Originally published October 21 2005
Dietitian addresses the issue of supplements and how to choose what's best for you
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Karen Collins fields questions about diet and nutrition, including how to determine what supplements you should take and what to avoid in the rapidly expanding market.
A: If you are having trouble getting enough calories and protein, either because your energy needs are very high or you are having trouble eating, a supplemental drink would be the best choice for you.
You should choose one of the many drinks available depending on your lactose tolerance, how much fat your body can handle and how many additional calories you need.
If you don't need extra calories and protein, but only extra amounts of one or more vitamins and minerals, then a pill may be better for you.
Either of these options is considered a "supplement" to healthy eating.
A gluten-free diet, specifically designed for people with celiac disease, whose digestive tract is damaged by foods containing gluten, can also meet a variety of other health concerns, like lowering cancer risk.
If you are unsure how to create a gluten-free diet that does this, you can talk to a registered dietitian or a doctor with experience treating celiac patients.
In addition to avoiding tobacco, the following diet and lifestyle principles are the main ones that will lower cancer risk for everyone, including celiac patients: focus your meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans; maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active; limit fat, alcohol and sodium; and choose mostly beans, poultry, or seafood for protein instead of large amounts of red meat.
None of these principles are in conflict with a gluten-free diet.
However, restrictions on eating gluten make it much more difficult for celiac patients to eat the recommended three servings of whole grains a day.
Rice and corn, including popcorn and 100 percent cornmeal, are gluten-free and safe to eat.
Q: Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, can we absorb it from skim milk?
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