June 30, 2016 general

Last week I met with several listeners for mini-consultations. They brought in their supplements for a review as I had requested. Apparently many did not know how to build a strong complete supplement foundation. Perhaps some of my observations about what was in their bags might be useful to others.

• Many people were missing fundamentals. covers my thoughts on a basic supplement program. It includes vitamins and minerals that the body cannot make—they must come from the diet and/or supplements. Given how nutrients are depleted in today’s foods, a multivitamin-mineral is a good way to assure at least the bare minimums. In my article at this link about a basic supplement program, I say what to look for in a multi and give good and bad examples. In a recent blog, I highlighted a few benefits of one fundamental—vitamin C. Here is another benefit of the often overlooked vitamin: A recent large 10-year study of twins showed that the twin who consumed greater amounts of vitamin C was on average 33% less likely to develop cataracts. Study.
• Some folks showed me several prescriptions. For example, one might have a drug for high blood pressure. However, if he had been taking sufficient magnesium, not only might he have avoided the prescription, he could also enjoy the mineral’s many other benefits. My favorite natural remedy for blood pressure is Kyolic Formula #109. (There are over 700 studies on Kyolic aged garlic!)
• When I see calcium without magnesium, I cringe. While calcium is a necessary nutrient, it is already present in great quantities in the American diet. Calcium must be balanced with magnesium which is much less prevalent. Hormone imbalances, insufficient vitamin D and K₂ are more common reasons for bone thinning than is lack of calcium. Bone-Up by Jarrow is my favorite bone formula in part because it contains the type of calcium actually used by bones (not ground rock which is basically what some popular brands are made of). It also contains a lot of bone nutrients that you might not think of like boron and zinc. (Bone-Up is widely available in stores, but I like to support my son’s business, HealthWorksMart.com when I can.)
• I saw some forms of nutrients and supplement brands in which I don’t have much confidence. If a person isn’t trained in the differences, it is tempting to think that the only difference is price. With cars we understand that either a Rolls Royce or a Mini Cooper will get you were you are going. However, the same is not necessarily true with supplements. Some Brand X knockoffs can even be dangerous. Mostly the “bargain” brands are often not really a good value because they may not deliver good results. Unfortunately, their failure may not show up for many years. Take resveratrol as an example. The type of resveratrol and combined ingredients in Longevinex has been shown in studies to reverse macular degeneration and perform other wonders outlined in my article at this link. You can buy something at COSTCO labeled as “resveratrol”, but it is synthetic and may not provide anywhere near the benefit.
• Several listeners said they were working on yeast overgrowth. That is a common problem and a worthy project. But, in addition to probiotics and oregano oil, it is crucial to remove sugar and most starch from the diet. Why try to kill yeast and yet at the same time give these yeastie beasties their favorite food?