Published on October 3, 2019
More than 13,000 people worldwide have participated in the GrassrootsHealth study! In this blog series we are taking a look at the characteristics of the GrassrootsHealth participants. In earlier posts we showed the age, gender, and race/ethnicity demographics of the GrassrootsHealth cohort as well as where participants are located around the world. Today, we’ll look at smoking and alcohol consumption among GrassrootsHealth adult participants.
On the health questionnaire, participants are asked about their smoking history, secondhand smoke exposure, and alcohol use. Recently, a question about electronic cigarette use was added. The chart below shows the percent of participants who have or currently smoke cigarettes, use electronic cigarettes, are exposed to secondhand smoke, and have consumed alcohol in the prior 6 months.
Very few participants currently smoke cigarettes or use electronic cigarettes (<5%), but about one-third (34%) have smoked cigarettes previously. Also, about two-thirds (72%) have consumed alcohol in the prior 6 months.
What does your nutrient status look like?
Testing your vitamin D level regularly and taking daily steps to keep it at a target level of 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) is important for all stages of health. Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can also test your omega-3 status, inflammation levels, and levels of essential nutrients and toxins. Find out your levels today! Log on to the shop (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your level can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
Click Here to Access the Shop Page
How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
