Why taking supplements may not be the straight forward solution they are made out to be.

Diabetes = Mineral Deficiencies ≠ Supplements

It is well known that diabetes, gastrointestinal and other disorders are related to significant mineral deficiencies and imbalances. For this reason, it is quite common that mainstream health professionals suggest that their patients take supplements. However, there are some specific cautions and drawbacks to be remembered.

In my natural medicine practice, I see as many individuals with mineral, vitamin, or nutrient deficiencies as I see individuals with unreasonably high, even toxic mineral levels. Latter often are due to indiscriminate (over)use of specific supplements—prescribed or not.

There are two major components to consider when thinking of improving ones’ mineral and vitamin levels:

1. The quality and make-up of a nutrient supplement.

2. The physical, functional state of an individual consuming them.

While well meant, perhaps worst is the wide-spread recommendation to take multi-vitamins. Most multi-vitamins are formulated to accepted minimum requirement levels for a healthy (i.e. nutritionally balanced) individual.

On the other hand, individuals who experience health challenges will rarely show balanced nutrient levels. Unfortunately, therefore, multi-vitamins are unlikely to provide sufficient amounts to correct their deficiencies. Yet, prolonged use of multi-vitamins may well elevate to toxic levels some of the less desirable minerals.

Not only do multi-vitamins frequently combine elements that counteract each other’s absorption; many of the readily available commercial mineral, vitamin and nutrient supplements are manufactured using synthetic components. Such an example is vitamin B12. Make sure to read: 99% Of The Vitamin B12 On The Market Contains Cyanide

When it comes to deriving benefit from (hopefully) natural and toxin or interaction free supplements it is important to know if these supplements have any chance to be absorbed.

As long as the mineral, vitamin, or nutrient deficient individual shows one of the following complaints, the absorption of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients from supplements or food is compromised:

• Intestinal bloating or gas
• Constipation, loose stools or diarrhea
• Liver or pancreatic inflammation
• Heart burn, gastro-intestinal reflux, GERD’s
• Gastric or intestinal ulcers
• Gastroparesis
• Obesity, overweight
• Elevated lipid levels (triglycerides, cholesterol)

Clearly, the above list will make amply clear that most diabetics and individuals for whom supplements are recommended will derive little or no benefit from swallowing conventional supplements.

It is a vicious cycle

• Inflammation (particularly intestinal inflammation) impedes nutrient absorption.

• Inflammation also causes mineral imbalances that prompt hormonal and function changes.

• Over time, lack of nutrient absorption leads to deficiencies, additional inflammation and, eventually, even cell and organ damage.

For all the above reasons, I like to custom tailor homeopathically prepared formulations designed for oral mucous absorption instead of gambling on partial absorption of supplements that need a healthy gut to work.

In addition to the homeopathic regimen, our patients use the nutritional food-derived approaches described in our Diabetes-Series Little Book “Minerals for Diabetes” and in “At Risk? Avoid Diabetes by Recognizing Early Risk – A Natural Medicine View.”

In the end, there is no shortcut to health and no wonder pill. Only a persistent step-by-step fight promises to win the battle of health over disease.

Written by Dr. Rivkah Roth for GreenMedInfo, May 1, 2012.

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