The Top 3 Nutrient Deficiencies and How to Fix Them with Chris Kresser

Organ Meats

Organ meats are highlighted as a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a dense concentration of vitamins and minerals compared to other foods. Chris Kresser explains that liver, for example, scores significantly higher on nutrient density scales than whole grains, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet 1. He shares practical ways to incorporate organ meats into meals, such as mixing liver with ground beef or using it in meatloaf, which can make it more palatable for those unaccustomed to its taste and texture 2.

There are lots of ways that you can integrate it with within your normal diet. That's not just, like, eating plain, you know, sauteed liver.

--- Chris Kresser

Kresser also notes the growing availability of organ meats through local ranches and online services, making it easier for people to access these nutrient-rich foods 3.

   

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients, found in a variety of plant foods, play a crucial role in enhancing our nutrient intake and supporting overall health. Chris Kresser emphasizes the importance of eating a diverse range of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure a broad spectrum of phytonutrients, which are responsible for the vibrant colors in these foods 4. These compounds, while not essential for survival, significantly contribute to our well-being by supporting immune function and gut health.

It's exciting to see the new research showing how these phytonutrients, while they may not be essential in the sense that we literally can't survive without them, they are, I think, extremely important to our health and well being.

--- Chris Kresser

Kresser highlights specific phytonutrients like beta glucan, found in mushrooms, which have been shown to possess immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties 5.