As a country, we are overfed and undernourished.

92% of Americans are deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral. Even if we implement a robust, diverse diet of nuts, beans, meats, fruits, veggies, and seeds, chances are we are still missing something. Don’t worry, though, because there is good news: 

We can do something about it!

What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes and substances occurring within living organisms. In simpler terms, biochemistry is the study of what we’re made of!

Many factors, including genetic predispositions and environmental influences, affect individual biochemistry. This shapes unique deficiencies in vitamins and minerals for every person. The interplay of nature and nurture highlights how genetic tendencies and environmental conditions contribute to variations in people’s nutritional needs. 

What Makes Your Biochemistry Unique?

As mentioned previously, personal biochemistry can be shaped by many factors. Some of these factors include diet, access to local foods, lifestyle, elevation, climate, and plain old genetics. Let’s briefly dive into each.

Diet

The foods and drinks that you consume daily contribute heavily to your biochemistry. You are what you eat, right? Well, sort of. 

Diet directly influences biochemistry by providing the essential nutrients and molecules needed for various metabolic processes within the body. These nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for energy production, tissue repair, hormone regulation, and other biochemical functions. A balanced diet ensures that the body has the necessary building blocks to maintain optimal health and function at a cellular level.

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, and keto diets are more common now than ever. Despite the original intention to follow diets as such, they may open up a can of worms in terms of vitamin deficiency. For example, vegans often lack Vitamin B12, Iron, Calcium and Zinc. Those that are gluten-free often lack fiber, folate, and Magnesium.

Access to Local Produce

Access to local produce can significantly impact your biochemistry by providing fresh, nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming locally sourced fruits and vegetables ensures they are picked at peak ripeness, retaining maximum nutritional value. 

Desert regions, subarctic regions, and conflict-ridden areas are examples of environments that may not have access to diverse local produce. It’s very common for inhabitants of these places to be deficient in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium.

Lifestyle

Like diet, lifestyle choices such as physical activity, sleep, and stress management also affect a person’s biochemistry. When biological processes are under or over-functioning, the body is in a perpetual state of stress. Our bodies cannot perform essential functions to keep us healthy and comfortable without having what they need. 

Elevation & Weather

Believe it or not, the elevation and weather where you live can affect things like oxygen availability, fluid balance, metabolic rate, and thermal regulation. High elevation can cause changes in atmospheric pressure, which ultimately means less oxygen in your blood. Less oxygen in your blood means a more challenging time breathing.

In extremely hot or cold environments, issues can include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, blood vessel constriction, malnutrition, contaminants in food and water, and air pollution. These factors challenge an individual’s ability to obtain all the nutrients their bodies need.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in an individual's biochemistry by influencing the production, function, and regulation of proteins, enzymes, and other molecules involved in biochemical pathways. In simpler terms, some people are born more predisposed to certain deficiencies.

It’s prevalent for individuals to be predisposed to deficiency in Vitamin D, B12, Iron, Folate, Calcium, and Iodine from birth.

How Do We Account for Deficiency?

As miraculous as our bodies are, they simply cannot produce all the vitamins and minerals we need, especially considering diet, lifestyle, weather, and genetic predispositions. Our only answer is to supplement. (Don’t panic – supplements are fun!)

The good news is that modern health and wellness practices have made it quick and easy to obtain the vitamins we need to rebalance. As always, we recommend talking to your doctor or other medical professional if you have an inkling that your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. 

Here are a couple of common instances where vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be apparent:

• If you are experiencing muscle cramps and spasms, headaches, fatigue, irritability, muscle weakness, nausea, and anxiety, you may be magnesium deficient. (Try one of our best-sellers, Magnesium L-Threonate.)

• If you are battling symptoms of bone pain, muscle fatigue, mood changes, hair loss, or impaired immune function, you may be Vitamin D deficient. (Look no further than our Liposomal Vitamin D3.)

• If you notice persistent muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, or changes in urination, you are likely dehydrated and low on electrolytes. (Try our favorite hydration pick, Pure Hydration.)

Again, we urge you to talk with your doctor if you sense that your body is running on low fuel. Please understand that it’s common not to get 100% of the vitamins and minerals needed to thrive. Supplementing can be daunting, but we can assure you that it’s worth your while.

Your body deserves to be nourished and cared for – so be your own best advocate. 

& Cymbiotika is here for you along the way!