 |
Buy Food, not Pills-your Body, and Wallet, Will Thank You
Author: Leeann Simons  | Posted: 09-03-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 2 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
Copyright (c) 2008 At Peace With Food
She did it before me! I love Judy Foreman, health columnist for the Boston Globe, who recently published a column called "the fading allure of vitamins," which I thought was wonderful.
In this column, she states, "my love affair with vitamins and supplements is over. With some exceptions, they are being tossed out." She goes on to describe how studies on Vitamins C, E and beta carotene had great press and promises, but scientific studies failed to show these promises could be kept. This information is significant, because many people choose to buy supplements based on what is called "anecdotal information"-meaning "my friend's friend took it and said it was wonderful, so I need to buy it."
I discussed this particular issue with my students, especially the weight-lifters taking powdered supplements to build muscle or some such claim. When I asked them WHY they spent all this money on powders and pills, they replied "because my trainer said it works" or "everyone at the gym takes them, and they said their workouts are much better." I then ask these same students what they think happened to the folks for whom the supplements did not result in a better workout. They don't know, but I do-and I tell them. They stopped coming to the gym because they realized the pills didn't work. They found it easier to go somewhere else than work out with people who had bought into the myth of strength building supplements. This comes as a surprise to my students, who then begin to understand that this could, indeed, be true. Now I have the chance to help them understand their "data" is biased, and cannot be supported by their information research methods." The "research" upon which their conclusions are based is faulty). Do they stop taking the pills? Most like not. But maybe, just maybe, some of them will begin to realize they can become healthy, strong individuals by choosing real food over tasteless powders.
Strength training pills aside, please understand all is not lost. Throwing away your vitamin and mineral supplements is not the end of the world. Pills are not the most effective way for your body to get the nutrients you need. Unfortunately people think that when they take a pill, they don't have to eat food. What you need to remember is that these pills are SUPPLEMENTS. They are supposed to supplement your diet, not REPLACE good eating. I have a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement I (try to remember to) take regularly. I suppose I take them as insurance. Also, they give me peace of mind, meaning I feel better because I think I'm doing my body a favor. I do apply this line of thinking by giving my college son generic vitamins to take with him to school. Does he take them? I have no idea. But I certainly feel better knowing he has them!
On a more serious note, you need to understand that your body is uniquely designed to work best with whole foods. For example, when you take a vitamin C pill, that is all you are giving your body-ascorbic acid (the chemical name for vitamin C). Eating an orange supplies you with other nutrients, including potassium, water, and bioflavonoids, plant chemicals that may help your body absorb vitamin C more efficiently.
So I absolutely agree with Judy Foreman. Toss out those supplements that have "magic" claims. Instead of supplements, buy whole foods. It's what your body is designed to process.
Imagine what you can do with the money you'll save. Your body, and your wallet, will thank you
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/buy-food-not-pillsyour-body-and-wallet-will-thank-you-354797.html
 About the Author:If you would like more information on becoming At Peace With Food", as well as access to interesting articles and links to nutritional resource websites, visit=> http://www.AtPeaceWithFood.com/freetips.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Health Articles
Stress Relief Made Easy and Fun With the Right Exercise
By: Cindy Papp | 11/10/2008
How to get stress relief through exercise
Stress - Types, Causes and Cures (part Five)
By: Andrew Tomkinson | 11/10/2008
This article is part five of my article series What is Stress? It is written in order to introduce you to the types and causes of stress and suggest possible cures.
Acid Reflux Weight Loss Part 5: Maintaining Weight Loss For Long Term Heartburn Acid Reflux Relief
By: Kathryn Whittaker | 11/10/2008
Heartburn acid reflux symptoms aren't the only reason to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, but they can be an important motivator. As you develop new habits and maintain the weight loss, you'll find that the exercises you include as part of your lifestyle for improving your acid reflux...
Treat Gout Before Incurring Permanent Joint Damage
By: Lisa McDowell | 11/10/2008
If you suffer from the condition, then you likely don't need any additional motivation to treat gout than to simply make the pain and discomfort go away. It is a very unpleasant sensation which can cause substantial frustration and inconvenience in your life. However, worse than that is...
Climate: A Gout Cause You Never Suspected
By: Lisa McDowell | 11/10/2008
You may have heard people complain about the weather outside affecting certain conditions such as arthritis, but you may never have suspected that the climate in which you live could be a gout cause. Over the last few years, it is becoming commonly accepted that previous hypotheses that said the...
Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon Begins With Asking the Right Questions
By: Mariet Smart | 11/10/2008
While many have experienced the ongoing benefits of a mineral essential facial or body work at the nearby spa, you may be in the market for something more in depth and permanent, such as a mini-face lift, liposuction, or overall full-body lift. If you are considering plastic surgery patient, or...
8 Offbeat Spa Treatments
By: Mariet Smart | 11/10/2008
For most spa goers, indulging in a treatment incorporating exotic mineral essential ingredients or visiting a spa in a unique location is about as exotic as things get. But for those in search of something truly unique, consider these 8 bizarre spa treatments, according to Forbes Traveler:
1. Snake Massage
In Northern...
Muscle Building Guide - You Can Build Muscle Without Weights
By: Chris Jensen | 11/10/2008
Though most people do not even consider this option it is actually very easy to build muscles without the use of weights. There are various kinds of exercises which can be done so that the body can get the ideal shape that you desire and that without the use of weights.
More from Leeann Simons
Don't Like Tax and Spend? Then You Probably Hate Diet and Gain
By: Leeann Simons | 15/04/2008 | Health
Stop taxing your body and wasting your money on diets that don't work. Learning to become "at peace with food" will allow you to give up those diets and free you to spend your time and energy in areas of your choice. While the decision won't be easy, consider it, shall we say, a long term investment.
Guess Why My Friends Think I Am Smart
By: Leeann Simons | 08/04/2008 | Health
My friends think I have become really smart lately, and do you know why? It's because I have been listening to news and medical podcasts while I'm walking. Not only do I get my exercise in, but I'm learning something while I'm out there. And, sometimes, I may even go the extra step just to get to the end of the story. So even if you don't whistle while you work, you certainly can listen while you walk.
Trust Me, Your Body is not Toxic
By: Leeann Simons | 25/03/2008 | Health
Body cleansing is quite the fad these days. People want to believe they can drink a potion, take a pill or fast and get rid of "toxins" in their bodies. What we don't understand is that our body is quite capable of taking care of us, if we trust ourselves to take care of our body. We need to learn how to make healthy choices, and not be afraid of the occasional snack or drink. We are capable of taking care of ourselves. Trust me.
Eat Food Because You Like It, not Because You Should
By: Leeann Simons | 14/03/2008 | Health
At the movies I overheard a woman say she force fed herself dark chocolate every night (until she couldn't eat any more) because "I know it's good for me." Don't ever use this as a reason to eat something (especially chocolate), unless you have a medical condition. This leads to very unhealthy behaviors and, even worse, unhealthy attitudes towards food. Eat because you want to. If it happens to be good for you, that's a bonus.
What's Really Eating Me?
By: Leeann Simons | 05/03/2008 | Health
Being upset about weight may be a cover for some other issue of concern. It is easier to be angry about one's weight than to worry about work, family, friends, or, in this case, getting older. Figuring out what's really eating you (pardon the pun) may help save energy for what's really important.
Is Someone Holding a Gun to Your Head?
By: Leeann Simons | 27/02/2008 | Health
No one is forcing you to eat. You are the one in charge. If you are dining out (at a restaurant, or a friends), and you know you may overeat, try eating a little less during the day, or walk a little more. But remember, you are responsible for your eating behavior-unless someone is holding a gun to your head.
A New Way to Watch your Weight
By: Leeann Simons | 18/02/2008 | Health
If you are a person who weighs yourself all the time, try giving yourself a week off-you know you deserve it. Pay attention to how you are feeling, emotionally. If you can learn to trust yourself not to rely on a single number, you will be able to learn to trust yourself to make healthy choices for yourself. Perhaps
Remember, Don't Should on yourself
By: Leeann Simons | 11/02/2008 | Health
It is difficult to take care of yourself when you are setting unrealistic goals. You find yourself saying "I should eat better," "I should exercise more." Learn to set small, realistic goals and give yourself time to meet them. Learn to take care of yourself because you want to, not because you should.
|
|
Health 
