Balanced diets are crucial, but modern eating habits come with some serious gaps. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is known for missing key nutrients, but even those who focus on fresh foods can fall short. Here’s what surprised me:

• 80% of us don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which means we’re often missing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Nearly half don’t get enough whole grains, healthy fats, or protein—essential for overall balance and energy.

And it’s not just about what we eat but where it comes from. Soil depletion has reduced the nutrient quality of produce, so today’s fruits and veggies don’t pack the same punch they once did.^[2] Organic food isn’t necessarily more nutritious than conventional. That realization encouraged me to start filling in those gaps with supplements to ensure my body had what it needed.

While a solid diet is always the goal, supplements can help cover those gaps, especially when you consider a few realities we face every day:

• Life’s pace and stress drive up our need for nutrients. Between the late nights, screen time, and the constant juggling act of special needs parenting, there are days when our bodies could use a little extra support.
• Our nutrient needs change as we grow. From kids to adults and beyond, supplements help us keep up with each life stage.
• Environmental toxins add extra demands. Supplements can give us a cleaner, more concentrated source of nutrients to help offset these hidden stressors.

Knowing I have these bases covered—especially on the tough days—has made all the difference in keeping me steady and strong.

One unexpected finding was that our bodies have unique nutrient needs based on more than just what we eat. Genetics and health factors play a huge role in determining the vitamins and minerals we may need more of. For me, discovering certain cancer markers shifted how I approached supplementation, helping me focus on the nutrients that best supported my health.

Curious about how your genetics and health factors affect your nutrient needs? A personalized assessment could provide valuable insights, helping you create a supplement plan tailored to your body’s design. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information about the type of assessment I used.

When you’re dealing with health challenges—whether it’s catching a bug, feeling run down, or going through particularly stressful seasons—your body often needs more support than usual. I’ve found that specific nutrients like vitamins C and D, zinc, and protein can be vital during these times. They help reinforce immunity, aid recovery, and strengthen cellular health, giving your body the extra support it needs to bounce back.

While eating well is always the goal, knowing I’m covered with essential nutrients has kept me steady and resilient. Adding these targeted supplements gives me peace of mind, knowing my health has a bit more of a safety net when things get tough.