The best way to get your essential vitamins and minerals is always going to be through high-quality food sources. Unfortunately, with today's farming practices and and soil depletion, our foods may not be as nutritious as they once were. In order to assure your body is getting its essential nutrients and actually absorbing them, it is imperative that you choose a whole-food-based multivitamin, if you don't have access to a juicer. Studies have shown that the body absorbs nutrients in their whole-food, natural form more efficiently than synthetically processed forms. Your body will actually take nutrients from itself to break down these synthetic nutrients, which is called catabolization.

A good probiotic supplement is going to be crucial for aiding in the digestion of many of these nutrients, as well as the body's natural formation of many more. Did you know that over 80% of your immune system resides in your gut? A high-quality probiotic supplement will effectively coat your intestinal lining, therefore protecting it from many foreign invaders and helping your immune system fend off unwanted bugs.

We've certainly been hearing a lot about omega-3s lately, and for good reason. These essential fatty acids aid in nervous system function and back pain, decrease inflammation, and have been shown to benefit mood, among other benefits. Finding a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid in the form of fish oil or flax seed oil is a crucial addition to your healthy diet.

Lastly, living in the Northwest, it is important that we keep up our vitamin D levels. There are multiple studies out there revealing the positive health benefits of vitamin D, including aiding in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, assisting in immune function, and even helping prevent cancer. It's recommended that you get your blood levels checked for vitamin D before supplementation in higher amounts, however, it is safe to say that the average Northwesterner could easily benefit from between 3000-6000 IU a day. Getting healthy amounts of exposure to the sun as much as possible will also improve your vitamin D levels, considering you are not wearing sunscreen (this blocks much of vitamin-D's absorption into the body) and being mindful of not getting burned.

These are just the basic recommendations for a healthier life. Depending on your individual system and circumstances, your body may require other nutrients in higher quantities for more optimal function. It's always prudent to consult with a naturopathic or chiropractic physician for more specific recommendations tailored to your particular situation. Remember, you get what you pay for, and the closer to a food-based nutrient you can get the better.