In the world of health and wellness, vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining our overall well-being. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding their use that often lead to confusion among individuals. In this article, I aim to debunk some common myths and crazy things that people say about vitamins.
Understanding the Importance of Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. They play a vital role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immunity, and overall health. While vitamins can be obtained through a balanced diet, supplementation is sometimes necessary to meet our daily requirements. Today our food is grown in depleted soil, it is sprayed with chemicals and grown with genetically modified seeds, and watered with dirty water. So getting all your nutrients from food is not always optimal. Furthermore,
people with certain genetic mutations may have a greater need for supplements. MTHFR C677T ( a genetic mutation) for instance decreases the activity of the enzyme by 70% if you are homozygous, meaning you have two copies. If you have one the MTHFR enyme is decreased by 35% with the mutation. This enzyme puts you at greater risk for various health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, colon cancer, acute leukemia, chronic pain and fatigue, nerve pain, migraines, recurrent miscarriages and pregnancies with neural tube defects, and the list goes on. Methylfolate is super important for many people and can reverse and prevent various problems at the cellualar level. Supplementing with methylfolate is important along with other methyl donors, B12, B6, choline, and methionine, which helps homocystein levels stay optimal preventing oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease. Many people confuse folic acid with folate. This is often a misconception. Folic acid is synthetic and added to fortified foods and actually blocks folate from being absorbed. *Furtheromre the RDA ( Recommended Daily Allowance) was established in the 1940's and in 1953 the RDA determined the potential health benefits of supplements above minimum requirements. By 1974 the RDA established a recommendation that remains in effect today. Therefore, the RDA has determined for the average healthy person what essential nutrients were adequate to meet the daily requirement. This has short changed many individuals causing deficiencies, because not one person is alike and we are all bio-individual with different genetics and health requirements.
Debunking Misconceptions
One of the most common misconceptions is that vitamins can cure all ailments. While vitamins are essential for health, they are not a cure-all. It is important to remember that vitamins should complement a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. The problem is many people are on the SAD diet (standare American diet), pharmaceutical drugs, and have toxic overload from sugar, and alcohol etc. Because of this they are overweight and malnourished. Supplementing will help fill the gap or provide the missing nutrients they are lacking.
Natural vitamins are those sourced from whole foods and are not synthesized in a lab. They are often labeled with an L- like L-lysine. Synthetic vitamins are labeled with a D-. Natural supplements are often more bio-available, but not alwyays. Synthetic vitamins are often chemically altered and often cheaper and have a longer shelf life. Although there are certain well branded companies that do an exceptional job making synthetic vitamins. They are strategic and offer higher quality, and more targeted support than you can get from food. You just want to make sure whether your vitamins are synthetic or from whole food that they are bioavailable, potent, and have an optimal delivery method/form.
Nutrients whether from food or supplements are only as good as what you can absorb and utilize. So if you have gut issues, pills probably won't do it. You are better off with an injection form which will bypass the gut. This is very important for people who can not utilize vitamins from food like those with pernicious anemia or who have other gut issues and need the fastest route. Injectable vitamins work faster, bi-pass the gut and you don't have to worry if you are absorbing any of them.
Dispelling Crazy Claims
Vitamins will destroy your kidneys! Really?? People actually have said that. Mind you these people have been on pharmacuetical drugs for years and heard this probably from their doctor who is keeping them sick. (sick care) There are vitamins that are toxic at certain levels. Vitamin A in the synthetic form can be toxic if taken too much. In its natural form you are fine. Vitamin D can be toxic too, along with minerals like zinc. Certain people with genetic mutations should not take certain vitamins because it could cause harm. NAD or niacin can de-methylate someone with the MTHFR mutation who is undermethylated. It is always good to talk with a Naturopath or doctor before buying a bunch of vitamins you heard someone talk about on instagram or you-tube. These are sales' pitches and likely don't always give you the right information. But will vitamins cause kidney damage? absolutely not, If they did, this author would have been advised durring all my vitamin studies nor would they have helped millions of people overcome various ailment if that were true. If you already have kidney issues than you shouldn't be taking supplements without the advise of a docter. Vitamins do not cause kidney damage. People with kidney issues most likely have other health conditions like diabetes and liver issues due to poor health, use of NSAID's, along with pharmaceutical drugs, antibiotics and a poor diet and should be monitoring their health with lab work. We are all unique and have different needs individually and therefore require different therapeutic amounts to be optimally functional. Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, but it won't provide endless energy. You will only notice a difference in energy if you have a deficiency. Fatigue can be caused by various factors, and while B12 deficiency can contribute to low energy levels, it is not a quick fix for all fatigue-related issues because fatigue is multifaceted.
User Insights: Shedding Light on Vitamin Myths
The misconception of vitamin use is prevalent, leading to confusion and misplaced beliefs among individuals. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction and approach vitamin supplementation with knowledge and caution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vitamins are valuable nutrients that support our overall health and well-being. They can help a person rid a deficiency, balance out hormones or provide overall balance to a healthy lifestyle. By debunking myths and crazy claims surrounding their use, we can make informed decisions about incorporating vitamins into our daily routines. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the world of vitamins and supplements. Be your own health activist, and do your own research. Just make sure your research isn't backed by BIG PHARMA with an agenda.
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your vitamin intake, consult a healthcare provider.
* How Should the Recommended Dietary Allowences be Revised? (1994) National Academies Press; Washington D.C
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