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The Truth About Supplements!

    Our food supply has changed dramatically over the last 100 years. Thus, our foods do not have the same level of nutrients that they once had which can make it difficult for us to reach optimum health. Studies have shown that our soil has fewer minerals now compared to soil samples from just 30 years ago. This is due in part to the overuse of pesticides and other chemicals in the farming of our fruits and vegetables. Another issue that has become a detriment to our food supply is the addition of hormones, preservatives and other food additives which has decreased the nutritional value of what we eat and can create chemical stress (inflammation) within the body. Also, many of the ways that we prepare our foods (microwave ovens, deep fryers, etc.) can literally zap out the essential nutrients from our diet.

    Theoretically, high quality supplements can fill this nutritional void and help to counteract any ill effects that our imperfect diet may have on us. However, not all nutritional supplements are created equal. In fact, more than 95% of the products on the market today are of very poor quality and would be a complete waste of your money if you were to purchase them. Some products may actually do more harm than good. Therefore, it is important that you know what to look for when purchasing nutritional supplements for you and your family.

The following is Dr. Jay’s Buyer’s Guide to High Quality Nutritional Supplements:

1. Avoid Tablets:  They are too difficult to digest and you will typically only be able to absorb 15-20% of the product at most. Tablets can also cause liver damage due to the elevated liver enzymes needed to digest each tablet. Buy capsules, gel caps or liquid vitamins only.

2. Beware of Additives, Fillers & Lubricants:  Lubricants enable tabletting & capsuling machines to run more efficiently, but they prevent you from absorbing the active nutrients that you paid for. Great for the machines – bad for you. These lubricants are typically listed on the label as “other ingredients.” The most common of these additives are: Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate and Ascorbyl Palmitate (which is often labeled as Vitamin C). Do not buy products that have these listed on their label!!

    It takes a bit of searching and label reading to find a “good” nutritional supplement. By using the above criteria, you will give your body the best chance of absorbing the nutrients that you purchased to help better your overall health.

Note: Using the guidelines above, there are currently only two vitamin companies that The Intention Wellness Center endorses: Thorne Research (over 250 Thorne products are available through our office) and Paradise Herbs (available at Whole Foods, Henry’s, etc.).

For more information on Thorne Research products call our office at
(714) 544-2423, or click here to visit their web site:

Thorne Research