What Are Food Supplements All About and How Can We Educate Ourselves on this Subject

     Today we are hearing a great deal about food supplements and we are reading about them in almost every type of newspaper and magazine. Yet sometimes the information can be pretty confusing. Some articles are obvious ads and that can make their claims suspect. There are also articles that appear to be written by independent sources that are really disguised ads.

In generations past, fresh fruits and vegetables came from naturally rich soil. For many living in those simple times, there was no reason to go beyond what nature provided. However, some studies show that today there are many vegetables and fruits that don't contain the wonderful array of vitamins and minerals they did decades ago.

So, what do we do? Who can we believe and what is "out there" that we can trust?

According to a many health professionals, the worst thing we can do is to buy and take what our friends tell us is the "latest and greatest". They admonish that nutrition is a science and we are not a one-size-fits-all culture. That's makes sense.

At one time most medical doctors wouldn't recommend anything beyond a vitamin-mineral combination. That's probably still true for the die-hards. However, a growing number of allopathic doctors are currently diagnosing and treating with an eye to diet and food supplements. We need to contact them during our research. They can be a good reference, even when we aren't sick.

Another great place to look when we are feeling OK but would like to improve our general health and energy levels is at the well established, proven, health websites where we can do some serious reading. Two top sites are the one provided by Dr. Joseph Mercola and the one offered by Certified Clinical Nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman. The both sell much of what they recommend, so keep that in mind.

A lot can be learned from the books Ms. Gittleman has written, as well, especially if weight loss is an issue. Reliable authors abound on all subjects and a trip to the local library or bookstore will provide many offerings to peruse.

After we've laid a little groundwork, a trip to a highly recommended Naturopath is often a great idea. Being tested is the way to eliminate the guesswork and hone in on what's really needed. There are all kinds of tests from what is called muscle testing, to EKGs. Some are amazingly simple like the test for low iodine, which is very common. You just get a bottle of Tincture of Iodine and paint a patch on you abdomen, if it fades overnight or sooner, you need kelp, or seaweed. Such visits can be costly but taking what you don't need can be costlier and dangerous, as well. Contrary to popular belief, indiscriminate self-prescribing of over-the-counter food supplements can be deadly.

An open mind can be our greatest source of inspiration. Those of us who are wiling to could probably profit from deciding to look into the interesting subject of improved self-care through food supplements. Why not give it a go?

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