Finally Saying Goodbye to Vitamins
Posted: Friday, March 27, 2009
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
After 20 years of taking vitamins and other over-the-counter supplements, and after being an advocate for them for almost as long, I have come to the conclusion that they have all been a waste of time and money.
Therefore, once my current supplies run out, I will not be replacing them. Instead, I will take the money that I have been spending on them and use it to buy more fruits and vegetables.
Too many recent studies have shown that taking vitamins in the form of pills is of no benefit whatsoever. And there seems to be some anecdotal evidence that such products might even be harmful. Apparently, the human body just doesn't absorb vitamins when they are taken that way. The way to get the vitamins one needs is to eat more fruits and vegetables. That's the way nature apparently intended for us to acquire our vitamins and other nutrition.Of course, the manufacturers of those products counter with studies of their own. But who are you going to believe, impartial scientific studies or those conducted by corporations who have everything to gain from a particular outcome? Obviously, each individual has to make his or her own decision regarding vitamins and supplements, and I'm in no way trying to tell anyone else what to do. I'm just saying that I'm basing my decision on the available science.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Hi Terry.I've often thought about doing what you are doing, but can't seem to bring myself to actually do it. I feel that both my husband and I benefit from our supplement regimen.I've read and heard doctors say that there is no way the average individual can get all the nutrition from the foods that they eat. Of course, maybe they are considering that the average individual eats fast food five times a week and package, processed foods the rest of the time.Even though Bernd and I eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, I can not eat citrus (allergic) and it's one of the best sources of vitamin C, so I couldn't stop taking that. Then there are my aging bones and eyes and ... well, you get the picture.You do make a good point and I've seen some of the same reports about inefficacy and possible bad results, so I do wonder.But I figure the herbs and spices can't hurt ... right? I mean we season our food with them after all. Ginger for digestion, turmeric for cognition, cinnamon for ... I don't remember what. :)Thanks for your thoughts,DianneDianne, I do understand the fact the everyone has a different set of circumstances to consider. I can tolerate all foods and, as far as I know, I don't have any food allergies. I actually wrote this article several months ago, but didn't publish it until this week. Since I quit taking vitamins and minerals, I have noticed no real difference in my health. If anything, I probably feel a little better. I'm more convinced than ever that it was the right decision for me.
Hi Terry. Thanks for the article - I am with you, I'm learning how to get my vitamins from fruits and vegetables, but it is a struggle. The one thing that has worked very well for me is smoothies. I mix up fresh fruits with high protein Mediterranean yogurts (Oikos or Fage) and suddenly it's a whole lot easier to eat. Diane, if you are allergic to citrus, Goji berries are an amazing source of Vitamin C (although very expensive). For me they are well worth it, though, as they are packed with tons of nutrients.Terra, thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your input.
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