Why our diet is often no longer sufficient today
Many people today are consciously mindful of their diet. They buy organic food, cook from scratch, and avoid sugar and highly processed products. Despite this, many feel they are not getting optimal nutrition. Fatigue, lack of energy, and the constant feeling of being behind in everyday life are common problems. The reason often lies not in poor diet, but in the conditions under which our food is produced.
How food production has changed
Food production has changed dramatically in recent decades. Agriculture is under immense economic pressure. High yields and rapid harvest cycles have become more important than maximum nutrient density. Monocultures, the cultivation of the same plants over long periods in the same fields, can lead to a deficiency of certain minerals in the soil. While the plants grow quickly, they often contain fewer vitamins and other micronutrients.
Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are harvested before they are fully ripe in order to withstand transport and storage. As a result, certain vitamins and phytochemicals cannot fully develop.
How processing, storage and transport affect nutrients
Even after harvesting, food loses some of its nutritional content. Vitamins are sensitive to light, oxygen, and heat. The longer food is transported, stored, or processed, the greater these losses can be.
These factors also have an impact on everyday life. Cooked meals that are reheated multiple times, long refrigeration times, and highly processed products reduce their nutrient content. This doesn't mean that modern foods are bad, but they don't always provide the amount of vitamins and minerals one might expect.
Why a balanced diet does not automatically mean adequate nutrition
A balanced diet remains important, but it doesn't automatically guarantee that all micronutrients are consumed in sufficient quantities. Calorie requirements and micronutrient requirements are not always the same.
Factors such as stress, physical exertion, lack of sleep, or an active lifestyle can further alter individual nutritional needs. Two people with the same diet can therefore have different levels of nutritional support. This often leads to uncertainty. You may be eating right, but still not feel optimally supported. This is not a personal failing, but rather a result of modern living and dietary conditions.
Conclusion: Awareness is more important than perfection
The fact that our diets don't always provide all the necessary micronutrients is no reason to panic. Rather, it shows that it's important to consciously consider nutrition and understand the connections between different nutrients.
Those who understand how nutrient losses occur and what factors play a role can make informed decisions without extremes, trends, or pressure.
Legal notice
This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice.