Many
people today are suffering from a growing list of chronic illnesses
brought on by poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Hoping to prevent or even reverse this trend, countless individuals have turned to swallowing handfuls of nutritional supplements on a daily basis.
This may seem like a good idea, until you delve a little deeper into how these so called “mega vitamins and minerals” are manufactured and the way they interact with the human body.
Despite the reassuring word “natural” found on many nutritional supplement products that line the shelves of your local health food store, most vitamin and mineral supplements are poor substitutes when compared to whole foods.
Unlike the nutrients found in whole foods, synthetic vitamins and minerals are isolated nutrients lacking the proper co-factors present in nature that are required for maximum absorption and utilization by the body. This is why synthetic supplements are offered in such mega dose amounts and must be taken with food for adequate absorption.
This does not mean that isolated supplements do not work; science has proven that when taken properly they are absorbed by the body and can help individuals who are suffering from a nutritional deficiency. However, the long-term use of isolated synthetic vitamin and mineral supplements comes at a price.
The Cost of Consuming Synthetic Supplements
When isolated nutrients are ingested, your body attempts to compile a complete nutrient complex by stripping it’s own cells of missing elements and co-factors. This inefficient process not only depletes your body's nutritional reserves, but can also create a state of toxicity.
Overwhelmed by mega dosages of isolated vitamins and minerals, your body will work to get rid of the excess through your elimination organs. As a result, you must expend a significant amount of energy when ingesting isolated synthetic supplements.
Many consumers are unaware that most synthetic supplements are produced in foreign manufacturing facilities that often have more “relaxed” quality control guidelines. Interestingly enough, China is a major raw material manufacturer for the nutritional supplement industry and they produce 80 percent of the world’s ascorbic acid (synthetic vitamin C).
The source materials for these products often include coal tar (B vitamins), genetically modified corn (Vitamin C) and genetically modified soy (vitamin E).
Additionally, most synthetic supplements contain toxic binders, fillers and lubricating agents that are used to form the capsules, tablets and powders of these products.
Why Whole Food Supplements are Better
Whole food supplements work in harmony with your body, by supplying it with the raw materials found in nature that humans have evolved over millennia to digest and utilize most effectively.
Companies that specialize in producing whole food supplements understand that it’s the entire ‘food complex’ containing additional co-factors (known and unknown), vitamins, minerals and enzymes which work in a synergistic fashion to enhance the bioactivity of the supplement.
Freeze drying at low temperatures helps to ensure that this vital whole food complex remains unadulterated and concentrated. In order to reach ‘therapeutic doses’ this process of concentration is key to the effectiveness of whole food supplements in preventing disease. As a result, the dosages needed are much lower when compared to their mega dose synthetic counter parts.
Why Choose Organic Supplements
Organic farming is a method that helps protect the health of plants, animals, the environment and ultimately humans. Organic farming replenishes the vital nutrients and helps to maintain the health of the soil. Stewards of the land, organic farmers also seek to use renewable resources in an effort to sustain the environment for future generations.
Organic products are processed plant or animal materials that have been grown naturally, without the use of harmful hormones, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides or pesticides.
The ultimate nutritional supplements are organic whole food supplements, which utilize freeze-drying techniques to extract and concentrate health-supporting nutrients with minimal damage. An excellent example would be vitamin C made from extracts of Acerola cherries or Camu Camu berries.
This type of product would not only contain natural ascorbic acid, but also all of the co-factors such as bioflavonoids making it more easily recognized by the body.
Putting It All Together
The bottom line is that humans have evolved to obtain nutrients from whole foods, not from man-made synthetic vitamins and minerals.
In our fast paced work obsessed lives, it can be difficult to find the time to shop, prepare and sit down to enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal. This is where organic whole food supplements can help fill the gaps in your daily routine.
Remember, nutritional supplements are not a replacement for healthy eating. But if you do find a need for them in your life, choose products as close to nature as possible and you simply can’t go wrong!
Jason Simpkins is a wellness coach. Practicing
a "whole person" approach to wellness, Jason coaches each individual he
works with to develop total health from the inside out. He is also the Co-Founder of The Healing Canopy. He can be
contacted at 
