Supplements

[joy]

I know that many raw foodists are opposed to taking supplements, but I'm not exactly sure why.

I understand part of the rationale behind this: if it isn't created in nature--if it isn't a food--then we shouldn't take it. But is this the only reason not to supplement? Is it based solely on the idea that nature is perfect, and our food is sufficient?

Does anyone have any info on negative side effects of supplementation, or personal experience with this?

By the way, I don't currently supplement, but might consider it under certain circumstances (pregnancy, for example).

Thanks!

[raeannasun]

I also would be interested to see if anyone else takes B-12. I haven't started taking it yet (I read that I'm probably still using what is left over in my body from my past meat eating days! :) )

It seems like it might be a case-to-case basis for people who need to take B-12. Does everyone need a certain dosage? I'd be interested to learn more! :)

[Ginger]

My daughter & I take a veg b-12 lousenge sometimes, not regularly, just every so often. I wouldn't worry about it if we were eating fresh from a garden or more wild foods but right now we eat all grocerystore stuff (mostly organic thank goodness!)

[Revvell]

I've been vegetarian for 18 years. Never taken it.

Revvell

[Ginger]

Oh yeah, the raw kombucha drink I get has 20% of the DRI for b-12 in it! :D

[Amethyst_Rain]

B-12 is synthesized in the body...it is made from beneficial bacteria...you can get these bacteria from either eating wild foods, unwashed mushrooms or if you have animals and you don't wash your hands b4 eating and after playing with your cat...also if you're not too fanatic about cleanliness ie. don't use any antibacterial products...there are numerous ways that your body can make B-12...also your body re-uses it's B-12, it hardly ever gets rid of it...only very little is needed

I read that they (whoever they are haha) did this study on various groups of people...vegetarians, vegans, rawfoodists and meat/animal product eaters...the studies showed that the meat-eaters had the lowest amounts of B-12...rawfoodists had normal amounts...just because you're taking in B-12 doesn't mean that your body actually assimilate it.

I think it is pretty much save to say that we do not need to take B-12 supplement...at least not on a regular basis

[Amethyst_Rain]

oh yeah! you can also get B-12 from nutritional yeast, which isn't raw but I don't think is bad for you if you eat it in small quantities

[rawpriestess]

I've been vegetarian for 10 years,never taken suppliments.

If you are interested in taking them, I would make sure they are natural, and not synthetic, they are in a capsule or gel, not a hard pill, as these go through you, place a hard pill in a glass of water, and see how fast it disolves, NOT.

However, I always say, if it's working, don't screw it up, which means, if you feel good, then why change? if you don't feel good, change fast.

Blessings,
Rawpriestess

[rawberry]

Good day everyone. I went to go see Paul Nison speak at my local health food store this past Wednesday. He suggested you take a supplement call E3live. Here is a link to the website:
http://www.e3live.com It is absolutely wonderful!! I have been wizzing around my house cleaning like I never have!!!! It doesn't take long to take effect!!! Hope you all check it out. Good luck.

Angie :)

[Revvell]

I took E3Live for about 3 weeks since I got it for 1/2 price. Not done a thing for me.


Revvell

[rawberry]

Went to see Paul Nison this past week at my local health food store and he suggested e3live. It is pretty good. Been wizzing through my house cleaning like crazy!!! Here is the link: www.e3live.com check it out!!

Angie

[joy]

Thanks for your replies.

So the overall vibe I'm getting about not taking supplements is simply that nature provides (or our bodies synthesize) all that we need. Is that it? (And I'm not really thinking about B-12 here, because I consider that something that not all bodies can get from soil, etc.)

I understand that reasoning, but I'm still not clear on why supplementation has such a negative connotation among raw foodists... Is it that we might get unbalanced amounts of certain things?

[Ginger]

I think because supplements (not all though) are taxing to the system & must be eliminated for the most part. They are unnesasary & are just an extra burden on the body. There's better alternatives from foods. I think also because "you can't buy health in a pill"!

[growinhealth]

Joy I have taken supplements for the last two years from a company called GNLD, they are a biblical based company "based on nature backed by science" These are some of the most brilliant people in the world working towards providing the consumer with 100% organic, free of synthetics. I have researched this (somewhat anyway) and what I found is this; you cannot eat enough fruits and vegetables necessary for the body. THere is so much more I could go on about but if you want to check it out here is the web link www.gnld.com check it out, it is an awesome company some people don't like it because it is a pyramid business you sell more you make money but its basis is awesome. I also have a cd by dr. Don Lawson and I would love for you to listen to it. Check it out, and if you want I'll mail you the cd. love ya Jacq

[rawpriestess]

I can only speak for myself about why I don't take suppliments.

They are not natural. It is that simple.

I am sure that there are plenty of people out there who do take suppliments, and they may do them some good.

However, I personally feel that I would rather get my nutrients from what the god/dess has intended which is from nature.

[Gosia]

the fact that many rawfoodists do not take supplements corresponds to the very core idea of raw foodism, that is eating fruit/vegetables in their most natural (raw and unprocessed) state, because such food is ideal for our body. Supplements clearly do not grow on trees, and cannot be classified as neither fruit nor vegetables. As far as negative effects, yes, many do experience them, and I have seen the evidence of that on various raw food boards. There is also some scientific evidence against routine supplementation. For example, B12 supplement has been linked with cancer. Nevertheless, the decision is left to an individual.

Cheers,
Gosia.

[joy]

Thanks to all. Yes, the idea that supplements are taxing to the body makes a lot of sense. Even if modern foods are hybridized or nutrient deficient due to poor soil, or whatever...it makes more sense to simply adapt one's diet accordingly.

Of course, I believe that as close to natural is best. However, under some circumstances, if I experienced a deficiency, I simply wouldn't want to take any risks whatsoever. I'll look for more info on possible dangers if the need arises. Until then...happily supplement free!

[Fuzzball]

I supplement with a totally organic Multi-vitamin, Multi Mineral.


"Within hours of harvesting, our plants are dehydrated using carefully controlled temperatures and delicate airflow to preserve the heat-sensitive nutrients. This process kills microbes that could multiply while locking-in the natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients. The dehydrated material is then milled into a fine powder and mixed to create the unique concentrate blends."

"We are the only brand that grows our own crops on our own certified-organic farms, processes our own plants and then ships the finished products directly to our customers to guarantee freshness. No other supplements are grown, processed and shipped to you in this way"

All I can tell ya is, if I don't have these...I'm dragging my behind....They aint cheap but they sure are good. And, they dissolve in a glass of cold water in about 15 minutes.

[VeganVixen]

I supplement when I need to, like sometimes I have a tough time w/digestion ,I take enzymes then and whenever I feel yucky and want to cleanse I take redclover and cascarda sagrada ,and sometimes I take organic nature's plus vitamins

[simple berry]

Gosia

Can you tell us a little more about the link you mentioned between B-12 supplementation and cancer? This is the first I've heard of it.

Thanks!

[Gosia]

References:

1. “A group of French investigators reported a series of cases suggesting that B12 may stimulate multiplication of cancer cells and aggravate the disease.”

Read the details at (scroll down to the part on B12):
http://tuberose.com/Vitamins.html


2. “For healthy adult vegans I do think we should be careful about
recommending routine B12 supplements. Even though complete
absorption is not likely, the dosages are probably still too high
(1200 mcg). There is some case studies and experimental evidence
that an excessive B12 consumption encourages cell division in
general and certain tumor cells in particular (bergevin et al.,
1976; chauvergne, 1970).

Bergevin et al, (1976). Pernicious anemia terminating in acute
myeloblastic leukemia. SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL, 69:110.

Chauvergne, J. (1970). The risk of administering vitamin B12 to
cancer patients. SEMAINE DES HOSPITEAUX PARIS 46:2170

From:
http://wiretap.area.com/Gopher/Library/Article/Food/b12.txt


Cheers,
Gosia.