In my opinion there's no better medicine than food.? In almost every situation the quality of nutrients from foods are superior to supplements.? The vitamin C in oranges have all sorts of accompanying molecules that support the action of the simple "ascorbic acid" molecule.? I have a scientist friend who believes that as little as 5-10 mg. of vitamin C would do the same job as 1000 mg. if we could package up all the nutrients naturally found in an orange.? The problem is we can't always preserve the delicate balance of proteins and co-factors when extracting the vitamin C.? So, even though foods would be the best choice, there are other factors at play.

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The use of supplements is constantly being questioned in the traditional medical literature.? An article supports the use of vitamins E and C to reduce Alzheiner's risk and the next week two more articles come out opposing the very same idea.? I know that I feel better when I am taking my supplements:

1. High-potency multi-vitamin (4-6 per day)
2. Fish oil (4-6 grams daily
3. Adrenal support (glandular extract)
4. Magnesium malate (2500 mg.)
5. Policosanol for cholesterol reduction

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It's a very small experimental group that I'm talking about (just me).? The interesting point is that no matter what anyone else believes about supplements I know that I funtion better when I have nutritional support.? That's enough evidence for me.? I don't tell my patients to take my experience and apply it to their situation but I do let them know that their experience is VERY IMPORTANT!? Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.? Your response to foods, environment, supplements, relationships and everything in your world should be strong indicators of the value of those things.? If a specific person makes you feel energized, you should make plans to spend more time with them.? On the other hand, if a person drains you and makes you feel tired, they would best be avoided unless absolutely necessary.? Foods and supplements are the same.? If you feel better when you consume them, continue the process.? If they make you feel bad then discontinue them.? You can do this at any point in time.? You don't have a static system, so be aware of changes and respond as needed.

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Fish has been touted as a healthy food for years.? Omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA) have been shown to protect the heart and improve brain function as well as many other benefits.? Selenium is also abundant in fish which helps the thyroid gland and immunity.? Vitamins A and D are also abundant in fish liver oils.? The problem though is that fish also has lots of toxins:

1. Dioxins (cause cancer)
2. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) - brain and immune damage
3. Mercury (especially in shark, swordfish, king mackerel and golden bass)

There is no question in my mind that these toxic products are seriously damaging, even at levels that the government believes cause no harm.? In selected groups of people with high sensitivity to mercury and toxins they?may result in serious health challenges.? Since we can get high-quality fish-oils and cod-liver oils with these toxins removed, they make an excellent choice to receive the benefits of fish without many of the harmful effects.??Fish oil supplements can provide much higher levels of omega-3 fats than dietary fish consumption at much lower cost as well.

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In the office we use fish oils that have been flavored with natural strawberry and lemon to hide the "fishy" taste.? Patients all seem to like the flavored versions much better.? I have had no problem with either capsules or liquid and can take either form.? Higher doses are much less expensive when taken by the teaspoon instead of the capsule but some people don't like the "feel" of oil in their mouth so they take the capsule and pay the extra couple of dollars.? Fish oil is healthy for nearly everyone and can reduce the risk for heart and brain disease as well as cut inflammation and joint pain.? There's no excuse to avoid taking fish oil unless you're allergic to fish or you're taking prescription anti-coagulant drugs.? Otherwise, do as my grandmother told my dad and "Take your cod-liver oil!"

I haven't smoked a cigarette since I was 16 and only stopped then because it made me nauseous.? Thank God!? Otherwise I might be smoking like everybody else who started in the 70's because it was "cool." On the other hand, I've been eating happily since I was very very little.? I have no plans to quit any time soon.? Fortunately, I've had much less trouble than most of the people I know keeping weight off.? I'm? not skinny but I definitely don't struggle to lose a couple of pounds.? I can drop 5 pounds in a weekend if I just eat veggies and water.? I think I'm different than obese people that way.

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That's why I'm concerned about the push to increase insurance premiums up for smokers and obese people.? I think they should pay more for insurance they use but I don't think they should pay more for just being insured.? In other words, their deductibles may need to be higher or their copays may need to cost?more, but to shut people out of the market for insurance just because they're overweight or smoke seems to be harsh medicine.? It also doesn't seem to make sense to leave the socialized medical laws on the books that make the E.R. everybody's primary care opportunity if they don't have insurance.? It should be just for emergencies.? The solution is in the hands of the charitable community mostly.? The high costs associated with major surgery and end-of-life treatment can't be absorbed without freeing up doctors and health professionals to deduct their charitable service.? I see patients for free all the time but I can't claim it as a deduction on my taxes.? If I could deduct a portion of the service I could see more patients for free and not feel the "pinch" quite so severely.? I think health care facilities ought to be able to deduct services at somewhere near 50%.? Just a thought.? I hate to have the government deciding what the best solution is for health care.? Thay are notoriously bad doctors!