Good Health Myths

by Dr. Robert Swain

Myth #1.  I don't need to exercise or diet because I take supplements. 

If you don't exercise  or eat correctly you will never reach the optimal health that you are trying to achieve by taking supplements.  All three are equally important.

Myth #2.  I eat fresh and healthy foods so I don't need supplements. 

This brings us back to the "no" answer above.  The latest data shows that the nutritional value of our food has diminished 5% to 40% in minerals, vitamins and protein in the past 50-70 years.  Vegetables seem to more affected.   You now need to eat two times as much food as they did in the early 1900's to get the same amount of nutritional value.  This would increase the caloric intake and thus increase our body weight.  Not good.

Myth #3.  It doesn't matter which supplements I take. 

Not all supplements are created equal.  We absorb natural vitamins, minerals and other nutrients differently than the chemical reproductions.  Take calcium for example.  Calcium carbonate is different than calcium citrate.  They are absorbed by the body differently (bio-availability).  Five hundred mg. of calcium carbonate contains more calcium than 500mg of calcium citrate, but it is less bio-available. Therefore, you get less calcium into your body.  I know it is complicated science. Staying abreast of research will help you achieve the most of your supplements.

Myth #4.  If my urine changes color I'm taking to many supplements. 

The change in color is due to the B-vitamin riboflavin you are taking.  You will have a hard time overdosing on this vitamin because it is water soluble, so your body does not store it.  If you are taking a B-vitamin complex and you do not get this color change you may need more B-vitamin. 

Myth #5.  As stated above, taking your vitamins at the right time is very important. 

To receive the most from you r supplements they need to be taken at the correct time.   The fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K are fat soluble and stored in the body so they can be taken once a day.  The other nutrients are water soluble and not stored in the body so they need to be taken 2 or 3 time a day.            

Then we get to the time of day to take supplements.  Some supplements are designed to be taken at night, some first thing in the morning, and others during the day.  Read the labels carefully. 

Myth #6.  I can't take supplements and medication at the same time. 

It is true some herbs interfere with medications.  Research a trusted source for these interactions and contradictions.  The National Institute of Health on Herbs  and Supplements is a good source. 

June's State Quiz Answers 

1. Arkansas is the only active diamond mine. 
2. Winnebago, Iowa. 
3. Fremont, Michigan is home of Gerber Foods. 
4. New Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area. South Dakota has never had an earthquake. 
5. KFC opened in Utah in 1952.

This Month's Quiz 

1.  The only state to turn down the Olympics in 1976. 
2. Has more than $6 billion in gold underneath Fort Knox. 
3.  Birth place of the ice cream cone. 
4.  Home of the first Krispy Krème donut.
5.  The nation's oldest bar, the White House Tavern opened in 1673.   
6.  Dr. Pepper was invented in 1885 and the hamburger in 1906.  

More history for us junk food crack heads. 

As always stay well, win the war against disease, and enjoy a long healthy life.