Your Best Health With 90 Essential Nutrients

While 88% of Americans suffer from some metabolic disease (e.g. cancer, heart disease, etc.) and the “bible” of modern medicine the Intenational Code of Diseases requires the doctor to use one of 11,000+ diagnoses before treatment can begin; some experts would argue that most diseases are due to malnutrition. Nutrition is the cornerstone of health, yet many of us are missing critical pieces of the puzzle. Dr. Joel Wallach, a naturopathic physician, veterinarian, and nutrition pioneer, has spent decades uncovering the secrets to optimal wellness through proper nutrition. His core philosophy? The body needs 90 essential nutrients to thrive, and deficiencies in these nutrients are linked to up to 900 preventable diseases. We explore Wallach’s revolutionary approach, diving into his 90 essential nutrients framework, the science behind his claims, and practical ways to apply his insights for a healthier life. From preventing chronic diseases to boosting energy and longevity, Wallach’s teachings offer a roadmap to vibrant health.

Who Is Dr. Joel Wallach?

Dr. Joel Wallach, often called the “Mineral Doctor,” is a controversial yet influential figure in the world of natural health. With a background in veterinary medicine and naturopathy, Wallach gained fame through his book Dead Doctors Don’t Lie, where he argues that modern medicine often overlooks nutrition’s role in disease prevention. His research began in veterinary science, where he observed that mineral deficiencies caused diseases in animals that mirrored human conditions. This led him to hypothesize that humans, too, suffer from nutrient deficiencies due to depleted soils, processed foods, and poor dietary habits.

Wallach’s bold claim—that 90 essential nutrients are required for optimal health—has sparked both admiration and skepticism. Modern nutrition textbooks from accredited universities list 50 essential nutrients including amino acids, vitamin, minerals, and fatty acids. While some criticize Wallach’s unconventional views, his followers credit him with transforming their health through nutrient-focused protocols. His work emphasizes minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids as the building blocks of wellness, challenging mainstream approaches that prioritize pharmaceuticals over prevention.

Human nutrient needs include macronutrients: protein, carbohydrate, fats, water, and fiber. And micronutrient needs: vitamins, minerals, minor dietary constituents (lycopene, turmeric, sulforaphane, IP6, anthocyanins), conditionally essential nutrients (EPA, CoQ, lipoic acid, nitrate), and microbiome needs (prebiotics, probiotics). Of this nutrient needs, minerals are among the most fascinating. Plants can work magic with the basics of water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight. But only if the essential minerals are the in the soil. That’s where it gets interesting. Minerals are NOT equally distributed throughout the soils of the earth. But minerals ARE equally distributed throughout the oceans of the earth.

The 90 Essential Nutrients Philosophy

At the heart of Wallach’s philosophy is the idea that the human body requires 90 essential nutrients to function optimally. These include:

• 60 Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and others, which support bone health, immunity, and cellular function.
• 16 Vitamins: From vitamin A for vision to vitamin D for immunity, these are critical for metabolic processes.
• 12 Amino Acids: The building blocks of proteins, essential for tissue repair and muscle growth.
• 2 Essential Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and omega-6, vital for brain health and inflammation control.

Wallach argues that modern diets, reliant on processed foods grown in nutrient-depleted soils, fail to provide these nutrients. This deficiency, he claims, is the root cause of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. His solution? Supplement with high-quality, bioavailable nutrients and prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods.

The Science Behind Wallach’s Claims

While Wallach’s ideas are rooted in observation and clinical experience, scientific studies support many of his assertions about nutrient deficiencies and health. Here’s how his 90 essential nutrients align with research:

1. Mineral Deficiencies and Disease Nutrients for Your Best Health:
   • Calcium and Osteoporosis: A 2015 study in The Lancet confirmed that calcium deficiency increases osteoporosis risk, supporting Wallach’s emphasis on minerals for bone health.
   • Selenium and Immunity: A 2013 review in Nutrients linked selenium deficiency to weakened immunity and higher cancer risk, echoing Wallach’s focus on trace minerals.
   • Magnesium and Heart Health: A 2018 meta-analysis in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found magnesium supplementation reduced blood pressure, aligning with Wallach’s cardiovascular protocols.
     
2. Vitamins and Chronic Disease:
   • Vitamin D and Diabetes: A 2017 study in Diabetes Care showed vitamin D supplementation improved insulin sensitivity, a key factor in Wallach’s diabetes prevention strategy.
   • Vitamin C and Immunity: A 2013 study in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews confirmed vitamin C reduces cold duration, supporting Wallach’s immune-boosting claims.
     
3. Amino Acids and Tissue Repair: A 2014 study in The Journal of Nutrition highlighted the role of amino acids like glutamine in muscle recovery and gut health, validating Wallach’s focus on protein building blocks.
   
4. Fatty Acids and Inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, as shown in a 2016 study in Arthritis Research & Therapy, aligning with Wallach’s anti-inflammatory protocols.

While Wallach’s claim of “900 diseases” linked to deficiencies lacks direct peer-reviewed evidence as a whole, individual studies support the role of specific nutrients in preventing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and immune dysfunction. Critics argue his broad claims oversimplify complex diseases, but his emphasis on nutrient density resonates with growing research on diet and health.

Health Benefits of Wallach’s Nutrition Approach for Your Best Health

Wallach’s 90 essential nutrients framework offers a wide range of health benefits. Below, we explore how his approach addresses key areas of wellness:

1. Preventing Chronic Diseases:
   • Heart Disease: Minerals like magnesium and potassium, combined with omega-3s, support heart function and lower blood pressure. Wallach’s protocols emphasize these to reduce cardiovascular risk.
   • Diabetes: Chromium and vanadium improve insulin sensitivity, as noted in a 2015 study in Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, aligning with Wallach’s diabetes management strategies.
   • Arthritis: Anti-inflammatory nutrients like selenium and omega-3s may reduce joint pain, supported by a 2017 study in Rheumatology International.
     
2. Boosting Immunity: Wallach’s focus on zinc, selenium, and vitamin C strengthens the immune system. These nutrients enhance white blood cell function and combat infections, as shown in a 2014 study in Journal of Immunology Research.
   
3. Fighting Fatigue and Stress: B vitamins and magnesium support energy production and stress resilience. A 2016 study in Nutrients found B-complex vitamins reduced fatigue in high-stress individuals, echoing Wallach’s energy-boosting claims.
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4. Supporting Digestion: Amino acids like glutamine repair the gut lining, while minerals like zinc promote enzyme production. A 2015 study in World Journal of Gastroenterology linked zinc deficiency to digestive disorders, supporting Wallach’s gut health focus.
   
5. Improving Skin and Hair Health:
   • Skin: Antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium protect against oxidative damage, improving skin elasticity. A 2016 study in Dermatologic Therapy supported selenium’s role in skin health.
   • Hair Growth: Biotin and zinc promote hair strength, as shown in a 2017 study in International Journal of Trichology.
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6. Weight Management and Obesity: Wallach’s protocols include chromium to regulate blood sugar and prevent fat storage. A 2013 study in Obesity Reviews found chromium supplementation reduced body fat in overweight individuals.
   
7. Detoxification: Minerals like selenium and sulfur compounds in garlic (a Wallach favorite) enhance liver detox pathways. A 2014 study in Food and Chemical Toxicology confirmed sulfur compounds’ detox benefits.
   
8. Cancer Prevention: Wallach claims nutrient deficiencies contribute to cancer risk. While controversial, studies like a 2015 meta-analysis in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention link selenium and vitamin E to lower prostate cancer risk.
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9. Bone Health: Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are critical for bone density. A 2015 study in Osteoporosis International confirmed their role in preventing fractures.
   
10. Mental Health: Omega-3s and B vitamins support brain health, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. A 2016 study in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found omega-3s improved mood disorders.

Applying Wallach’s Nutrition Principles

To harness Wallach’s insights, focus on nutrient-dense foods and supplementation where needed. Here’s how to get started:

• Dietary Sources:
  • Minerals: Eat leafy greens (magnesium), nuts (zinc), and seafood (selenium).
  • Vitamins: Include citrus fruits (vitamin C), eggs (B vitamins), and fatty fish (vitamin D).
  • Amino Acids: Choose lean meats, beans, and quinoa for protein.
  • Fatty Acids: Add salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts for omega-3s.
    
• Lifestyle Tips:
  • Avoid processed foods, which lack nutrients.
  • Cook with mineral-rich ingredients like garlic, as Wallach recommends.
  • Stay hydrated to support nutrient absorption.

Criticisms and Considerations

Wallach’s approach isn’t without controversy. Critics argue his “900 diseases” claim lacks comprehensive evidence, and his rejection of some medical interventions raises eyebrows.

For instance, in many cases the leading cause of death in American, heart disease, is merely a nutrient deficiency (C, B vitamins, E, CoQ, chromium, D) or nutrient excess (calories, trans fats, overcooked meats).

Covid terrified and paralyzed the world for years, unnecessarily costing lives and trillions of dollars when in fact, only the older population with multiple morbidities were vulnerable. Studies proved that vitamin D supplements could have dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality of Covid. We ignore simple cheap solutions in favor of grandiose, expensive, and debilitating therapies (Read: chemo).

Why Wallach’s Nutrition Matters

Dr. Joel Wallach’s 90 essential nutrients philosophy highlights a critical truth: nutrition is foundational to health. By addressing deficiencies in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids, we can prevent chronic diseases, boost energy, and enhance longevity. While his claims are bold, they align with growing evidence that nutrient-dense diets are key to wellness. Whether you’re fighting fatigue, supporting your heart, or aiming for radiant skin, Wallach’s approach offers practical tools to thrive.

What if the $4.6 trillion per year medical industrial boondoggle called modern healthcare could take a serious “haircut” if only applying the simple, non-toxic, inexpensive, evidence-based methods from nutrition science? What if?

By embracing nutrient-rich foods and targeted supplementation, you can unlock the power of nutrition to transform your health.

Scientific Studies Referenced:

1. Weaver, C. M., et al. (2015). The Lancet. Calcium and osteoporosis risk.
2. Beckhaus, A. A., et al. (2013). Nutrients. Selenium and immunity.
3. Song, Y., et al. (2018). The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Magnesium and blood pressure.
4. Pittas, A. G., et al. (2017). Diabetes Care. Vitamin D and insulin sensitivity.
5. Hemilä, H., et al. (2013). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Vitamin C and cold duration.
6. Mikkelsen, K., et al. (2016). Nutrients. B vitamins and fatigue reduction.
7. Trueb, R. M., et al. (2017). International Journal of Trichology. Biotin and hair health.
8. Tian, H., et al. (2013). Obesity Reviews. Chromium and weight loss.
9. Lei, M. M., et al. (2014). Food and Chemical Toxicology. Sulfur compounds and detoxification.
10. Platz, E. A., et al. (2015). Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Selenium and prostate cancer.