- plus too much sugar

A growing number of children are affected by asthma, which is associated with a reduced quality of life. Diet plays a significant role in the development of the disease, and it appears that excessive sugar intake from breakfast cereals, soft drinks, candy, and other sources increases the risk. A deficiency in vitamin D and magnesium, which is widespread, also raises the risk according to an article published in Frontiers in Nutrition. But why does sugar increase the risk of developing asthma, and how can vitamin D and magnesium help protect against the disease?

Molybdenum is essential for liver detoxification and plays a key role in breaking down proteins, purines, and lipids. It also supports the synthesis of vitamin B12. Studies even suggest that a molybdenum deficiency or poor utilization of the nutrient increases the risk of gout, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer.

Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and cellular energy production, yet deficiencies are common in patients with chronic heart failure. This additionally impairs their physical capacity and quality of life. Iron deficiency is associated with hospitalization and early death, as highlighted in a review article published by the American College of Cardiology. Heart failure patients should therefore always have their iron status checked. Intravenous iron therapy appears to be most effective for treating iron deficiency in heart failure patients. It is also crucial for these patients to ensure adequate dietary iron intake while being mindful of factors that can limit iron absorption and utilization.

Calcium and magnesium are vital for our bones, nervous system, muscles, heart, blood pressure, and many other functions. It is essential to maintain the right balance between the two minerals that work in a team and can easily be compared to yin and yang. Vitamin D is also needed for the uptake and utilization of the minerals. Still, deficiencies of all three nutrients are widespread and that increases the risk of infections, neurological disturbances, muscle cramps, constipation, hypertension, osteoporosis, cancer, and a number of other grave diseases. In our part of the world, many people get too much calcium from dairy products and supplements. That can disrupt the delicate balance between calcium and magnesium and result in oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cell death.

Selenium deficiency is widespread in Europe and many other parts of the world, negatively impacting public health. On the other hand, adequate selenium intake through diet and supplements can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic disorders, cancer, and early death. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that older individuals have an increased need for selenium.

Type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle disease that is spreading like wildfire, comes with a huge socio-economic price tag. At the same time, there has been a growing need for more effective and natural treatments for disrupted blood sugar levels, which cause a range of other metabolic disturbances. In addition to weight loss and dietary changes, it now appears that zinc supplementation can significantly improve various biomarkers related to disrupted blood sugar. This is outlined in a study published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome.

Prostate cancer is widespread in the Western world. However, according to an American study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, dietary changes with more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer omega-6 fatty acids can reduce the development of prostate cancer cells after one year.

When cells convert the calories from food into energy, a variety of B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, zinc, and Q10 are needed. This also means that a deficiency in one or more of these substances can result in mental and physical fatigue to a greater or lesser extent. The impaired energy metabolism of the cells also increases the risk of mood swings, concentration difficulty, infections, and other diseases. Modern lifestyle, ageing processes, medications, and other factors cause serious deficiencies, but these deficiencies can be corrected with help from dietary changes and relevant supplements.