There has been an ongoing vigorous debate in the past decade regarding the effectiveness of supplements, and whether or not taking additional doses of vitamins and additives is ultimately beneficial for health. The industry of dietary supplements, minerals, herbal products, and vitamins generates annual revenue of over $30 billion in the U.S. A recent study published in a medical journal in October revealed that 52% of adults used one or more supplements in 2012.

Data reveals that supplements are essential in treating vitamin and mineral deficiencies; moreover, certain combinations of nutrients have been found to help treat several medical conditions, like age-related macular degeneration. Evidence further suggests that those at high risk for Vitamin D deficiency—which is highly prevalent in several areas—may face serious, long-term implications for public health.

While no pill can supply the nutrients found in healthy, wholesome food, it is critical that we learn more about the ways in which vitamins and supplements work and interact, in addition to their untapped potential for wellness and nutrition.

World renowned integrative medicine expert Dr. David Perlmutter and registered dietitian Ashley Koff appeared on the Dr. Oz show today, presenting a three-day ‘reset’ regimen for the body, in addition to ways to avoid weight gain.

Perlmutter discussed the ways in which gluten threatens our gut bacteria: consumption of gluten often leads to leakiness of the gut, which subsequently causes inflammation—and, ultimately, weight gain. Moreover, although diet drinks have no sugar or calories, the artificial sweeteners in them have been proven to potentially double one’s risk of diabetes, and lead to weight gain.

In order to stave off holiday weight gain, Perlmutter articulated that science has demonstrated the body’s ability to reset itself in merely three days, which provides an opportunity for maintenance. This regimen can alter and decrease gut bacteria, effectively changing the body’s biome and allowing for increased overall health.

By eliminating processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and glutens, Perlmutter reveals that you can eat the carbs you want, while both eliminating weight gain and improving general health. Because leaky gut is the prototypic mechanism that leads to weight increases, a few simple changes in your diet can ultimately make all the difference!

Recent research has uncovered a specific enzyme in vegetables that has the potential to slow some of the effects and conditions of aging.

A paper published in Cell Metabolism by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine reports that the compound, when given to mice, negates several of the biological problems of aging. The substance, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is also found in several natural foods–including cucumbers, edamame, and broccoli.

When given infusions of NMN, the animals demonstrated improved eyesight, lower weight gain, and were able to convert food into energy at a much more efficient rate. Moreover, the report stated that the mice were able to prevent some of the genetic changes associated with aging. The lower rates of age-related diseases have led scientists to believe that–essentially–the mice will live longer.

While the findings have been limited to the experiments conducted with mice, the research team is spearheading an early study on people by utilizing NMN pill supplements. The findings further confirm the discovery and potential of other anti-aging compounds that have proven success in animal studies, including the diabetes drug metformin, rapamycin, and sirtuins–all of which are also involved in the energy-making process.

The ability to keep cells young provides a critical foundation for the potential to stop, or at least slow, diseases that manifest as cells age and gradually lose their overall function. This unprecedented information will help develop and solidify the infrastructure for future research with humans, which could have incredible and far-reaching consequences across the globe.