Another flip flopping subject is vitamins. My doctors over the years have suggested that I take them, and after breaking my ankle one year I finally did. I drink milk, and try and eat healthy foods, but still, I take vitamins for that “extra protection.”

However, a new study by the Women’s Health Initiative “tracked multivitamin use by 161,000 older women over an eight-year period to see if the vitamins might reduce their risk for heart disease and certain cancers. In the end, the researchers found no such benefit from the vitamins.”

So what’s a girl to do? I know there are a lot of women that will continue taking vitamins regardless of this study, but is it worth it? What do you think?

Image from Morguefile.

Post from: Blisstree

Vitamins…Needed or Not?

According to the article…

Millions worldwide use antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene.

Looking at dozens of previous studies, Copenhagen University researchers suggested these appeared to raise, not lower, the risk of early death.

A supplements industry expert said the Journal of the American Medical Association study was fatally flawed.

But nutritionists said it reinforced the need to eat a balanced diet, rather than relying on supplements.

Here’s my take on it: Eat a nutritious diet founded on the basic building blocks your body needs to function, and supplement where your diet is lacking. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant, you may need more help with your calcium intake than someone who eats 3 oz. of cheese every day.

I was raised in a household where daily multivitamins were a fact of life, natural personal and home care products were the norm, and organic was all we ate. My mom even sold Shaklee products so she could get stuff for us at a discount. And honestly, I was never the sickly little sickie that I am now when I was living at home, eating healthy and taking my multi every day. For me, they’re here to stay.

What about you?

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

Vitamin Supplements Get Controversial

And why am I not taking these things? Because, ladies, I’m lazy. I am admitting it to you and I’m admitting it to myself. I am being lazy and stupid because I know they are good for me and because I know it’s critical that I supplement my diet with key nutrients, particularly since I’m somewhat of a disordered eater and often don’t get everything I need from my diet because frankly sometimes I just don’t eat.

So today I’m making a health promise to myself and to you, my readers, and I hope you will consider doing the same thing for your health:

Starting today, I will take my multivitamin every morning. I will also take my fish oil and folic acid supplements, and I will take my prescribed medications as directed every day. I will do this because my health is more valuable than the half a second of discomfort from swallowing a pill. I will do this because I love myself and I love my body and I want to be well and healthy and functioning at my full capacity all the time. I will do this because I am worth it.

If you’re not taking a daily multivitamin, please consider changing that right now. To help you get started, here’s a link to a special Vitamin World discount with free shipping on orders of $75 or more (not that vitamins have to be expensive, mind you, but for those who want to stock up, free shipping rocks.)

Do it for yourself. You deserve good health.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

Are You Taking a Daily Multivitamin?