MULTIVITAMINS

I'm frequently asked, "Should I be taking a multivitamin?" For those of you who know me well, you know I'm not a big fan of synthetics, mainly because they don't deliver the goods as efficiently as whole foods, not to mention, some people seem to believe they can replace disliked foods, or food groups, by taking a multivitamin, simply not true. Synthetics are generally accepted into the body in relatively small amounts, regardless of their 'guaranteed potency', but can still wreak havoc when taken unnecessarily.

An advantage to food as obtaining nutrients, is their ability to work together synergistically, meaning, various compounds all work to the advantage of the whole, what's not needed is simply flushed, or excreted from the system. In other words, you cannot overdose of vitamins from whole foods.

I do believe their are various individuals who could benefit from a multivitamin, or a specific item, such as iron, calcium, vitamin C, etc., as a form of 'insurance' not reliability. These individuals fall into the following categories:

- Women with excessive menstrual bleeding
- Pregnant and/or nursing women
- The elderly
- Anyone taking medications which interfere with the absorption of nutrients, digestion, or metabolism
- Those at risk for heart or circulatory blockages
- Those at risk for osteoporosis
- Those who have undergone surgery
- Those with serious injuries
- Those with periodontal disease
- Vegetarians
- Those whose bodies are constantly undergoing high stress, whether physically, or mentally.

Now, don't get me wrong. Even in these circumstances, I believe an individual will receive the benefits from food over a supplement any day, however, some circumstances do not allow the individual to take in food at the rate necessary to meet their needs. For instance: a person with digestive disorders will still have a difficult time processing nutrients. You see, we are not what we eat, we are what we assimilate.
We can take in plenty of nutrient dense foods, however, if we are not assimilating it, it impedes the ability to render its services to us.

I like to make my own calcium by using good old fashioned Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's brand, with the 'Mother' in it), and a few herbs. I believe this calcium is taken into the body and utilized much quicker, easier, and readily available, in comparison with a supplement. There have been times, when my supply has suddenly run short, and I resort to a regular supplement until I can make a new batch, I do not feel it does this job as efficiently, however, one must choose what to do in the circumstances they are in. I like to use food and herbs, and natural substances such as molasses, to get the extras I feel I need, but this is not for everyone, as it takes time to plan, shop, figure out what you need, where to find it, and let's face it....we live in a society that lives 'on demand'. Natural health doesn't quite operate that way.

So, what does all this mean to you? Take a look at what you are taking and ask yourself if it is necessary. Or, can you simply be sure to add the foods in your eating plan to bring those nutrients to your cells, instead? I'm not saying discard what you have been doing, rather, take inventory. Sometimes, people get on autopilot, taking the same supplements for years without considering if they are still necessary. By all means, supplement if you need to, just be sure to know what you are taking, and why you are taking it, and decide if it's a temporary thing, or not. Mark it on your calendar if it's temporary. Have a super day!