Maximizing Nutrient Absorption: A Holistic Approach for Optimal Health

In the quest for optimal health; to be the most effective, most dominant version of yourself, nutrient absorption plays a crucial role. It affects your strength, your fitness, your body fat, and your brain performance. 

The latest trend (there’s always a trend) in fitness, nutrition, and supplementation is centered around quantifying and advertising an "absorption rate" for their products. Companies the world over are claiming that their product has some absurdly high absorption rate. We've seen that number as high as 99%.

But…

That’s not a thing.

What they mean to say, whilst marketing in a very intellectually dishonest way, is that the ingredients in the supplements are highly bioavailable. That does NOT mean, however, that YOU will absorb those available nutrients anywhere near the clip advertised. The reality is that it’s likely to be somewhere in the realm of 0% to 30%, depending on the nutrient. It’s nearly always more likely to be closer to ZERO than the 99% percent advertised, and the supplement companies doing the advertising have no way of knowing what that number really is. 

Why?

It’s immeasurable. There are far too many factors at play from genetics to lifestyle to when the last time you moved your bowels is, and your ability to absorb anything you consume changes all day every day… forever.  

It's not just about what we eat but also how our bodies assimilate and utilize nutrients. Factors ranging from diet and lifestyle to physiological processes can significantly impact or enhance nutrient absorption. 

So, we’re not going to tell you how much of our nutrient-dense, highly bioavailable supplements you’ll absorb. We’re just not sleazy enough for that and we don’t want to pay a team of lawyers to write a robust disclaimer just so we can lie to you. 

We will tell you, however, how to enhance your own ability to absorb the nutrients in your animal based diet that we think ought to include organs, either consumed fresh or from our line of supplements.

So here it goes.

Alcohol Consumption:

It goes without saying, probably, but put down the bottle. Alcohol consumption can impair nutrient absorption by disrupting the lining of the stomach and intestines, reducing the secretion of digestive enzymes and impairing nutrient transport across cell membranes. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamins B1, B6, B12, and folic acid. To enhance nutrient absorption, don’t drink alcohol. Plain and simple. 

Food Intake and Timing:

The timing of food intake can impact nutrient absorption. Consuming nutrient-dense animal foods, without the addition of antinutrients (present in vegetables, legumes, and leafy greens) like oxalates and phytates, enhances absorption. Additionally, spacing meals throughout the day promotes steady nutrient uptake and metabolism. Optimal nutrient absorption occurs when meals contain a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, promoting efficient digestion and absorption. We’re not saying never to consume vegetables or fiber, but when strictly talking nutrient absorption from the most bioavailable sources (animals), veggies are not going to help.

Body Fat:

Excess body fat can impair nutrient absorption and utilization due to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can disrupt gastrointestinal function and impair nutrient absorption. Maintaining a healthy body weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet is essential for optimizing nutrient absorption and overall metabolic health. Being less fat is always better for you than being more fat, and in the case of nutrient absorption, this is especially true.

Pharmaceuticals and Drug Interactions:

Certain pharmaceuticals can interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism. For example, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat acid reflux can reduce the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Likewise, antibiotics can disrupt gut microbiota, affecting nutrient absorption and utilization. It's crucial to consult healthcare professionals about potential drug-nutrient interactions and take preventive measures such as adjusting diet or supplementation accordingly. The ever popular GLP-1 agonists are particularly offensive in this regard.

Caffeine:

While moderate caffeine consumption has been associated with health benefits, excessive intake can interfere with nutrient absorption. Caffeine stimulates gastric acid secretion, which may affect the absorption of certain nutrients like iron and calcium. To mitigate potential adverse effects, moderate caffeine intake and ensure adequate intake of nutrients through your animal based diet.

Lifestyle:

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentary behavior, and stress can impact nutrient absorption and metabolism. Smoking, for instance, has been linked to decreased nutrient absorption and increased oxidative stress, while regular physical activity promotes gastrointestinal motility and nutrient uptake. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and adopting a healthy lifestyle can support optimal nutrient absorption and overall well-being.

Sleep:

Quality sleep is essential for optimal nutrient absorption and metabolism. Sleep deprivation disrupts hormonal balance, including appetite-regulating hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which can influence food intake and nutrient absorption. Prioritizing adequate sleep duration and quality can enhance nutrient absorption and support overall metabolic health.

Gastric Emptying:

The rate of gastric emptying affects nutrient absorption by determining the time nutrients spend in the gastrointestinal tract. Slow gastric emptying can prolong nutrient exposure to absorptive surfaces, enhancing absorption, while rapid gastric emptying may reduce absorption efficiency. While there is likely no limit to protein in a single sitting and muscle protein synthesis over time, when it comes specifically to nutrient-absorption, consuming smaller, frequent meals can help regulate gastric emptying and optimize nutrient absorption.

Stress:

Briefly mentioned above, chronic stress can impair nutrient absorption and metabolism by altering gastrointestinal motility, reducing blood flow to the digestive system, and disrupting gut microbiota balance. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise can help mitigate the effects of stress on nutrient absorption and promote gastrointestinal health.

Exercise:

Regular physical activity enhances nutrient absorption by promoting gastrointestinal motility, increasing blood flow to the digestive system, and enhancing nutrient uptake by muscle cells. Exercise also stimulates the production of growth factors and hormones that support nutrient metabolism and utilization. Incorporating both aerobic and resistance training into daily routines can optimize nutrient absorption and overall metabolic health.

Maximizing nutrient absorption is essential for optimal health and well-being. By addressing various factors such as diet, lifestyle, pharmaceuticals, and physiological processes, individuals can enhance nutrient uptake and utilization, supporting overall metabolic health and vitality. Adopting a holistic approach that considers all aspects of nutrient absorption can pave the way for lifelong health and wellness.

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