In general less is more when in comes to supplements. We'll only recommend them when there's a clear reason for it. Sometimes the nutritional deficiencies we see in patients can be corrected by a proper diet and the right homeopathic remedy. Over time, things will start to balance out. 😌
In fact, too much vitamins and minerals are a common "side-effects" of the use of supplements. And as we know, too much of something is just as bad as too little. For instance, too much B6 in the blood can mean neuropathy and tremors. B12 injections can cause an accumulation of cobalt. Then again, a detox-course can help rebalance the system.
Some Useful Supplements to Consider:
Vitamin C
As part of the detox program, Vitamin C can play a vital role because it's such a powerful antioxidant. Let's try to find it in our food:
- sauerkraut;
- kiwi fruit;
- bell peppers;
- cranberries;
- pomegranate;
- broccoli. Broccoli is really the best vegetable out there because it's so full of Vitamin C.
Now at the beginning of treatment in the case of a detox-program, we'll add some supplements of Vitamin C because there's simply too much missing. We'll usually go with a C-1000 Ascorbate Complex, which included potassium, magnesium and zinc. According to Dr. Ton Jansen, homeopath, Vitamin C is important for the detox pathways to function - and to assist the vital force whilst balance is restored.
2000mg per day for an adult during the initial detox program while dietary changes are made. (transition)
- Vitamin C palmitate is not recommended. The chemical process used for extraction is far from ideal and the ascorbate is a perfectly suitable alternative.
Magnesium
The mitochondria of cells need adequate magnesium to function properly. These are the powerhouses of cells, so where there is a deficiency you will usually feel fatigue. Magnesium is also important for the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, bones, cartilage. To get magnesium to the right places, vitamin C is also needed. High sugar diets will compromise magnesium levels.
In cases of magnesium deficiency you will see:
- foggy feeling in head, not really awake.
- Cramps of the legs and muscles in general. Stiff heavy limbs and restless legs.
- Oedema;
- Migraines;
- Low energy and fatigue;
- Constipation.
All cancer patients require extra magnesium to help the cell mitochondria. Brassicas are full of magnesium:
- cabbage
- broccoli
- sprouts
- cauliflower
- red cabbage
As well as nuts, raw cocoa, avocado, seeds, and dark green vegetables.
ZINC
Water-soluble toxins require zinc to be effectively excreted by the body. In fact, both zinc and selenium are particularly important when there are toxic metals in the picture. The liver needs both of these substances in plentiful supply in order to bind to the toxins and escort them out of the body.
In a case of zinc deficiency there will tend to be white spots on the nails and diminished sense of smell and taste. When supplementing, 15mg daily for a few months is usually sufficient. Foods rich in zinc include: avocado, eggplant, butter, buckwheat, coconut, salsify, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, fish and meat.
Selenium
Plentiful selenium is required for the successful excretion of fat-soluble toxins. Selenium is another powerful performing multiple functions in the body:
- it is a powerful antioxidant
- it is necessary for proper thyroid function
- it aids heavy metal detox due to its necessity in glutathiones synthesis
- it plays a role in the immune system in response to infection
- it can impact mental health due to its importance in the neurological system
- it has anti-aging properties.
A good source of dietary selenium is sardines, and to a lesser degree herring and anchovies. Ensure the skin is eaten along with the body, as this is the part richest in selenium. Other useful sources are fermented raw dairy products (kefir), mustard, garlic, onion, lentils, sunflower seeds, radish, coconut meat (we wrote an
article about coconut in the past), pistachios, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts (soaked overnight), meat and egg yolks.
CALCIUM
Usually problems with calcium come from difficulties assimilating the calcium in the diet. You start to see problems in the bones, teeth and skin. Normal milk makes the situation worse because pasteurisation changes the chemical structure, making absorption more difficult. Fermented dairy products from raw milk can help in this situation. If a supplement is required, give it along with Vitamin C so the calcium is properly absorbed.
VITAMIN B6
B vitamins are essential, however B6 tends to accumulate if given synthetically. Ideally it needs to be absorbed from food. If it is given as a supplement, it must be given alongside co-enzyme Q10. Good sources are kefir, yoghurt, and fresh cheese. Mostly B6 found in cereals, milk and butter and multivitamins is synthetic and has a different molecular structure to that found in the food. This synthetic form is potentially toxic to the body, causing neuropathy.
In cases of use of synthetic hormones or prolonged stress there is an increased need for vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid, so ensure dietary amounts are adequate.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a versatile vitamin with many functions in the body:
- It acts directly on the pituitary gland, eyes, thyroid glands.
- It is important for good brain function.
- Stimulates milk production in the milk glands of the breast tissue.
- Plays a role in follicle stimulation.
- Important for the proper functioning of the stomach.
- Supports the pancreas in the production of melatonin (read our article about
melatonin).
- Helps in pain relief by increasing dopamine.
- Is necessary for the contraction of the heart muscle.
Good food sources are green peas, hazelnuts, egg whites, meat, walnuts, cashews, olive oil, seaweed, algae, kelp, kale, rye and bean sprouts. If you need to supplement, do so sparingly.
B complex can be used in times of acute stress, as they tend to get "chewed up" as such times.
As part of Yael Meir Homeopathy Services, you get a full holistic treatment, including nutritional advice.
Vitamin D
Skeletal problems in children are often linked to vitamin D deficiencies. The long-standing overuse of sunscreen has meant that women are often deficient during pregnancy, which of course impacts the foetus. Supplementation is useful to boost levels as well as teaching patients to take advantage of available sunshine without the sunscreen.
Good food sources are pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, avocado, whole milk, full-fat cheese, green peas, lentils, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, honey, goat cheese, walnut oil, fatty fish/fish oil, algae.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is important for the construction of bones. As a supplement, it should not be taken for a long period of time. Vitamin E cream nourishes the skin and has an anti-aging effect.
Co-Enzyme Q10
Co-enzyme Q10 is the helper of the digestive system and is also very important for the heart. Deficits are seen in diseases such as ALS, MS, chronic fatigue, and rheumatism. In fact, a deficiency can be seen in most chronic diseases that have been caused by nutritional deficiencies. It is an essential substance that is necessary to deliver oxygen into the cells, and it plays an important role in killing cancer cells. In ALS Q10 can be given in higher doses (more than 1000mg per day) alongside homeopathic Q10 to ensure that the coenzyme can do its work. In chronic diseases, there usually tends to be a B12 deficiency, therefore, supplementing the two together is often helpful.
Algae
Algae contain lots of energy. They can be a great source of phytoenergy in cases of fatigue or a weakened system (e.g. cancer). They are the "bone marrow" of the earth, and some varieties (chlorella, sea algae) are useful in the elimination of heavy metals.
Freshwater Algae from the mountains are the healthiest (Klamath lake algae), helping to balance sugar levels and detox the liver.
A Word About Multivitamins
We do not recommend multivitamins at all. There's no "one size fits all" and they can easily cause toxicities when taken long-term. Synthetic supplements cannot replace good quality whole food. If someone's diet is very bad and they are unwilling to make changes, we recommend one organic soft-
boiled egg daily. Nature's best multivitamin!
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