Supplements

by Dr. Robert Swain

Q: Do we really need supplements?

A:  Yes and no.

I know that sounds like I am straddling the fence.  You know what you get by straddling the fence?  Splinters. 

In this situation, both answers are correct.  Let me elaborate a little.  I'll start with the "no" answer.  If you live in an area where you can grow your own crop and do not need to add any chemicals to the soil and pick them the day you eat them, you will probably get all the nutrients you need from your fruits of labor.   

Now let's talk about the "yes" portion of the answer.  If you purchase your fruits and veggies from a store, whether it is an organic or regular store, they are probably seven to ten days old before you buy your produce.  It may have even been picked while it was still green, ripened in a hot house, and then sent to the store.  This process depletes the normal nutritional value of the item. 

The crops were probably raised in the same fields over and over, thus depleting the soil of its natural nutrients.  This is where they add chemical fertilizers to take the place of natures usual supply.   This would be ok if our bodies were chemically made.  As you know, they are not.  But taking a multiple supplement is not the fix-all answer.

Supplements came in all forms.  There are all natural, some part natural / part chemical reproductions, and some all chemical reproduction with miscellaneous fillers. 

Supplements are not the cure all for our present day diseases.  I would like to discuss some myths and mistakes that are made with supplements.

Mistake #1.  Taking the wrong dosage.  Instead of taking one pill three times a day, taking all three at once. 

Mistake #2.  Not taking enough of a dosage. 

Mistake#3.  Taking a supplement at the wrong time.  Some supplements should be take with a meal and other need to be taken between meals.

Mistake#4.  Not being consistent.  Skipping days or even weeks will diminish the benefit of taking the supplement.

Mistake #5. Taking the wrong supplements.  Taking a one-a-day or multivitamin when you don't need all those vitamins.  

In next month's issue I will cover the myths of supplements. 

Last month's quiz answers:  The Fig Newton was named after Newton, Massachusetts.  Oregon has the most ghost towns. The ice cream sundae was invented in Wisconsin to get around the Blue Laws prohibiting ice cream from being sold on Sundays.

Now for this month's quiz: "States" 1. The only active diamond mine in the U. S. is where?  2.  Winnebago got its name form Winnebago County in this state.  3.  Gerber baby food is made in this state.  4.  The most shopping malls in one area are in this state.  5.  The only state to never have an earthquake.   6.  The first Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant opened in this state.

Enjoy and stay well.   

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