How fun is that subject heading? In fact, if you can say that out loud, without stumbling, I’ll send you a complimentary tote bag!*
Anyway, as you might have guessed, today’s post deals with supplements, but also vitamins, digestive enzymes, detox kits and various other powders and potions — all of which I’m doing away with. While many nutritionists will insist that, in our modern, GMO-ridden times, we simply can’t be healthy enough without incorporating these into our diets, I just can’t cope with all the plastic packaging.
The few times my tummy has caused me trouble, it’s usually been related to stress or something I’ve eaten, or maybe even not eaten. Sometimes, I have no idea why it suddenly hurts, or decides to look like it’s six months pregnant, or makes scary gurgling noises. Either way, after trying a few detoxes and more than a few bottles of Ayurvedic this-and-that and herbal whatnot, I’ve decided that most of it’s a waste.
I’m sure there are plenty of supplements that are justifiable and that do in fact make people feel better, but as long as I’m eating a balanced organic diet and not showing signs of scurvy or anemia, I think both my body, my wallet and the earth will be fine without them.
*Complimentary tote bag not included
Yes- so many nutritionists pushing supplements (and I may be partially responsible). Good diet always comes first. Supplements are not a substitute for a good diverse diet. Many supplements are crap (mainly the Centrums and other fine petroleum based, high fructose corn-syrup ridden goodies sold at Shoppers). But many are very very very good, useful and healthful.For tummy distention- a little castor oil belly massage and a cup of ginger tea go a long way for relieving the bloat. As for the anemia- well here is a little known secret. When the body becomes overly acidic (stress, illness, inflammation, low nutrient intake, alcohol, drugs, diet high in red meat and otehr animal proteins, refined grains and sugar etc.) the pathogenic bacteria in the gut will bind to iron. So the body protects it’s iron by sequestering it in the liver. A lot of people who believe they are anemic are actually only acidic and need more minerals. Organic fruits, veggies, some bone broth, and there is always a mag water mixture- one 20 g pack of magnesium lasting six months. So all I’m saying is there are oodles of natural healing methods that are plastic supplement bottle free.
See, I have been advocating the boycotting of supplements for years. The answer is hidden in the name.
They are *supplements*.
Unless you have something medically wrong with you and you *need* a *supplement* of a given something, then just fix your diet!
It’s *not* difficult to eat well in the western hemisphere’s 2007!
Come on people!
I’m not sure I agree with vitamins, especially for us vegetarians.
Rock on, sister. In the modern world, malnutrition is something you have to work at. Supplements are mostly redundant.
The only “supplements” I keep around are things you might as well consider bona fide drugs. Stuff like kava kava.
The only supplement I take is a nice single malt before bedtime – works wonders.
If you want to keep healing supplements around for times when you’re feeling under the weather, try tinctures and herbal teas. You can buy herbal teas in bulk (I like mint, or a licorice mint blend for tummy trouble) and tinctures come in glass bottles and last a long time.
most people do not need supplements. BUT if you get knocked up, then i think you do need them. Our grandmothers lost a tooth each pregnancy. We take vitamins and keep our teeth. Hurray for science!
Here! Here! Mostly.
I do take a multi vitamin from a company called New Chapter which bottles them in dark glass bottles and they are all natural. Only the bottle cap is plastic.
And I also take Dr. Weil’s calcium/magnesium supplement, but that comes in plastic and I haven’t decided whether to keep going with it when my supplu runs out.
The main thing I gave up to go plastic-free were Emergen-C packets. I was tossing away a plastic packet every single day!
I think that you might have a good point. Has anyone noticed the amazon children running around now a’ days? I’m 5’5 and I’ve seen 8 year olds that are as tall as I am.
Haha, nice one dad… maybe you could look into adding some organic scotch to your collection?
Ha, ha, somehow I doubt they thought to use organic methods 18+ years ago when they made the fine scotch my husband enjoys now. Wouldn’t want to drink young spirits just to say you’re green–would probably make you green around the gills first!
I think there is a time and place for supplements (with lots of nice herbals added) and that time is NOW. I am perimenopausal and I take a vitamin/mineral/herb concoction brewed by another Canuck, Dr. Michael Murray (if you know more about him, enlighten me).
The point is, these bright yellow lozenges (they’re about that size, yikes!) have helped alleviate some, ummm, uncomfortable side effects of my meandering toward meonpause. (Think I’m going in a straight line to that day?? No way!)
Just you wait, ‘enry ‘iggins… opps, sorry lost track… just you wait, Vanessa, until you get to this lovely stage of life. Actually, it’s kinda interesting — never a dull moment.
It’s not that simple. One of the reasons to take supplements is that the nutrients (minerals and vitamins) we expect to get from food is of lesser quality or even non-existent due to poor soils where nutrients are either depleted or artificially manufactured. Demineralization and contamination of farmland means we aren’t always getting what we need from food.
Susan is correct about (non-organic) soils yeilding produce that is virtually empty. We could eat far better, though, so I am split on the issue. I work in a health food store and I know it, too, is an industry! But there are reputable companies that do make good quality natural, not synthetic, supplements. Unfortunately, often people supplement in order to compensate for not eating properly…myself sometimes included! You could go broke taking everything you’re told you “need.” However, as only one example, I also know how helpful certain anti-inflamatory herbs are to the arthritis in my back and neck (minus any negative side-effects or long-term harm). I’ve repeatedly tested it and KNOW just how much agony it spares me. Tons of feedback from happy customers, too. Some supplements aren’t bogus.
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