You Can't Drug Yourself to Health

Supplements are taken to fill in the holes in our diet. They are supposed to give us the missing pieces in our nutritional puzzle. We try to do our best to eat a balanced diet: limit fats to the healthier variety, eat more complex carbs, limit sugar, eat less red meat, eat more fruits and vegetables, etc., etc. We take a multi vitamin that we hope breaks down in our digestive system.

There are problems in the supplement market. One of those is the fact that there is actually no real regulation of supplements. We buy our products from reputable manufacturers in the hopes that what is on the label is what is in the product. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Although there is oversight by the FDA with regard to supplements, the FDA is not qualified to do the work and doesn't have the time or the staff available due to overwhelming submissions from drug companies. All of this is problematic, as supplements are intended to help us get healthier.

The real issue concerns herbs. We often take herbs as if they were supplements. They look good on the shelf in the health food store, we read the label and conclude that we might benefit from their therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, we are completely unaware that herbs are in fact drugs in their natural form: Digitalis(heart regulating medication) originally comes from Fox Glove, aspirin from White Willow bark.

The benefit of herbal remedies are enormous. Herbs are whole plants. They contain the active constituents needed to aid the body in its natural healing process. Herbs also contain micro-nutrients and other constituents that complement the healing process and give balance to the effect on the body, thereby avoiding most side effects experienced from drugs. Herbal remedies when prescribed by a Master Herbalist, are generally taken in a combination designed to cleanse the body of build up and toxins, aid the part of the body needing to heal and balance the medicinal effect with a tonic. This type of treatment is the most effective and safest use of herbs. When taken in this way, herbal remedies can aid the body to heal a vast array of disease processes without unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

Many drugs given to clients for long term ailments, such as high blood pressure, have devastating side effects that can significantly impact the clients quality of life. Since the risk of not addressing the disease is so great, most clients take their Rx's and suffer in silence. Early intervention with herbal remedies may, in some cases, lessen or remove the need for drug therapy. The lessening or elimination of side effects significantly improves clients quality of life.

Educating the general public as to the dangers present in taking herbal remedies without adequate counsel from a Master Herbalist is paramount. Medical practitioners are not always aware of drug/herb interactions and may not ask clients what herbal remedies or supplements are being taken. It is vital that medical practitioners become more knowledgeable regarding drug/herb interactions and continue to query clients regarding their regimen.

Nutrition and Wellness

Very often as we rush around in our daily routine we forget to take care of ourselves. We fix lunch for the kids, make dinner for the family, skip breakfast, grab a quick something during the day then wonder why we have such low energy. Nutrition is vital as we strive for appropriate self care.

Nutrition is a tool we can use to make certain that we have the fuel to discharge all our responsibilities and still have enough energy left to take time for ourselves. Each meal should include a serving of protein, carbohydrate, vegetable, fat and water. A high quality carbohydrate is best, one with plenty of fiber to slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels. I prefer a multigrain bread, complete with seeds. A lower fat protein works well to trim calories and cholesterol for long term health. Processed meats and foul can contain nitrates and high levels of sodium, so limiting those foods is a better choice. A monounsaturated fat, such as olive oil, keeps the digestive system lubricated and provides essential fatty acids. I like a home made vinaigrette prepared with both balsamic and red wine vinegars, plenty of herbs and spices and extra virgin olive oil. Vegetables are wonderful for increasing the bulk of a meal whether raw or lightly cooked. They also contain essential nutrients, vitamins and phytochemicals. When preparing a meal at home I like to lightly steam my vegetables, then briefly stir fry in a bit of olive oil and garlic. Water is an essential part of a healthy diet keeping the body hydrated, washing out toxins and replenishing our skins natural moisture. A good daily goal for water consumption is eight glasses. This can comprise water, broth, herbal teas or any decaffeinated beverage low in sugar and sodium.

Once we make the commitment to keeping ourselves healthy we are doing what we must to achieve our optimal level of self care.