Returning to the Basics of Health
Contributed by Alexander Harmon
For decades, Americans were taught to follow a food pyramid that emphasized processed grains, low-fat products, and calorie counting. Over time, rising rates of chronic illness and inflammation forced a reevaluation of that approach. Today, national dietary guidelines have shifted away from the old pyramid toward a model that more closely reflects how humans have eaten for most of history: whole foods, balanced portions, and nutrient-dense ingredients drawn from nature.
This shift is important because modern diets — despite appearing abundant — often lack essential vitamins and minerals. Industrial farming practices, depleted soils, food processing, and long storage times all reduce the nutritional value of what ends up on our plates. As a result, most people experience some level of vitamin or mineral depletion, even if they eat regularly. Common deficiencies include magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and B vitamins, all of which play critical roles in energy production, immune health, and inflammation control.
Supplementation can help fill these gaps, but not all supplements are created equal. Nutrients that come from real plant and animal sources tend to be more recognizable and usable by the body than fully synthetic alternatives. Whole-food-based supplements retain the natural cofactors — enzymes, trace minerals, and amino acids — that help nutrients work as they should. This approach aligns with the growing understanding that the body responds best to what it recognizes as food, not isolated lab-created compounds.
One example of this philosophy is the work of Dr. Josh Axe through the brand Ancient Nutrition, which focuses on supplements derived from traditional food sources such as herbs, fermented plants, bone broth, and animal-based nutrients. These products reflect a broader movement toward ancestral and functional nutrition — supporting the body by supplying what modern lifestyles often remove.
Diet alone, however, is only one part of the wellness picture. Regular physical activity plays a significant role in managing inflammation and improving overall health. Exercise supports circulation, helps regulate blood sugar, strengthens joints, and encourages the body’s natural detoxification systems. Even moderate, consistent movement — such as walking, stretching, or strength training — can enhance the benefits of improved nutrition and proper supplementation.
True health is not built through extremes or quick fixes. It is the result of daily habits that support the body’s natural design: eating real food, restoring missing nutrients, and staying physically active. As more people return to these fundamentals, the conversation around wellness continues to shift away from trends and back toward time-tested principles.
Many of the whole-food supplements and brands mentioned, including Ancient Nutrition, are available locally in Wasilla at Nature’s Remedies, making it easier for community members to access tools that support a more natural approach to health.