles, carbohydrates play an important role in the everyday functioning of what makes us who we are.
There are two classes of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates like honey, refined grains, and candy provide almost instant energy boost that doesn’t last long.
Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, provide the body fuel as well, but also depart a more sustained source of energy, avoiding those highs and lows. Foods that should be considered as good carbohydrate sources are vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
6) Fats
While scorned in the diet world, fats are absolutely essential to the functioning of our bodies. Our nerve fibers are sheathed in a particular type of fat which enables the electric signals to travel properly. Our brains are mostly fat, helping us to think quickly. And our organs are cushioned by fat, protecting them from sudden jarring and in other cases, providing an emergency source of fuel when the rest of the fat storage has run out. Healthy sources of fat include olive oil, salmon, walnuts, and fish oil.
I just watched a video about fats and the harm of the low-fat directive that was preached by doctors in the 70’s and 80’s. They now believe that the increase in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease we are seeing today is a direct cause of the low-fat days of old. Studies have proven that high, good fats are critical for the brain and other functions in our bodies.
It is a struggle to find what works for you and your body. I am learning every day more and more about what my body needs. Embrace it and focus on these 6 nutrients for better overall health.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.