With Cathy Burkemper
Q: Are you being fair to your supplements?
A:Most people are accustomed to western medicine and expect immediate results. You have to remember, most drugs are like a band-aid to the problem. They usually just mask the symptom. What supplements and herbs do is work on the root or cause of the problem. With that said, there are a few rules you should remember.
- It takes 5-7 times the normal amount of nutrition to rebuild and repair the body than it does to maintain.
- You need to allow 3 months to help your body heal, then add one month for every year that you have been sick.
- Then remember Herrings Law of Cure – “All cure starts from within out, from the head down, and in the reverse order in which the symptoms appeared”.
It is very important that you stick to a schedule when taking your supplements. They do not work in the bottle. You must take them as directed by your health care professional. They should always be taken with a full glass of water and with food, if recommended. This is important for proper absorption and to keep you from getting indigestion or an upset stomach.
Make sure you are taking your supplements at the right time of the day. Some give you energy, so you would not want to take them at night, because you will not get a good night’s sleep.
Always store them in a cool, dry place because most supplements cannot tolerate heat. They will lose their potency. Also, some supplements need to be refrigerated, example: probiotics and fish oil.
Everyone is different in how well you progress with a vitamin/herb regimen. There are many factors that can change your outcome; age, body weakness, pollution in your area, length of illness, diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, etc. If you are someone who has problems with absorption, try taking a digestive enzyme also.
Just by following these simple rules, you will give your supplements a fair chance to work for you. And, of course, always remember to purchase high quality supplements.
This herb information is for health education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of licensed health practitioners. Consult with a physician for any condition that requires professional care.
Do you have questions about herbs or vitamins? Send them to Cathy Burkemper, CNHP and Certified Herbalist. Write to: Herbs & More, 16021 Manchester Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011. www.morethanherbsonline.com.