‘Supplements’ encompass naturally/synthetically derived vitamins & minerals, ‘super foods’ and processed fruit & vegetable products.
By definition, they are “something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the “whole”. But isn’t it better to address the problem at its core?
Face the issues with modern farming & agriculture that sees soil stripped of all minerals; re-balance bodies out of sync and facilitate sustainable wellbeing that transcends the need for supplements, doled out like medications.
By Anthia Koullouros
Supplements are problematic on many levels – my top 10 thoughts:
1. Despite ‘natural’ ingredients such as corn for Vitamin C, they are so highly processed and refined that they become unrecognizable (to our eyes & bodies!)
2. Many of us identify ourselves as ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ consumers avoiding processed food at all costs – yet we have no problems popping a processed pill. They are made from synthetic ingredients, such as petroleum, coal & tar for B vitamins.
3. The binders and other additives are usually from a genetically modified source.
4. There is no such thing as ‘miracle cure all’ or ‘super food’ that is nutritionally superior to other foods. All foods have antioxidants and nutrients and are therefore equally valuable. (Anyone can find or create a study and market a supplement).
5. They aren’t environmentally friendly. Packaging, manufacturing & transportation costs tax the planet.
6. The ingredients do not consider biodiversity & are often sourced from modern mono cropped agriculture with fierce, soil depleting chemicals used. This contributes to the death of bees and other pollinators requiring biodiversity in nature – resulting in unhealthy plants requiring more pesticides! A vicious, disastrous cycle.
7. They are sold on the belief that our soil is too depleted of nutrients (yes that old chestnut) but let me ask the question – Does popping a pill take responsibility of the state of our soil? Are we eventually going to be eating a carrot tablet, a lamb roast pill because we destroyed our soil by modern agriculture methods?
8. Taking a pill does not give responsibility back to the individual. Instead, the power lies in the pockets of pharmaceutical companies, supplement companies and prescribing practitioner. Taking a supplement does not fit with the ethos of an organic lifestyle.
9. They are processed food products in a pill. They are found in most packaged food products. These foods are so industrially processed & depleted of nutrients that they need fortification and enrichment with synthetics.
10. Vitamins, minerals & single nutrients do not exist on their own in nature; they require cofactors for absorption. Even if a vitamin supplement has ‘co-factors for absorption’, there are other important unknown natural constituents that play a pivotal role in its action and healing capacity.
Instead of taking supplements, why not address the underling reasons for ill health? Consider all aspects of lifestyle – our daily habits, lifestyle and nutrition have created your body & the way you feel living on the inside!
Exceptions:
1. Regarding herbal medicines, I consider herbs to be part of our food chain. Just like fruit and vegetables they have nutrients and therapeutic properties. I use organic, biodynamic, Australian grown where possible, herbs and spices as tea or in tincture form.
2. I do see a place for medication in acute situations and surgical/emergency procedures – especially for pain relief. There are patients navigating true disease states that sometimes require more overt supplementary support – but these are short-term undertakings to facilitate a speedier return to health, not an ongoing prescription.
3. Environmental factors can influence genetic expression. For example, research in humans has shown that repeated high level activation of the body’s stress system, especially in early childhood, can alter methylation processes and lead to changes in the chemistry of the individual’s DNA. The chemical changes can disable genes and prevent the brain from properly regulating its response to stress. Researchers and clinicians have drawn a link between this neurochemical disregulation and the development of chronic health problems such as depression, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Supplementation alongside diet might be a necessity in these circumstances.
By Anthia Koullouros