Warnings on Supplements
I have mixed feelings about making this post. I think it’s important to do it because it will get more accurate information to you about supplements. But the source (the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter) is acting like an “as seen on TV” hypester with it’s hyperventilating promo. In the end I have to trust the source enough to send this on to you (I have not relied on their email to me-I have gone to their website and found the same material), but please note: this is not a freebie. They will ask you for $19.95 plus shipping if you want a full copy.
That said, the basic message in the report is that the hype over supplements is another quick fix idea whose time should never come. True, there are some decent supplements out there (they will name some of them), but many others are at best wishful thinking and at worst dangerous marketing scams.
As you know, our basic message at the Hilton Head Health Institute is that the path to health goes through a healthy lifestyle, but it also recognizes that medical intervention is an essential part of addressing health issues. Sometimes supplements are appropriate (we provide multi-vitamins and fish oil on our dining table, for example), but you need to have good, sound medical information that these are both safe and effective before you take them. The FDA does NOT require testing on supplements, so the research on them is sketchy and uneven. There is good info on some of them (like fish oil), so we support those. However, many others have never been tested anywhere but in the folklore promoted by marketing companies to get you to buy their stuff.
Look before you leap. And don’t give up the exercise routine–it will get you further than most 1,000 year old Chinese magic.
Add comment July 24th, 2007