[FWD: How Much is Your Health Worth]

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JoAnn Guest <joguest

Wed, 6 Mar 2002 22:05:52 +0000

Melanoma

How Much is Your Health Worth

 

 

How Much is your Health Worth?

 

The first thing that concerns people when they think of supplements is

the expense. You may already be spending a lot on your health care

needs. Here's something to consider though. How much are you currently

spending on prescriptions and over the counter drugs each month? Then

ask how much you could save if you were able to stop those medications?

Most prescription drugs are expensive and my guess is that the savings

would be significant. Consider the savings if you could avoid certain

surgical procedures-coronary bypass for example, can cost over $40,000.

 

Additionally, results of recent studies indicate that by taking adequate

 

levels of vitamin E, C, selenium and magnesium, the rate of heart

disease could be reduced by 50 percent---and $50 billion buys a lot of

multivitamin/mineral formulas! Similar savings occur across a wide range

 

of other illnesses.

 

Labels Can Lie

 

How do you decide which brand to buy? My patients tell me they receive

offers in the mail all the time offering supplements at huge savings. In

 

addition supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores have row after

row of nutritional supplements.

Folks, one thing you should NOT do is to buy inexpensive, off-brand

supplements, or inexpensive mail order brands, without checking them out

 

first. Manufacturers of cut-rate products have to save money someplace

and they usually accomplish it by cutting corners. Potencies, for

example, are often too low and the vitamins frequently contain

undesirable additives.

You should not assume that all supplements are the same. You must

read labels on the bottles carefully. Every manufacturer claims that

their product is superior and their quality control measures are the

strictest and this simply is not always the case.

 

Potency and purity of dietary supplements can vary widely---even from

pill to pill within the same bottle. Doctors at Duke University recently

 

examined 12 bottles of the amino acid L-carnitine and found that most

samples only contained 60 percent or less of the substance on the label.

 

Numerous tests have proven that what was claimed on the label did not

match up with the certificate of analysis on the product.

 

A company might claim to use a certain form of vitamin or mineral

because it is effective. However, when analyzed, it's discovered that a

less effective form was actually used. A claim of a certain potency

level may be made, but upon analysis tablets are found to contain less

than the amount stated on the label. An herbal product may be made from

a part of the plant that has no therapeutic benefit, because this part

of the plant is available to the manufacturer more cheaply and readily

than a competitor's effective, but more expensive product.

The FDA doesn't require expirations dates on supplements bottles so

many companies don't provide one. You should always look for an

expiration date. While some nutrients, such as calcium, have a shelf

life of several years, others like vitamins B and C are relatively

unstable and have a shorter life. Stores should throw them out, but many

 

leave them on the shelf, hoping to avoid financial loss by selling them

to consumers who don't check expiration dates.

 

Vitamins ideally should be stored ina cool, dry place with the cap

tightly closed. A moist environment will degrade the product over time

and you may notice color changes so it is not a good idea to store

vitamins in the refrigerator or bathroom cabinet (other than fish, flax

or vitamin E soft gels, which should be refrigerated..)

Some companies add polyunsaturated vegetable oils as fillers. These oils

 

oxidize quickly and produce free radicals, which cancel out the

vitamin's antioxidant powers. Natural vitamin E is available, although

sometimes in short supply. Use natural over synthetic whenever possible.

 

In 1991, J.B. Doraro, president of the council for responsible nutrition

 

(CRN) a Washington, DC-based industry association, testified before the

FDA that a national government survey showed that not a single person

out of more than 22,000 surveyed got 100 percent of the RDI for 10

nutrients from diet alone.

Even if your diet is nutritionally sound, there are many other

stress-inducing factors attacking your body-air pollution, noise,

chemicals, and processed foods. Even " fresh " vegetables and fruit, lost

nutrients during shipping and storage. Fresh produce that has been

stored for several days or weeks often has fewer nutrients than frozen

food stored under proper conditions.

A 1983 study in France showed that the vitamin C content of potatoes

decreased by 50 percent after being stored for three months in the dark

at 12 C. The bottom line is, you won't get optimal nutrient intake from

food alone.

All this doesn't mean that supplements make up for junk food or the

detrimental effects of sugar, bad oils, soft drinks, food additives or

fast foods. They do not take the place of clean air, adequate sleep and

exercises. They are adjuncts to an appropriate self-care health program.

 

I have been taking copious amounts of antioxidant supplements for 25

years based on the evidence that hundreds of studies have confirmed the

connection between antioxidants and free radicals. Your body requires

oxygen to produce energy, but this process generates free radicals that

attack and damage the individual cells in your body and bring on

accelerated degeneration and disease, including cancer, heart disease,

and cataracts. Vitamin C and E and beta-carotene (or vitamin A) protect

you from this " dark side " of oxygen.

Here's a simple way to witness for yourself the protective power of

antioxidants with this in-home, family scientific experiment. Crush a

500 mg tablet of vitamin C. Cut an apple in half and immediately spread

a thick coat of the powdered vitamin C on the cut side of one half.

Leave the other half alone. Let both halves sit side by side and in just

 

a few minutes you will see that the unprotected half turns brown as it

reacts with oxygen in the air. The half protected by the vitamin C

remains white and fresh.

Antioxidants have the same effect inside your body. If you aren't

already supplementing routinely with antioxidants, it is never too late

to start.

 

This article is followed by a chart in which Centrum and One-A-Day

vitamins are lowest on the list!

 

From the booklet

" The Only Vitamin Guide You'll ever Need. "

By Julian Whitaker. M.D.

 

 

JoAnn Guest

joguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html

theaimcompanies

" Health is not a Medical Issue "

 

 

 

 

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JoAnn Guest

joguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html

theaimcompanies

" Health is not a Medical Issue "

[Guest guest]

-

" JoAnn Guest " <joguest

 

Wednesday, March 06, 2002 4:15 PM

[FWD: How Much is Your Health Worth]

 

 

> ------ Start of Forwarded Message ------

> JoAnn Guest <joguest

> Wed, 6 Mar 2002 22:05:52 +0000

> Melanoma

> How Much is Your Health Worth

>

>

> How Much is your Health Worth?

>

> The first thing that concerns people when they think of supplements is

> the expense. You may already be spending a lot on your health care

> needs. Here's something to consider though. How much are you currently

> spending on prescriptions and over the counter drugs each month? Then

> ask how much you could save if you were able to stop those medications?

> Most prescription drugs are expensive and my guess is that the savings

> would be significant.

 

I have no idea what would be possible for others, but I can talk

about my own situation. I have used supplements all my life & have managed

to avoid both over the counter & prescription drugs except for brief

periods. I am 58 years old & currently spend about $200 a month on

vitamins & supplements. When I was younger, I spent less than $50/month for

vitamins. I spend $0 on prescription drugs & about $10 a year on throat

lozenges (my only over the counter remedy). At various times in the past, I

have spent as much as $100/year on prescriptions & a lot more on cold

remedies (maybe $200/year) until I figured out how to eat better & take more

supplements.

 

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

--- Alobar,

 

Supplemental vitamins and minerals have been an essential part of

my recovery, although I really was shocked to find that many of them

do not contain more of the ingredients listed on the labels and have

so many fillers and oils included.

Seems that John Q. Public is being hoodwinked. I'd love to see more

expiration dates included and more honesty in labeling but just can't

see the FDA meddling with my supplements any more than they are right

at the moment.

I congratulate you on your drug-free status. I too have been drug-

free for as long as I can remember. It is a good feeling, isn't it?

It's SO pathetic that the AMA has convinced so many to rely on

these harmful chemicals when there is a better way.

 

Drugs in actuality are only a way to suppress the symptoms rather

than offer any *cures*. As long as the pharmaceutical companies can

keep tight rein over the health-care in this country, there isn't

much that can be done except spread the word to those who are willing

to try alternative rather than allopathic.

It is ironic really. How much is one willing to pay for one single

solitary prescription? Lots! But when it comes to vitamins we think

only of the out of pocket cost and tend to forget about the benefits

involved.

Yes I agree...diet and especially an organic diet is very beneficial!!

I've gone almost entirely organic within the past year and the health

benefits are tremendous! No more BGH compromising my immune system!

LOL

 

Well, that's just my two cents worth. Have a great day and good luck

with it all...

 

JoAnn Guest

joguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

http://canceranswer.homestead.com/Melanoma.html

 

" Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

 

> > How Much is Your Health Worth

 

> > The first thing that concerns people when they think of

supplements is

> > the expense.

 

have spent as much as $100/year on prescriptions & a lot more on

cold

> remedies (maybe $200/year) until I figured out how to eat better &

take more

> supplements.

[Guest guest]

-

" mrsjoguest " <joguest

 

Thursday, March 07, 2002 10:18 AM

Re: [FWD: How Much is Your Health Worth]

 

 

> --- Alobar,

>

> Supplemental vitamins and minerals have been an essential part of

> my recovery, although I really was shocked to find that many of them

> do not contain more of the ingredients listed on the labels and have

> so many fillers and oils included.

> Seems that John Q. Public is being hoodwinked. I'd love to see more

> expiration dates included and more honesty in labeling but just can't

> see the FDA meddling with my supplements any more than they are right

> at the moment.

> I congratulate you on your drug-free status. I too have been drug-

> free for as long as I can remember. It is a good feeling, isn't it?

> It's SO pathetic that the AMA has convinced so many to rely on

> these harmful chemicals when there is a better way.

>

> Drugs in actuality are only a way to suppress the symptoms rather

> than offer any *cures*. As long as the pharmaceutical companies can

> keep tight rein over the health-care in this country, there isn't

> much that can be done except spread the word to those who are willing

> to try alternative rather than allopathic.

> It is ironic really. How much is one willing to pay for one single

> solitary prescription? Lots! But when it comes to vitamins we think

> only of the out of pocket cost and tend to forget about the benefits

> involved.

> Yes I agree...diet and especially an organic diet is very beneficial!!

> I've gone almost entirely organic within the past year and the health

> benefits are tremendous! No more BGH compromising my immune system!

> LOL

>

> Well, that's just my two cents worth. Have a great day and good luck

> with it all...

>

> JoAnn Guest

 

One of the real scary things I noticed when I was taking the

diabetes meds is that I lost the feedback loop between what I ate & how that

effected my blood glucose levels. Let me give you an example: While on

the meds, I got in the habit of eating a small baked potato nearly every day

& as it did not spike my blood glucose levels, I figured the potato was ok

to eat. But after I got off the meds, I noticed pretty quick that a baked

potato (even a small one) did indeed spike my glucose levels. As you said

above -- the meds masked the symptom of spiked sugar levels. I could have

gone months or even years stressing my pancreas with potato & remained

oblivious that my diet was doing me harm. Without the meds, I figured out

that I should cut potatoes out of my daily diet. And I figured it out in

less than 2 months. Now that I know how to look more carefully at my

blood glucose levels & relate my readings back to my diet, sleep patterns,

stress levels, etc., I am learning much more quickly what is good for me &

what I need to avoid. To put it another way, the meds' ability to bring

down blood glucose spikes allowed me to eat the wrong foods with no apparent

short term consequences -- so the meds encouraged me to eat foods not good

for me. And doctors wonder why so many diabetics cheat on their diets?!?

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

--- Alobar,

I think you've outlined pretty well one of the main reasons drugs

are so dangerous. It is my belief that few people actually realize

the dangers and are prone to believe that these drugs are someday

going to completely alleviate their problems. Nothing could be

farther from the truth as you and I well know. Drugs give one a sense

of well-being that simply doesn't exist so why wouldn't they cheat?

 

Some say that fiber is beneficial in controlling diabetes.... and

most Americans only consume around 15 to 20% when we should be taking

in at least 40% or more. Vanadium and chromium picolinate combined

with Vitamin E and selenium are also good.

 

One little booklet I read not too long ago related that green beans

help to restore one's pancreas. might very well be true.

 

 

 

JoAnn Guest

joguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html

 

Gettingwell, " Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

 

> > Drugs in actuality are only a way to suppress the symptoms rather

> > than offer any *cures*.

 

....the meds masked the symptom of spiked sugar levels

To put it another way, the meds' ability to bring

> down blood glucose spikes allowed me to eat the wrong foods with no

apparent

> short term consequences -- so the meds encouraged me to eat foods

not good

> for me. And doctors wonder why so many diabetics cheat on their

diets?!?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/3/02 21:59:45 GMT Standard Time, alobar

writes:

 

 

> . To put it another way, the meds' ability to bring

> down blood glucose spikes allowed me to eat the wrong foods with no

> apparent

> short term consequences -- so the meds encouraged me to eat foods not good

> for me. And doctors wonder why so many diabetics cheat on their diets?!?

>

 

Put like this has finally brought home to me what meds do to one and I have

been as guilty as anyone of eating something that I would not have been able

to eat without meds - never even thinking about the consequences. I once

heard a very popular doctor on the TV tell someone to take meds for high

cholesterol, he said - " I do and can now eat whatever I want " - I did think

at the time it was not a responsible comment - now I know that it was in fact

signing the death warrant for some. Thanks for putting it into perspective.

 

Marianne

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

-

<marianne2406

 

Friday, March 08, 2002 6:05 AM

Re: Re: [FWD: How Much is Your Health Worth]

 

 

> In a message dated 7/3/02 21:59:45 GMT Standard Time, alobar

> writes:

>

>

> > . To put it another way, the meds' ability to bring

> > down blood glucose spikes allowed me to eat the wrong foods with no

> > apparent

> > short term consequences -- so the meds encouraged me to eat foods not

good

> > for me. And doctors wonder why so many diabetics cheat on their

diets?!?

> >

>

> Put like this has finally brought home to me what meds do to one and I

have

> been as guilty as anyone of eating something that I would not have been

able

> to eat without meds - never even thinking about the consequences. I once

> heard a very popular doctor on the TV tell someone to take meds for high

> cholesterol, he said - " I do and can now eat whatever I want " - I did

think

> at the time it was not a responsible comment - now I know that it was in

fact

> signing the death warrant for some. Thanks for putting it into

perspective.

>

> Marianne

>

 

I do feel I should also talk about the benefits of meds. When one's

body is grossly out of whack & one does not know how to bring it back to

balance (or is working on it but is not there yet) then taking meds can keep

one going. Meds have probably saved or prolonged many many lives. It is

just that many docs & patients see the meds as a life-long solution, rather

than as a first-aide treatment while looking for a real solution.

 

Alobar

 

PS

One big side effect of the meds I was on (glyburide) is that it made me

stupid. My reflexes got poor. I shuffled when I walked instead of

striding. I felt frightened & much older than I really am. Driving in

heavy traffic was scary. While I was on the meds I felt rather powerless to

affect change in my life. I am not saying the pharm companies did this on

purpose, but the effect of (at least) some meds is to make patients feel

powerless & therefore more dependant on the docs & the meds.

 

So if one must go on meds for a while, I'd say keep a careful list

of all the side effects, whether the docs acknowledge them or not.

[Guest guest]

Alobar - I agree and have not totally given up my meds because I am not yet

'cured' and get the breathlessness back if I don't take them - yes I did try

to come off them totally but it didn't work because I was a bit hasty in that

decision. I have however, cut right back on the meds that I take -

alternating between diltiazem and candesartan (amias) and completely removing

HRT and aspirin from the equation as I feel they are doing more harm than

good. I know that until I have cleared my arteries and got my throid working

normally that the 2 meds I am taking are assisting in restoring blood flow to

the heart and keeping the blood pressure down so will continue until I no

longer get breathless and gradually cut them out altogether.

Marianne

 

 

>

>

> I do feel I should also talk about the benefits of meds. When

> one's

> body is grossly out of whack & one does not know how to bring it back to

> balance (or is working on it but is not there yet) then taking meds can

> keep

> one going. Meds have probably saved or prolonged many many lives. It is

> just that many docs & patients see the meds as a life-long solution, rather

> than as a first-aide treatment while looking for a real solution.

>

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

--- Alobar,

The effects you just described I believe to be one of the prime

factors in aging. The docs were ready to make a list of my

prescriptions drugs when going in for my cyst removal last year. It

was worth it to see the surprise on their faces when I revealed I was

not taking one single solitary drug.

I experienced the same effects from the drugs during and following

surgery. The debilitating effects of drugs can inadvertently cause

other sickness. The sad fact is that some drugs which are only

suppposed to be prescribed for the short-term are taken over an

extensive period of time.

When one reads that drugs taken as prescribed are the third leading

cause of death, one begins to wonder. The info is on Dr. whitaker's

site.

The pity of it is that many people think cholesterol drugs protect

them from having a heart attack. If you continue to read on in the

fine print, you will discover the truth. It's in the fine print at

the bottom of the TV commercial.:-)

 

JoAnn Guest

joguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html

 

 

> > > . To put it another way, the meds' ability to bring

> > > down blood glucose spikes allowed me to eat the wrong foods

And doctors wonder why so many diabetics cheat on their

> diets?!?

 

> > heard a very popular doctor on the TV tell someone to take meds

for high

> > cholesterol, he said - " I do and can now eat whatever I want " - I

 

> One big side effect of the meds I was on (glyburide) is that it

made me

> stupid. My reflexes got poor. I shuffled when I walked instead

of

> striding. I felt frightened & much older than I really am.

>

> So if one must go on meds for a while, I'd say keep a

careful list

> of all the side effects, whether the docs acknowledge them or not.