The epidemic of chronic illness facing Americans can be traced to their diets. This is a well known fact. Noted researchers, Dr Robert H. Fletcher and Kathleen M. Fairfield reported that "most people do not get an optimal amount of nutrients by diet alone?and suboptimal intakes of nutrients are associated with increased risks of chronic diseases. The risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis increases with low nutrient intake. (Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), June 2002).



It is a fact, not well known, that as far back as 1936 the foods, fruits, vegetables, and grains now being raised on millions of acres of land in this country no longer contain enough certain-needed minerals ? and are starving us, no matter how much of them we eat. These findings were presented to Congress in a study called US Senate Document 264, at the 74th Congress. So the reason we do not get optimal amounts of nutrients by diet alone is because the foods we eat were grown in nutrient depleted soil. The results of the 1992 Earth Summit revealed that farmlands in North America were 85% nutrient depleted. Think on it. The process of preparing our foods can also rob us of what little nutrient value is contained within the foods.

Truth is while we are well fed we are not nourished by the foods we eat. While the body can make some vitamins, it definitely doesn't make minerals. We must of necessity take it in. So we all need to be taking nutritional supplements to provide our bodies with the nutrients, particularly minerals, needed to maintain a healthy balance. WE ARE TRULY WHAT WE EAT! If what we are eating is not giving us the nutrients we need then we are at an increased risk of chronic diseases. We all know lack of minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium can result in iron deficiency anemia, bone diseases and heart abnormalities respectively.

I think it is fair to say that we understand the need for supplementation. The multi-billion dollar industry illustrates that. But are we buying the right product in the right form and design? It is important that our bodies utilize what we put in so we benefit from it. What is the best way to deliver nutrients to our bodies? The best way is in a form that is easily digested and in the right combination. In the article "Super Nutrients" (Newsweek, January 16, 2006), scientists have identified nearly 40 vitamins and minerals that the body needs for various tasks. Not only that they are learning that these nutrients team up in complex ways. It's not enough to just take calcium, it doesn't work by itself; phosphorous and magnesium are also important for healthy bones. Vit D is necessary for calcium absorption.

Too many of us get a false sense of security born of taking multi-vitamin pills. Supplements in tablet, pill or chelated form are only 10% absorbed by the body. I didn't say this. It is stated in the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR). The reason supplements in these forms are poorly absorbed is due to poor formulation and design. They contain poor quality raw materials. Materials that often times are calculated to prolong shelf life. Take a look at the expiration date on your vitamin bottles. I bet it is years into the future. To make it last that long requires the use of materials that the body cannot readily break down. This in and of itself makes it unusable by the body. The waxy coatings, excessive fillers and binders are not absorbed very well.

Those of you who are still taking supplements in pill or tablet form are wasting your money and worse starving your body. The best way to take in nutrients is in a liquid form which is immediately bioavailable to the body. The body does not have to digest liquid nutrients once they are made well. Keep in mind however that there are all sorts of liquid supplements on the market. Therefore one needs to evaluate them before deciding on the best product.

I know I am speaking to the choir when I say be sure to take your supplements. It is a cheap way to reduce your risk of chronic illnesses brought on by nutritional deficiencies.