We make every effort to locate the most effective and most cost-effective nutritional supplements. If you believe that an herb or nutritional supplement might benefit you, we suggest that you try a top-quality product. If it works, then you know what to expect. If you then wish to try a less-expensive brand, you will know what effect to look for. In other words, if our brand of glucosamine doesn't help, then it is unlikely that any brand will help. You can move on to something else with minimal loss of time.
For another source of top-quality supplements, we suggest the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary at 253 850 5639, Uptown Natural Medicine, or the better lines of product at Waterfront Naturals or the Food Coop here in Port Townsend, or Sunny Farms in Sequim.
When supplements go wrong
Section titled “When supplements go wrong”The American health supplement industry is largely unregulated. Although it's true that the Food and Drug Administration does not want the manufacturer to give information on their labels about health benefits from supplements, there are very few rules concerning what is actually inside the bottle.
Labels can lie
Section titled “Labels can lie”Ginseng, for instance, is the most famous medicinal plant of China. It has been used for millennia for many illnesses and for its anti-aging properties. Many so-called ginseng products contain no traces of ginseng when analyzed. As another example, commercial sources of Echinacea have not always been reliable. Several authorities have estimated that from time to time, well over half of the Echinacea sold in he United States has actually been Missouri snakeroot, an entirely different plant.
Herbs can have impotence
Section titled “Herbs can have impotence”Two fields of corn may look similar, but one can be mouth-wateringly sweet and the other tasteless. Similarly with herbs, different strains of the herb are more effective than others. The best nutriceutical companies have decades of experience in developing the most effective strains of medicinal herb.
Herbs are not forever
Section titled “Herbs are not forever”The Saw Palmetto that went into the bottle was top-rate, but how do you keep it from going bad? The industry leaders know how.
Herbs should be "organic"
Section titled “Herbs should be "organic"”In evaluating herbal products it is important to check for toxic metals such as mercury and lead and for bacteria. Sometimes herbs are purified by means of solvents which can remain in the herb you buy and cause toxicity.
All that glitters is not gold...
Section titled “All that glitters is not gold...”Even if an herb does not contain this kind of impurity, the herb can be toxic just on its own account. Comfrey is one example; unneeded DHEA or melatonin is another.
Can you absorb this herb?
Section titled “Can you absorb this herb?”Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that is very helpful in certain autoimmune and allergic conditions. Unless it is specially formulated it is only about 20% absorbed.
Herbs can be on drugs
Section titled “Herbs can be on drugs”Some herbs coming out of the Orient have been found to be very effective for anxiety. On analysis they contained opium, Valium, or mercury.
The Lactobacillus died
Section titled “The Lactobacillus died”The medical journal Obstetrics and Gynecology (1990; 75:244) reported on 10 Lactobacillus acidophilus products bought off the shelf. On testing, 9 of the 10 contained no living acidophilus. Also, researchers test different strains of acidophilus and find some are better than others at establishing residence in the human GI tract and reducing symptoms. Our acidophilus is chosen to be effective.
All supplements can die
Section titled “All supplements can die”Oxygen is required for human life, but it can cause certain supplements to lose their effectiveness while they are sitting on the shelf. At the rate of 5% of potency per month or faster. The anti-oxidants in our multiple vitamins are coated to prevent contact with oxygen in the bottle. Cod liver oil is processed in nitrogen, and kept refrigerated here in the office.
But truth marches on
Section titled “But truth marches on”The label on one brand of vitamin E says "Natural" (in prominent letters) but independent analysis shows some synthetic vitamin E in the capsule as well. And the company involved will have a price nobody can beat.
A multiple vitamin label may list lots of vitamins and minerals. But the chromium and the vitamin A may have combined with each other in the capsule, and so will do you no good.
We deal only with companies that list everything on the label. Many companies have a label that looks as if they have only vitamin E in the bottle. They too have other ingredients to make the tablet fall out of the tablet press or to prevent the tablet from disintegrating in the bottle-- they just don't tell you because they are not required to. We have spoken with people at every company we deal with to check on their quality control procedures and labeling policies. We give you an honest product and an honest label.
Value for money
Section titled “Value for money”We offer our supplements and books at a discount. We give you a money-back guarantee. We want to serve you over the long term. Please let us know if you are finding our products elsewhere for less.
Conclusion
Section titled “Conclusion”Not all nutritional supplements are the same. At our clinic we research the companies we do business with and carefully choose the products we carry. We do the homework for you and provide information sheets on most of the products we carry. Our goal is to help you become healthy and self-sufficient.
3/4/04