Nutrition

One of the most interesting subjects about lifestyle is nutrition. In my opinion, it is the most important and influential aspect of  our health that we can control. Genetics is passed down from our family generations but nutrition is even able to change that.

I am often asked what I think of vitamin supplements. My first reply is always that they are there to supplement the deficits in your diet. However, I've yet to meet a person who covers all their bases with foods alone. Even if they did try, (believe me, it's not easy), the problem is that the quality of food products is not adequate. The lands are over farmed, crops that produced once a year, now produce 3 to 4 times per year. The earth is depleted of minerals, which are important components of the crops. Also, unfortunately, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are produce that were developed in a lab, even though they combat the bugs and weather that used to destroy crops, they diminish the quality of our foods.(Think of GMOs as siblings having children). Pesticides are saving the crops at the expense of our health. So bottom line, the quality of our produce is not good enough to complete our needs! 

Is organic better? Absolutely!  If you have the choice to feed your family a little pesticide or a lot, which one will you choose? Should I still supplement even if I consume organic fruits. I think yeah. Organic lands can still be over farmed, it is expensive, and you still have to eat it to get the benefits. 

In my clinic, I make supplement recommendations based on lifestyle, symptoms, and health history. There are many supplements that are proven to reduce inflammation, pain, arthritis, blood pressure, depression, migraines, muscle spasm, erectile dysfunction, and other ailments without virtually any side effects. There also many that increase athletic performance, mental clarity, vision, and many other benefits.

Which ones should I buy? Are supplements regulated for quality control? No. Why not? Since most supplements can be found in nature, the pharmaceutical companies cannot put a patent on it, so there is no money to be made having quality control on supplements. So, how do I know of a good one? Can't I just pick it up at my local grocery store or the supercenter (you know which one I'm talking about), or even better the wholesale center? Well, yes but do you know what the company that produces the supplement is like? Many times, supplements produced by great companies cost just as much as the ones that are distributed in the local market. Remember, there have been reports of a supplement not having any of the ingredients they claim to have in the first place. So the cheap, is really expensive, since your getting nothing in the end. Please choose your supplements wisely and live a better life! For a nutritional consultation you can contact my office!

---