Supplements are now a necessity

¦ Is supplementation really necessary, and if so, which vitamins and minerals are the most important?

>> The short answer is yes, I believe that supplementation is necessary — particularly since our soils have become so depleted in nutrients, due in part to the modern practise of using chemicals in farming without replenishing organic matter.

The high demands for year-round produce have also led to fruit and vegetables being picked before they are ripe, being stored for too long after harvesting, or being sprayed or processed in a manner that enables a longer shelf-life. All of these factors play a role in reducing the available nutrients.

Nutritionist and author Patrick Holford has long been encouraging us to use supplements for healing, longevity, and optimal wellbeing. He has written many books suggesting ideal dosages of specific nutrients based on independent research, and has developed a range of supplements so that you can follow his guidelines. Holford’s The Optimum Nutrition Bible is an excellent general book to start with. Other books he has written deal with specific conditions and concerns.

I would also recommend the work of no-nonsense author Dr Peter Dingle. His latest book is called A Supplement A Day Keeps The Doctor Away, and is well worth a read. In this book, he presents evidence which shows how a variety of chronic diseases can be prevented and treated using nutritional supplementation.

It is difficult to list which supplements are most important as each person has different nutritional needs.

I usually recommend vitamin C supplementation — the array of conditions which can be helped by increasing one’s intake of this nutrient is already the topic of entire books. Having said that, it makes sense to read one or both of the books I’ve mentioned above, and to put together a supplementation plan based on your health history and current level of wellbeing.

¦ A friend is raving about oil-pulling. You swish oil about in your mouth for 10 minutes or so and then spit it out. Apparently it helps to pull toxins out through your mouth. Do you know about this technique, and whether it is worth trying out?

>> Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice which is used as a method of detoxification, and also to improve oral health.

I have written about it in the past, and have been using this somewhat bizarre method myself, for around nine years now — and I’m impressed by the results.

While I cannot comment on how effectively oil pulling removes toxins, I can testify to it improving the health of my gums. Others have reported a myriad of benefits from weight loss, reduced asthma severity, to clearer sinuses, healthier skin, whiter teeth, and even curing insomnia.

The basics of oil pulling:

1. Oil pulling should be done first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Use a tablespoon of oil, I prefer organic coconut oil, but cold-pressed olive oil works equally well.

2. Take the oil into your mouth and swish it gently around, taking care not to swallow any of the oil. Ensure that the oil is pulling between your teeth, under your tongue, and inside your cheeks for 10-15 minutes before spitting it out.

3. The oil becomes thin and foamy as it is combined with your saliva, and takes on a whitish colour. Follow your oil pulling with gentle brushing, using a natural toothpaste.