Are you overdosing on Vitamins & Supplements?
The health aisle in the supermarket is lined with supplements from Vitamin A to Z of different mixtures and combinations. There are vitamin lollies for children next to those weight loss miracle pills. The demand for these supplements is increasing along with the number of people who are grabbing these expensive supposed short cuts to health.
Whether we are supplementing a poor diet, or having a bad day, many of us look for a pill to make it better. Having a fat day? Take a pill. Want to detox? Take a pill. Muscles are sore and tired? Take a pill. Some people must simply rattle with such an array of supplements.
Let’s not forget this is a billion-dollar industry. Many drug companies are branching out into supplements alongside their pharmaceutical profits. Pfizer owns Centrum and Bayer, Procter & Gamble has subsidiaries, and global corporations such as Nestle that are now edging their way into “the wellness industry”.
As a qualified Healthcare Professional specialising in Natural Medicines, I shudder at the cocktail that people are SELF-prescribing themselves, all in the aim to feel better with minimal effort and no real knowledge behind their purchases. Just because a friend has told you that something has made them feel better does not mean it will help you. And don’t even get me started on big budget advertisements telling us of the latest trend to make our lives better.
Are you doing more harm than good by self-prescribing?
When you go to your doctor, you trust in their training and knowledge and that when they write you a prescription it is in your best interest. We trust in their code of ethics and their responsibility for duty of care. We expect them to consider all facets of our lives, any pre-existing conditions, family history, or any contraindications to medications that you are already on.
So why should this be any different when you are taking vitamins and other supplements?
I see many people in my clinic who are over-dosing on their supplements. Symptoms of incorrect usage and overdosing can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, itchy skin and can cause gallstones or kidney stones. The Council for Responsible Nutrition has guidelines which outline the safe level of vitamins that can be consumed. Are your supplements putting you over the safe limit of tolerance for the body?
The cost may appear much cheaper than the products that need a practitioner to prescribe, however long term what may appear cheaper often ends up costing you much more. If the potency of a vitamin is too low you may end up taking 8-10 capsules a day (this is most common with supplements like fish oils). Sometimes the manufacturer does not get the chemical formula right which means that the body will not absorb it correctly (as seen in many magnesium supplements causing diarrhea and sensitive tummies).
And what about the quality of the products? Many supplements are produced under less stringent rules and can end exacerbating many health issues, like high levels of mercury in fish oils, toxic pesticides, cheap fillers, petroleum by products, coal tar and industrial chemicals.
To the unsuspecting public, many off the shelf vitamins lump synthetics (chemically derived vitamin supplements) in with 100 per cent natural products and call them “health products”.
Synthetic vitamins are cheaper to make and usually more stable. They can last on shelves or in fortified foods for months or years without the delicate transport and storage requirements of natural produce.
So, what are you getting in your bottle? Did you know some Vitamin B1 appears on labels as thiamine mononitrate, which is a synthetic form and is made with coal tar derivatives (think petrol!), hydrochloric acid or sometimes made with acetone and ammonia.
Get the best advice and products
Registered Healthcare Practitioners are trained and governed by the same rules and regulations as a medical doctor. Their role is to have you feeling better as quickly as possible and to prevent health problems from reoccurring.
A qualified Practitioner, will design a complete healthcare program dealing with not just your symptoms, but also the underlying cause of your condition. That’s why many of the programs that are prescribed also often involve dietary, remedial exercises and lifestyle changes as well as the use of Natural Medicines
As a trained healthcare practitioner, I only recommend high quality products manufactured in Australia under strict TGA regulations. Importantly, I recommend that you take the time to see a qualified practitioner who will tailor a program suitable just for you, that considers you as an individual, an incorporates all facets of your uniqueness.
Why The Yoga House prescribes Metagenics Products
The effectiveness of a Natural Medicine is directly proportional to the quality and strength of its raw materials. Metagenics only use ingredients that have passed strict quality control testing including microbiological analysis, assay tests and identification of the correct materials to assure they meet pharmaceutical grade quality and purity standards.
The manufacturing processes used by Metagenics are some of the best in the world. Avoiding the use of excess heat, moisture and compaction, which can reduce the biological activity of many nutrients and herbs. Metagenics uses only natural non-reactive vegetable gums and cellulose. Importantly, Metagenics do not use the common reactive binders, fillers and synthetic additives which can cause adverse reactions and side effects.
The Metagenics range of Natural Medicines, can only be sold only through a healthcare Practitioner.
If you’ve made the commitment to better health and have taken the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, then use the products that are the Practitioners’ Choice, Metagenics.
Big seasonal changes can interrupt the body
The weather has changed, from very hot, to just hot to rain and humidity and now the temperature is dropping. Our bodies react to these seasonal changes too. We may need to change the way we eat, or do a little seasonal clean and clear detox or supplement the long hours of work. Now is a great time to book your appointment to come and see Lisa.
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