Sunday Thoughts (myth-busting)

I’m not a doctor. And I have tremendous respect for those who go into the profession.

But I wonder if some doctors have forgotten the whole point. 

Shouldn’t the goal be to keep someone healthy, instead of trying to repair things after they break down?

Shouldn’t they understand the reality of our hectic lives, the truth about what the American diet really looks like – and open their eyes to see a nation that’s more sick than well? 

Like I said, I’m not an MD. 

But I’ve been in and around the health world for over 20 years. I’ve read reams of studies, talked to enlightened physicians, and worked with scientists and researchers from around the world.

So I know a thing or two about the healing benefits of food, and their natural partner in a healing diet, nutritional supplements. 

That’s why when a journal as prestigious as JAMA publishes a one-page “patient resource” that brushes off supplements as unnecessary, it leaves me speechless.

Check that. I have plenty to say about it.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

“Do I need to take a vitamin or supplement? For most people, the answer is no. For years, doctors have recommended certain supplements such as fish oil or multivitamins. However, these claims have not been supported by evidence from medical research.”

This is complete bull pucks. 

There are literally tens of thousands of studies that show specific benefits from nutritional supplements, for a wide range of health concerns, and just to simply keep you healthy. To say none are supported by evidence is not only wrong, it’s dangerous.

For goodness sake, some great studies about supplements have been PUBLISHED IN THE VERY SAME JOURNAL.

Ok, deep breath.

“Is a balanced diet better than a supplement? A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, some cheeses, fish, poultry, or lean meats provides all needed vitamins and nutrients. Evidence suggests that our body is better at absorbing nutrients from food than from supplements. Whole foods also provide the amounts and ratios of nutrients that our body can most efficiently use. Evidence shows that people who eat a balanced diet have positive health benefits, and these benefits are not found in supplements. Vitamins and supplements cannot make up for a less-than-healthy diet.”

This is a mixed bag of true, half-true and nonsense. 

Should we be eating a balanced diet? Most definitely.

Is it possible to get everything you need from diet alone? In theory, maybe. But this leaves out a world of nutrients we are unlikely to get in our regular diets. 

And are we actually eating healthful diets that include a wide enough range of nutrients, and taking advantage of what’s been shown to be beneficial to human health from diet alone? 

Ha, not even close.

I mean, when you say there’s no need to use supplements because fortified milk and breakfast cereals are available, I have to wonder where you got your medical degree.

Can our body absorb nutrients from food better than supplements? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends entirely on the quality of the supplement, and how it is formulated. 

And once again, do supplements show “no benefits?” Seriously wrong, total garbage. 

I could go on picking this “advice” apart all day, but to imply supplements offer no benefits when literally 9 out of 10 Americans are dangerously deficient in vital nutrients, and a vast majority don’t come close to the necessary levels of fruits and vegetables, is malpractice if you ask me.

And to suggest supplements should be looked at with caution when thousands of people are dying each year due to prescription drugs “used as directed” is laughable.

My advice to you is to stay informed. Do your own research. Read. 

And don’t believe only drugs and surgery can make you “well.” 

JAMA should be ashamed of themselves for publishing this poor excuse for advice.

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Comments

Rosilda M. Briden - June 28, 2021

I love your Sunday Thoughts….
I’m with you on every single word you have in blog. I don’t know what these Doctors are learning in College. If we have a problem, they will just give you a prescription, but never look for the real cause that is making
us ill, then we are taking these medications for ever until they cause a side effect, so now we end up with two problems.

Elizabeth Leotaud - June 28, 2021

Absolutely agree with your statement Jeff. Big Pharm doesn’t want us healthy cause then they don’t make $$$$ off of us.

Mollie Frederick - June 28, 2021

I enjoy your Sunday chats! Thank you for all the information. Keep them coming.

Ann Bews - June 28, 2021

This is off topic but I sent in a recipe for Golden Milk. I inadvertently forgot 2 ingredients. This drink has 2 cups of nondairy milk, 1 tsp ground tumeric, a pinch of pepper, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup. Whisk together and heat over MED heat, simmer 10 min.
Pour into a cup and enjoy.
I find this very relaxing and enjoy every bit of it.

Ann Bews.

Marylin Millis - June 27, 2021

I love reading your Sunday thoughts. And yes, supplements do help. My vitamin D level was 18 so my primary physician put me on vitamin D supplement and now I am at 40 level. What type of magnesium should I take? And what MG? Thank you.

Lucinda Wexler - June 27, 2021

Excellent points in your message today.
Enjoy your emails but especially exposing this type of false information. Thank you!

John Titus - June 27, 2021

Jeff, you are on target. Our so called natural food supply has been compromised by forced growing and forced ripening. Our grains are mostly processed, bleached, and then fortified. This does not add up to a nutritious wholesome diet. We started supplementing our sick bodies more than 20 years ago and have reaped tremendous benefits no longer available in our American diet. Thanks again Jeff, and love the Patriot Greens!!

Sandee Crockett - June 27, 2021
If I was in an accident I would definitely benefit from the experience and knowledge of a trauma team at an er. Other than that our medical industry is so deeply entangled with Big Pharma that it is hard to trust much of what they say. God gave us an amazing immune system. He gave us amazing varieties of foods as well. However our Food industry, Big Pharma, Big Medicine overall is more concerned with profit than health. This so called pandemic has brought this even more into focus. Denying people and doctors access to inexpensive medications and protocols that work in order to boost income at hospitals and push a rushed out, unstudied vaccine! The importance of keeping our immune system strong and how to do that was barely discussed on MSM. It’s actually criminal!!

Signed
Aire Force Brat, Navy Bride and Army mom, and may God Bless America!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Kim - June 27, 2021

RIGHT ON!!!!! I love your blog. Thank you.

Rich Crouse - June 27, 2021

You are right on Jeff. I am 70 and have taken several vitamin supplements for over 30 years. Also Patriot Power Greens daily. I take NO prescription drugs and consider myself yo be in nearly excellent health. I also believe that our food chain tends to be woefully deficient in essential nutrients. So shame on the JAMA. These guys want us to remain unhealthy so they can make lots of money and support their mega “sickness centers”. My 2 cents worth. Kudos Jeff! Rich

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