Multivitamins

Comes in 120 Capsules and 60 Capsules Non-prescription and broad-spectrum digestive enzyme formula Designed to support the digestion of fat, proteins, carbohydrates, starches, fiber, and lactose The formula contains proteases, lipase, papain, bromelain, lactase, papain, alpha-galactosidase and more  Works within a large pH range compared to porcine or bovine-derived pancreatin, which only works within a narrow pH range Supports the breakdown of polysaccharides in beans, seeds, and vegetables for those that have issue with higher FODMAP foods Supports the breakdown of lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products Supports the pancreas  Xymogen’s ‘Zinc Glycinate’ is a fully reacted amino acid chelate formula designed for optimal enhanced absorption. As an extremely important and essential mineral, zinc is vital to many physiological processes in the body. Zinc supports immune function, neurological function, normal cellular function, growth, nutrient metabolism, and reproductive organ health.  Dosage and Directions for Use Serving Size: 2 capsules. The recommended dosage is one to two daily capsules, typically taken 30 – 45 minutes prior to your meal.  We recommend taking one capsule with breakfast, and another with dinner in the evening. If you require a higher dosage, we recommend consulting with a healthcare practitioner or naturopath, and steadily increasing the dosage.  The formulation contains protease, papain, bromelain, amylase, glucoamylase, cellulase, beta-glucanase, alpha-galactosidase, invertase, peptidase, pectinase, lactase, phytase, acid-stable protease, lipase, xylanase, and hemicellulase.   The product does not contain any wheat, gluten, soy, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, GMO-derived ingredients, or animal products. The Role of Digestive Enzymes on Nutrient Absorption and Healthy Digestion To ensure you actually obtain the nutrients from food, you need to ensure healthy digestion. Once food has left the stomach and entered the small intestine, digestive enzymes can begin turning it into the fuel needed for metabolic processes and sustenance. These enzymes are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine – which is why the function of the pancreas is vital to overall wellness. Those with digestive issues, low/poor mineral levels (iron), a compromised immune system, or chronic health issues may benefit from implementing a daily digestive enzyme to ensure more effective digestion.  Xymogen’s XymoZyme product incorporates all the key digestive enzymes to provide a formula that can help to facilitate healthy digestion. The formulation contains principal digestive enzymes (amylase and phytase, protease) along with enzymes designed to break down proteins and fibers (bromelain and papain) that people tend to have difficulty with (high FODMAP foods or high protein foods). Phytase, in particular, helps to facilitate the breakdown of phytates from grains and legumes – this helps to increase the absorption of important nutrients like iron, calcium, and phosphorus.  The complete digestion of nutrients ensures that incompletely digested molecules and proteins do not enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response.

Well established as a culinary herb and loved ingredient, garlic has been known for centuries to possess potent antibacterial and antiviral activity. It has been found across a variety of cultures, and known for its health promoting properties dating back to the time of Hippocrates.  The Benefits of Garlic – Antifungal, Antiviral, Antibacterial + Immune System Health, Cardiovascular Health, and Antioxidant Powerhouse Today, garlic as a supplement is perhaps most commonly used to maintain cardiovascular health, and immune system function – especially when it relates to viral infection or bacterial infection (such as in cases of Lyme disease). Those dealing with Candida infections or thrush/yeast infections may find an oral supplementation of garlic hugely beneficial as well, given garlic’s documented antifungal activity.  Most of the documented and researched benefits ascribed to garlic are derived from the sulfur-containing compounds present in garlic. These include alliin, allicin, allyl cysteine, and allyl disulfide. Compared to many garlic based supplements that only standardize amounts to extracts of allicin, GarliX by Xymogen contains gamma-glutamylcysteines, alliin, allicin, thiosulfates, and sulfur. This makes GarliX a more potent and bioactive garlic supplement designed specifically for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and immune systems.  Numerous studies reaffirm the benefit of garlic on “bad” cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Garlic appears to play a cardioprotective role in helping to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as maintaining proper endothelial function of the arteries.  GarliX Dosage and Concentration   1 capsule contains 650mg of garlic extract (allium sativum; bulb) for a total allicin content of 1%. One capsule is recommended per day, unless monitored by a naturopath, healthcare practitioner, or healthcare professional.  As garlic tends to have some potential interactions, it is not recommended to take garlic supplements while on any blood thinners or blood thinning medication – which includes herbal / natural supplements known to thin the blood or reduce the ability of blood to clot.  This Xymogen product does not contain any wheat, gluten products, yeast, soy, animal products, fairy products, corn, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, egg, GMOs, or artificial preservatives/additives. As always, Xymogen products are manufactured to the highest standards of purity and potency.

For the first time in many years, Health Canada has changed the official maximum vitamin D dose allowed by supplement companies. Health Canada rarely changes their recommended vitamin doses, so this change surprised many people. What does the increase in dosage mean for us? As of February 24, 2021, we are now allowed to buy over-the-counter vitamin D supplements that are 2500 IU. Previously, we were only able to buy supplements that contained a maximum of 1000 IU. Soon, natural health brands will be releasing new, upgraded versions of their vitamin D supplements. Is this new dose safe? Although 2500 IU may seem like a big jump from the previous recommended dose, this increase has been a long time coming. In the US, vitamin D supplements up to 10, 000 IU are sold over the counter regularly. Evidence that supports the safety of allowing higher vitamin D limits has been collected for many years. Health Canada has been receiving requests from consumers, physicians, and the natural supplement industry for a long time, and it’s finally been approved, finally. To note, the maximum dose of vitamin D allowed does not represent the maximum amount of vitamin D you can take in one day before reaching toxicity. Instead, it “represents the highest average daily intake of a nutrient that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects in the general population”, according to Health Canada. As such, it is the maximum dose of vitamin D you can legally buy in Canada, without a doctor’s prescription. However, if your doctor has used a blood test and concluded your vitamin D levels to be low, they can certainly prescribe you a dose higher than 2500 IU. Who is at risk for vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D is a unique nutrient. Although we can consume it through our diet, our primary source comes from the sun’s UV rays. As the rays hit your skin, the inactive vitamin D in your skin cells are converted to the active form. In order for this conversion to occur, you must be outside during the sun’s strongest hours, and be mostly uncovered. Both clothing and sunscreen can prevent your skin from making vital vitamin D. You may be a risk of vitamin D deficiency if you: Rarely spend time outdoors Are living in an institution like a care home Usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when you’re outdoors Have darker skin Live in a country where the winter months are long How to ensure you are getting enough vitamin D year-round To prevent vitamin D deficiency, the most important step is to determine your reason for the deficiency. If you don’t go outside frequently, you may choose to make a daily routine of taking walks outdoors every morning. If the culprit is something that cannot be changed, such as having darker skin or being confined indoors, you may consider adding a daily vitamin D supplement. The most bioavailable vitamin D supplements contain a fat source as an added ingredient. Because vitamin D itself is fat-soluble, pairing the vitamin with a fat enhances its absorption. Popular pairings include coconut oil, MCT oil and sunflower oil. If you can’t stand the taste of oil as a supplement, emulsified liquids or softgels are just as effective. Best options: Genestra D3 K2 Mulsion 20mL, CanPrev Vitamin D3 & K2 + MCT 120 Softgels The superstar vitamin Whether you chose to increase your time outdoors in the sunlight or add a new supplement to your regime, the benefits of vitamin D have been evident year after year. You can rely on vitamin D to balance your immune system, keep your teeth and bones strong and regulate your hormones. Health Canada’s increase assures us that vitamin D is an important supplement to consider – try it and you’ll see! Author Grace Tien is a women’s health holistic nutritionist. She helps her clients optimize their nutrition habits so that they can get rid of afternoon slumps and live each day full of energy. Grace specializes in nutrition for healthy periods, you can find out more at @gracetien.ca on Instagram.

It is not normal to feel tired all the time! If “I’m so tired today!” is consistently a part of your daily vocabulary, there may be a deeper root cause that is resulting in your low energy. With the right lifestyle changes and supplementation, you can take on the day with a clear mind and renewed energy. Causes of Low Energy:  Imbalanced blood sugar  Not enough protein  Insomnia  B12 deficiency  Chronic stress  Iron deficiency  Underactive thyroid  To rule out an underactive thyroid, B12 and iron deficiency, you may want to consider checking in with your doctor. In addition to eating a blood-balancing diet filled with adequate protein, there are a few supplements that can help you adapt to chronic stress-related fatigue. Supplements to Improve Energy Levels Rhodiola Mental fog symptoms are common these days. Have you ever felt a lack of concentration mid-day? Perhaps your thinking is slower than normal?  Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that can produce a specific physiologic response based on what the body needs. It helps the body adapt to stress by balancing the stress hormone, cortisol. Rhodiola helps to increase energy and reduce stress-related mental fatigue – something we can all use.[1] You can find rhodiola in capsule form, tinctures and in many adrenal formulas. Lion’s Mane Lion’s Mane is a popular medicinal mushroom that helps with concentration and cognition.   As a medicinal mushroom, lion’s mane contains antioxidants that help your body produce energy. It works to maintain neurons (brain cells) – helping your brain process and transmit information. Lion’s mane has been shown to improve both physical energy and mental function.[2] You can find lion’s mane in capsules. In addition, Four Sigmatic has a “coffee” made from lion’s mane – it’s an excellent replacement for coffee!  Ginseng Ginseng root is one of the most studied herbs for energy and has even been used in studies with cancer patients,[3] who experience extreme fatigue. This herb has been around since ancient China and is still popular today. It works by temporarily dilating blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the brain. It is one of the more powerful energy, mood and focus boosters.  You can find ginseng in capsules, tea, whole root, drinks and tinctures. Ginseng is an expensive root to grow, so it is important to get it from high-quality sources.  Note: Do not take ginseng if you are on blood thinners, antidepressants, are diabetic or have high blood pressure.   B Vitamins The B vitamins are essential for energy production. They play important roles in the metabolism of carbs, protein and fats to be used as energy for the body.[4] Because they are depleted during stressful periods, supplementing with a full spectrum of B vitamins is useful for those with low energy. Studies show that B vitamins can increase blood flow to the brain during cognitive tasks, showing that both brain function and metabolism are positively improved.[5] You can find B vitamins in methylated B complex formulas. AOR Advanced B complex is one of the best on the market.  Author  Grace Tien is dietetics and holistic nutrition grad. She creates sustainable, delicious meal plans to help clients with their health goals. Grace specializes in nutrition for healthy periods, you can find out more at @gracetien.ca on Instagram.

Over the past several months most of us have experienced a “Home Life” comparable to Groundhog Day.  In the beginning of CoVID, you may have felt the desire to kick-start a new healthy eating plan, or tackle those in home workouts with a vengeance.  However, as time has waged on, the motivation may have started to dissipate and your daily exercise consists of a multitude of trips to the fridge to check if the light is still working (FYI: It is.) Then throw in fashion consisting of daytime and nighttime stretchy pants with no buttons or zippers, and it is safe to say most of us are experiencing a CoVID 15lb weight gain. But it’s not all our fault. When we are faced with a stressful situation our bodies release the hormone called cortisol. This reaction causes our blood sugar levels to rise resulting in a craving for foods high in fat, sugar and salt in order to replenish the glucose. Yet now as we prepare to go back out into our “New Normal” we are finding our skinny jeans are not so skinny anymore; our shorts from last year must have shrunk and with little chance of a new wardrobe on the horizon, weight loss is something we may need to seriously consider for our healthiest selves. However, we know diets do not work, restriction leads to binging, and truthfully finding balance in an unbalanced world seems impossible. So what can we do right now that will get those buttons done up and bring some consistency back into our days?   Here are 6 Weight Loss Tips you can start implementing today to deal with the COVID 15lbs.  Tip #1: Make a Plan:We technically all know what we should be doing, drinking those 8-10 glasses of water a day, choosing lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, high fibre, and nutrient dense foods. Start reading the ingredient profiles of the foods you buy, aim for food lower in sugar and refined carbs. Making choices that support your goals is essential. However, when faced with the plethora of tasty treats, we can often forget our commitment to removing the new curves we have adopted. So the next time you make a trip to the grocery store, be prepared and take a list. On that list write your health and wellness goals on the top and plan out your meals for the next couple days. Then if you hear the box of cookies calling your name you can remember your “Why.” And maybe instead of buying a box of 24 deluxe chocolate chip cookies, head to the bakery section and settle on one or two. Even better, pick yourself up an antioxidant rich, dark chocolate bar. As you cruise the store stay on the perimeter and avoid the inner aisle that mostly consists of packaged, processed foods. Remember, a healthy immune system relies on both the Macro (protein, fats and carbs) and Micro (vitamins and minerals) but we must make sure we choose the right kinds.   Tip #2: Am I Really Hungry?How many times have you caught yourself elbow deep in a bag of chips or pint of ice cream only to realize that you can’t remember when you started. Often when we find ourselves mindlessly eating it is important to stop and ask  “Am I REALLY hungry? Or am I bored, lonely, upset?” Finding comfort in food is common and refereed to as emotional eating. Given the current state of the unknown, food can easily become our comfort and friend. The best way to start connecting to your hunger cues is to start being mindful of when you are eating, why you are eating, and how your food tastes. Take the time to savour your food and enjoy each bite.  There is no prize for she/he who finishes first.  Another way to bring mindfulness to your hunger cues is first thing in the morning. If your morning schedule is to eat first thing, hold back a bit and wait until you feel a little hungry. Then enjoy your first meal.  The purpose behind this is to set the tone of the day by honouring what you need. Start the day by tuning in to what your body needs and then responding to it.  As the day progresses continue to pay attention if you are hungry or looking for comfort. This is not about restriction but about connecting.    Tip #3: Use Your Hands:Now, we all know our parents have told us to use our utensils when we eat so this concept may throw you off but one issue I have seen time and time again is portion control. And with serving sizes becoming increasingly larger it is no wonder our waistbands are following.  Make a point of serving your food on plates and dishes; stop snackin ...

When we think detox we often think of the latest juice cleanse or a program that restricts certain foods. Detoxes are often used to eliminate and cleanse our organs from harmful bacteria, parasites, environmental toxins, alcohol and medication. However, have you ever thought of a hormonal detox? Hormones are the chemical substances that coordinate and control the activities within the body. They are secreted through the endocrine glands and each hormone influences certain organs and tissues. Hormones are responsible for growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, development etc.  When the body releases too much or not enough this can result in hormonal imbalance.  Xenoestrogens (environmental estrogens) are environmental toxins, such as manmade chemicals, parabens, phthalates, BPA’s, pesticides and herbicides. Our body can absorb these environmental estrogens the same way it can our natural estrogen. This can lead to estrogen dominance, a condition where the body has a higher amount of estrogen to progesterone, this imbalance can lead to undesired health effects (1,2.) Our liver is responsible for detoxification and flushing excess hormones and toxins from the body. However, due to poor nutrition choices, stress, caffeine and alcohol this becomes exceedingly difficult.  Our liver function becomes compromised, sluggish and backed up. When this occurs these half detoxified molecules recirculate back into the system, which can lead to hormonal imbalance and toxic overload.  Let’s examine 5 simple ways to start detoxifying your body from excess hormones and in turn show your liver some love.  1. Avoid Plastics Plastics contain toxins that are prone to leaching. Two of these chemicals BPA (bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S) and BPS mimic estrogen in the body and can throw off the balance of your natural estrogen (3.) These two chemicals are especially detrimental in extreme temperatures.  When possible choose a glass or a stainless steel water bottles. Make sure to remove plastics that come in contact with your food and store all leftovers in glass containers.  2. Natural Makeup, Skin Care and Household Products If we look at the ingredient profile on our favorite skincare, haircare, sunscreen and makeup, we will discover most of our personal products contain parabens and phthalates.  These chemicals enter the lymphatic system and our bloodstream then are processed via our liver. Make sure you always read your labels and reach for products that are clearly marked paraben and phthalate free, as many of the chemicals can be difficult to identify. Then the next time you throw the laundry in the dryer make sure to read the label of your favorite, lavender, softener sheets. Many household cleaners and fabric softeners contain petrochemicals, which also serve as environmental estrogens. Ingredients in common household cleaners have been linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruptors and neurotoxicity (4.) Read labels and if you are feeling crafty you can try making your own with such ingredients as vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.    3. Eat Organic Produce, and Grass Fed Meat or Dairy. Certified organic products are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones and antibiotics. These harmful chemicals can contain xenoestrogens and are used in plant and animal farming to boost production and protect crops from pests. When possible choose certified organic, buy local or wild caught and make sure to wash your fruit and vegetables thoroughly. In addition make sure your diet is rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and watercress. These are rich in both DIM (diindolylmethane) which is effective in detoxifying excess estrogen and additionally contain liver supportive phytochemicals.   4. Movement Our skin is our largest organ and one way we can eliminate toxins is through perspiration and exercise. When other detoxifying organs are overloaded, toxins can cause a form of rashes, acne, blemishes, pimples and sores. Moving the body helps circulate blood and lymph, forces heavier breathing, circulation, improves digestion, and bowel movements. In addition, exercise and movement strengthen the heart and lungs which are responsible for expelling carbon dioxide.  It is recommended to aim for at least 30 min of movement each day and besides supporting detoxification and overall health and wellness, is also provides a great stress reliever.   5. Supplements  Supporting our liver with additional nutrients to assist in processing hormonal toxins from the body can be beneficial.  Milk Thistle is known for its ability to repair and support the liver. This powerful herb assists in the bodies production of glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant in the body, which optimizes liver function and detoxification.  NAC is a precursor to ...

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching! This is the perfect opportunity to treat all the Mama's in your life and even yourself to a few sweet gifts to celebrate this beautiful day. Healthy Planet is currently running an INCREDIBLE Mother's Day Sale, full of pampering and practical products for all Mothers! I have narrowed down my top 4 favourite products that not only do I use, but would make the  perfect Health & Wellness gifts for the Mama's in your life this Mother’s Day!   Organika Collagen – Because healthy skin is always on trend. Collagen has many beautiful benefits that does our body so good - promotes skin health, boost muscle mass, improve ingestive health, burns fat, alleviate joint pains, promotes heart health, and improves cognitive health. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, however our ability to produce it decreases less and less as we age. This is why it is so important to either incorporate foods that contain collagen in our diet or supplement it with a product like, Organika Collagen. Because let’s be real, who doesn’t want beautiful skin? Skin Essence Facial in a Jar – Spoil the Mama's in your life with this multipurpose product. You can either use this as an exfoliator to scrub away dead skin or leave it on as a mask so that the product can absorb all the oils and impurities out of your skin. Either way, this product will leave your skin super soft, supple, nourished and will brighten your overall complexion!   Everyone Hand Soap Coconut Lavender – This is the best naturally smelling hand soap on the market. I really love that it is kind to our earth, cruelty free, gluten free, does not contain synthetic fragrance, and really does a wonderful job at cleansing and moisturizing the skin.   Andalou Naturals Body Lotion Lavender Thyme – You will not catch me without some sort of hand lotion in my diaper bag. With all the diaper changing and constantly washing my hands to avoid catching my toddler’s germs, it strips away my natural oils leaving my skin super dry and cracked. I love this hand lotion not only does it DELICIOUS but it also does a fab job at moisturizing and keeping the skin moisturized for a long period of time. If Lavender Thyme isn’t your jam, they also have a large selection of other scents as well!   Written by Healthy Planet Ambassador @lifestylebycp.  Follow Cherrie as she lives her best life spreading her vision of the Health and Wellness lifestyle with the help of Healthy Planet!

Tis the season to embrace your family and loved ones. Your time is occupied by holiday parties, friend's gathering and surrounding yourself with family. It’s a chance to immerse yourself into the holiday spirit and leave behind the stress of daily life and the issues that come with it. While we mask the not so positive parts of ourselves during the holidays to keep up a positive and festive mood around others, doing so can lead to increased stress and anxiety. This can make way for excessive eating and sometimes deepen an already depressed state of mind. Taking care of your mind and body during the holiday season is of utmost importance not just for you, but those around you as well. With the New Year quickly approaching, we all know what comes when the big hand strikes Midnight. A laundry list of how we are going to improve our Health and Wellness in the upcoming year. Resolutions like increased time in the gym, adapting to an organic diet or making a pact to spend more time with nature are popular with the health and wellness lifestyle. Healthy Planet is here to help assist you in being the best version of yourself.Here is a list of some of our favourite New Year Resolutions and how we can help reach your goals! Digestion Health: Change of Diet Resolution: We an all overindulge in food and sweets over the Holidays. Here are some of our favourite products that will help realign both your gut health and digestive health for the New Year. Genuine Health Probiotic Gut Health - Benefiting both skin health, digestive health and immunity. Start your New Year building a defense in your gut against bloating and weak digestion. New Roots Digestive Enzyme - Get more energy from your food while helping increase vitamin and mineral absorption from foods. Helping with digestion, boating and gas, give a little love to your Gut Health with the arrival of the New Year. Traditional Medicinals Eater's Digest Peppermint Tea- This Kosher, Non GMO, Organic, after dinner tea is perfect for occasional indigestion and soothing a full belly. Let’s be serious, who doesn’t love a cup of tea after dinner. Dry Winter Weather: Spend More TIme In Nature Resolution Spending more time in nature can bring a sense of calmness following the busy holiday season. Dedicating more time walking and exploring the outdoors can be a fun way to enter the New Year feeling invigorated and fresh. Earth's Care Dry and Cracked Skin Balm - Winter months can be harsh and cold. Increased time spent exploring outside will leave you cracked and dry. Absorb the benefits of Shea Butter, Arnica and Cajaput Oil. Dr. Bronner Lip Balm Peppermint - Keep your lips from getting chapped with a classic. Support proper moisturizing of your lips over the cold months into spring. All organic and all love, Dr. Bronner should be a staple for everyone this New Year. Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Lemon Echinacea Tea - Heating up with a warm and comforting Tea after enjoying a walk in the park in the Winter months is the perfect treat. Organic, Non GMO, Kosher and Fair Trade. Gym Supplements: Joining Gym Resolution One of the top New Year Resolutions is joining the gym. We always promote self care and improving your body at Healthy Planet. Allmax ISONatural - Gluten free and formulated with probiotics to improve intestinal microflora, Allmax protein technology is a great addition to any training regiment. Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer - Go into your workout fully energized and ready to build your best self empire. Increase your endurance while raising your menta focus and recovery time. Amazing Grass Green SuperFood - Complete raw food with powerful antioxidants, Organic, Raw, Gluten Free, Natural, support your body while you train it to be the best it can be. Going Organic: Going Organic Resolution The Organic movement has made huge strides in the last few years. With the public understanding the importance of healthy and pesticide-free produce and products, trading in your processed foods and items for Organic will be an easy transition. Organic Traditions Sprouted Quinoa - Full of protein and incredibly versatile in the kitchen, quinoa is one of the easier proteins to fuel your body for the New Years challenges. Organic Traditions is one of our favourite Organic brands on the market. Prana Organic Cashews - Known to reduce inflammation, improve metabolism and lower the risk of diabetes, Prana Organic Cashews are some of the best Organic nuts on the market. Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts - An easy way to add omegas, protein and fibre straight into your diet, Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts are free of any additives or preservatives. A healthy and organic addition to your New Year Goals. Going Cruelty Free: Cruelty Free Beauty Self Care Resolution One of the most popular and fastly growing New Year Resolutions/Movements is jumping on board the Cruelty Free Cosmetics and Self Care. We are proud to carry all Cruelt ...

BY: PLATINUM NATURALS Vitamins and minerals perform hundreds of roles in your body. From converting food into energy, building your bones, healing your wounds, and boosting your immune system, you may not be getting enough of these critical nutrients in your daily diets. Let’s see why. 1. You are not perfect. Let’s face it; most of us don’t consistently eat a healthy diet. Sure, some days we eat better than others but if we’re honest…there are at least a few days a week or month that we opt for the drive thru on our way to or from work or snack on a cookie instead of a carrot. And despite our best efforts on our “good” eating days, studies show that many of us are still falling short of getting the nutrients our bodies need to function at their best.   2. Your food is not perfect. The fruits and vegetables we eat are often sprayed with pesticides or picked before they are ripe and shipped to us – which can deplete important nutrients. Nearly every food preparation process reduces the amount of nutrients in food. In particular, processes that expose foods to high levels of heat, light, and/or oxygen often cause the greatest nutrient loss. B vitamins are essential for helping our bodies use energy, but are easily destroyed through cooking and food processing.   3. You take medications from time to time. Many medications can deplete nutrients, for example: •  Birth control pills deplete B-vitamins.•  Antacids deplete calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.•  Anti-inflammatory drugs deplete vitamin C and folic acid.•  Diuretics deplete potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, B1 and B6. Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients because your body needs only tiny amounts of them, yet they have powerful effects. Taking a multivitamin ensures you get all the essential nutrients you need to function at your best.