The Supplement Shopper: An Alternative Medicine Definitve Guide

More and more consumers are ready to acknowledge that medical science may not have the last word on treating common illnesses that range from asthma to allergies. Part of the problem in an explosion of ill health in a country that prides itself on having the best health care in the world is that far too many Americans consistently make poor choices in diet, food supplements, and health care. In THE SUPPLEMENT SHOPPER Gregory and Maile Pouls admit that the fault lies far more with the Medical Powers That Be than with the laziness or short-sightedness of those who suffer from commonplace illnesses. In order to overcome this tendency toward poor health in a land where poor health is eminently preventable, the Pouls suggest initially that nearly everyone can take control of his or her own health. To rely only on the advice of medical doctors is, in their opinion, simply insufficient to optimize health. The first step, they see, is that a potential patient should see medical doctors as a starting point, rather than a finishing point, for competent health care. Alternate health texts, like the Pouls', are then viewed as complements or supplements, rather than as substitutes, for that care. The Pouls write in a prose style that is midway between the technical medical jargonese that one finds in standard medical texts and what one finds in Reader's Digest type condensations, thereby ensuring a maximum of reader comprehension. The overall focus of this text is on finding the proper nutritional supplement for a clearly identified disease. In fact, nearly the entire book is divided into an alphabetical listing of common ailments, their symptoms, treatments, and recommended supplements. The Pouls do not attempt, as does Kevin Trudeau in his NATURAL CURES, to cover the entire spectrum of alternate health care, nor do they see, as does Trudeau, the overriding importance of considering initially colonic and kidney cleanses as the first order of business. Their focus is to make sure that you have correctly identified your medical problem through a qualified health care practitioner. Once having done so, then you can use this text as a starting point to choose from a wide range of commonly available and natural health supplements. For example, if your doctor has diagnosed you with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), then you might wish to complement the prescription hormone pills that your doctor will surely prescribe with kelp, lipoic acids, and a variety of substances which can be used to detoxify the body. The Pouls also list where you might buy such products. THE SUPPLEMENT SHOPPER is a welcome introduction to a vast field of alternate health approaches to common diseases. It is well-written, up-to-date, comprehensive, and commonsensical. Recommended.

Nutritionists Gregory Pouls, D.C. and Maile Pouls, Ph.D. point out that "in America, we have an overabundance of food but an underabundance of nutrition." They wrote The Supplement Shopper to assist those individuals who may need supplements in making good choices. Drs. Pouls emphasize that "there is no magic bullet or 'super' nutrient that works the same for everyone all the time." Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other nutrients. They are not drugs and are not presently regulated, other than the restrictions against manufacturers' claims for treating specific diseases. Individuals are often left wondering whether they need a particular supplement, and if so, how much to take. They also need information about other substances included in the supplement, such as artificial coloring or flavoring. Drs. Pouls start with "An A-Z Nutrient Guide," in which they describe the nutrients, how and when they should be taken, and what they do in the body. Part Two is "An A-Z of Health Conditions: Nutrients and Herbal Remedies." More than 80 major diseases and ailments, including allergies, diabetes, fatigue, heart disease, and thyroid conditions, are listed. Each includes a full description of the causes, symptoms, and recommendations for appropriate nutritional treatment. That's followed by an alphabetical listing by brand name of products that contain the recommended supplementation. Contact information, including phone numbers, is provided for each supplement manufacturer. The final section of the book provides information on using supplementation as preventative medicine. Topics include: brain power, longevity, detoxification, and immune support. In his introduction, Burton Goldberg urges readers to "take control of your own health. The tools are simple: eat right, use nutritional supplements wisely, don't use prescription drugs (except when absolutely necessary), detoxify, and exercise." The Supplement Shopper provides readers with all the information they need for using nutritional supplementation, including brand names of the products that will best meet their individual needs.Sandra I. Smith, Reviewer