I thought I’d answer some questions that have come in from readers about… how medication and supplement interact… a bad form of magnesium… whether there’s any benefit to red wine over grapes… “cheat” days… and electromagnetic radiation from hearing aids. I conclude with a reader’s comments about overcoming genetic diseases.
Should I take my supplements separate from my medication?
Absolutely! Most pharmaceuticals could qualify as “extraterrestrial life.” They are chemically engineered concoctions. Who knows how they’ll react with anything natural.
I’m more concerned about them inhibiting the benefits you’d derive from your supplements rather than the other way around.
Drug companies would have you believe supplements are unsafe and will interfere with your drugs. Their real concern is that you may take supplements and find you don’t need the drugs.
Not only do I recommend keeping them away from your supplements but also from your meals (unless of course the prescription specifically advises that they be taken with food to stop the meds from burning a hole through your stomach).
Are magnesium carbonate supplements a good source of magnesium?
Magnesium carbonate is actually an antacid and can conflict with many medications (as well your body’s ability to digest food). Antacids are not the solution and only lead to other more serious problems.
Whether we’re talking magnesium or calcium… it should go without saying that getting a mineral supplement from the TUMS company is a bad idea. It’s like going to McDonalds for a salad.
What do you think about the health benefits of red wine – such as the heart benefits?
First, a lot depends on whether the wine is organic or not. Non-organic wine can contain a high concentration of chemical residue that may offset any benefit it offers.
Otherwise, you can receive the same benefits from organic fresh grapes or raisins without the side effects of the alcohol. Peanuts (from a quality source) are also very high in resveratrol. But, as far as wine goes, red wine is a good choice. Just keep it in moderation – don’t start drinking more because you think it will help your heart.
How often do I need to eat healthy to stay healthy?
There’s nothing wrong with cheating once in a while. Eat real foods 80% of the time. How about being super-strict Monday through Friday? Then relax on the weekends. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself preferring the “strict diet” even on your cheat days because it makes you feel so great.
And make sure you totally enjoy and savor your treats. Eating junk food with guilt can immediately spoil any of the pleasure you are seeking.
I understand that continual cell phone use may cause cancer and that Bluetooth headset may be even worse. I need to wear a hearing aid and am concerned about similar risks.
Rest assured there’s a world of difference between a hearing aid and a Bluetooth headset. Hearing aids do emit a tiny magnetic field from the battery they contain. This type of radiation is very different than the information carrying waves of cell phone technology.
Of course, if you are using any of these new wireless mobile microphone paraphernalia with your hearing aid that may put you at risk.
But as far as a regular hearing aid goes you have little to worry about. It’s no more dangerous than wearing a wristwatch. Just take it off at night to give your body a break.
Lastly, I wanted to share with you a comment left by a subscriber who read the post I wrote called “No Genes Are Bad Genes”…
“Thank you for this post! I am soooooo tired of people looking as though I will certainly keel over any minute because all the members of my immediate family died young of various cancers.
“Having grown up with these people, I also know that they were HOPELESS at dealing with their conflicts and stresses and looked to some magic pill to make it all better for them, so it should be no big surprise that their bodies gave up on them – or rather that they gave up on their bodies.
“My plan is to live to the age of 104 like many of my ancestors did – my husband and three boys help me fill my life with love, laughter, fun and adventure, so I have every expectation that I will make it!”
May you live forever or die trying!
I’m so glad you found the post helpful. Yes, I’m sure everybody probably has a couple of “bad” genes somewhere in their DNA waiting for negative circumstances to give them expression. We can blame our DNA and become helpless victims before modern medicine or we can be masters of our DNA, our environment and our destiny and create the kind of life we want to live.
Carolyn Dean MD ND
The Doctor of the Future®
RESOURCES: Along the borders and in the links of my web site you can find my books, writings, and my call-in radio show. Email your questions to: [email protected].
