Internal Medicine
There is no replacement for a healthy diet. Simply cooked or raw vegetables should be the staple of our daily intake. Meats are an option but not required for good health. No fast food, processed foods, dyed, preserved, caned, boxed foods should be avoided. They all are processed with toxins. Toxins that the USDA allows. Remember, you are what you eat.
Little is known about the long term effects of commercially produced multivitamins. The Iowa Women's Health Study (1986-2004) looked at supplements and their relative risk for mortality. Most vitamins and supplements were not associated with an increased risk however, some were. Multivitamins were associated with a 2.4% increased risk, vitamin B6, Folic acid, and minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc were associated with a 3-6% increased risk. Copper was associated with an 18% increased risk for mortality.
Calcium showed an inverse risk. This was associated with increased longevity in 3.8%.
There is an ongoing study in Denmark that is showing evidence that certain antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin A and Beta carotene might be harmful.
So, this makes us rethink the issue of handfuls of supplements. It might be better to stick to a good whole food vitamin and forget the individual supplements. A well balanced diet (so lacking in America) is critical to good health.
If you are over 65 and have not had a pneumonia vaccine in the past 5 years, it is time to do that.
Take an aspirin 81 mg every day. This is a very good, cheap way to avoid heart attacks and stroke.
Get some form of exercise. Take a walk. If arthritis is an issue, swim or join a water aerobics class.
