Alternative health, including nutrition, is one of the most rewarding fields to be involved in today. “A new paradigm shift towards natural therapies is increasing” says Dr Lynn Hardy ND, CNC, the Principal of Global Institute for Alternative Medicine, USA. More people are getting sick, fatter and more out of shape than ever before. People are starting to shy away from prescription drugs and unnecessary medical interventions and turning instead toward proper nutrition and natural methods of healing, hence the growing market for organic foods, herbal formulas and dietary supplements.
These people are seeking ways to improve and maintain their health naturally, therefore the need is growing for qualified natural health practitioners. With these changes taking place the demand for Nutritional Consultants has become widespread in the past couple of years. Nutritional Consultants are sought by schools, public institutions, retirement homes, natural health food stores, sports teams, daycares, weight loss centers, fitness clubs, hospitals, health spas, cruise ships and companies selling health products. THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HOLISITIC NUTRITION is a self-paced, comprehensive and affordable home study degree program is essential for a career in alternative medicine. Offered by the Global Institute for Alternative Medicine (GIFAM), USA, this is the only home study degree course of its kind in the world.
GIFAM is accredited by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification and Accreditation Board and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners Commission on Accreditation. Students and graduates of GIFAM may become members of the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC), the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), among other natural health associations.
Students can also sit for the examination board of the AANC upon graduation and earn the prestigious designation of Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC). “The program is also beneficial to those interested to increase their knowledge of health and natural therapies. There are no set educational pre-requisites for this course. However, to properly comprehend the college-level study material, a high school diploma or equivalent may be helpful.”
Vitamin deficiency syndromes such as scurvy and beriberi are uncommon in Western societies. However, suboptimal intake of some vitamins, above levels causing classic vitamin deficiency, is a risk factor for chronic diseases and common in the general population, especially the elderly. Suboptimal folic acid levels, along with suboptimal levels of vitamins B6 and B12, are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, and colon and breast cancer; low levels of vitamin D contribute to osteopenia and fractures; and low levels of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, E, and C) may increase risk for several chronic diseases. Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone.
I have experienced prostatitis several times over the last 10 years. After numerous rounds of drug therapy – without success – I finally began getting relief from inflammation by transferring to a job where I was able to stand up and walk around more during the day. It turned out that sitting for too long was causing severe prostate irritation.
High doses of vitamins may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. That’s the finding of a pilot study in the March/April issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Researchers at the Georgetown University Medical Center’s Memory Disorders Program found high-dose vitamins reduce levels of the amino acid homocysteine in people with Alzheimer’s. Previous research has found a link between homocysteine and the mind-robbing disease.
Is taking vitamins pointless in people with autoimmune disorders? I’ve heard conflicting info on this point. Keep in mind I have diabetes and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, both of which are considered to be autoimmune disorders, but I don’t have lupus: I take a variety of B vitamins (stress B complex, folic acid and chromium picolinate), which help with conversion of sugars into energy, red blood cell development, nerves and other stuff, and my doctor thinks it does help. (I’m at high risk for anemia and peripheral neuropathy, so that’s why I take this particular assortment).
The EU wants to allow companies to add vitamins to candy. Norway is strongly opposed to this, because it is unnecessary, and potentially dangerous. Most Europeans get enough vitamins these days. Lack of vitamins was a problem 100 years ago. Vitamins is only used as a marketing gimmick in this case, to give the impression that the brand of candy in question is healthy, when in fact obesity and diabetes are much larger problems for children today. And many risk getting too much vitamins if they are added to food without strict control.
) What a relief! And the price? I purchased 200 per bottle for $18.30, but I received three for that price (600)!! What a deal! Now I will take my vitamins, and I won’t be stressing over having to take another pill! They are easy to get down. What a relief! I don’t know if they are on the Web yet or not, but you can call them at 800-851-3551 if you want to order some vitamins. The ones I ordered are called “Pre-Vites” (Children’s chewable multi-vitamin) and “Super Liquid Absorbable Calcium Softgels.” I’m not saying you have to order those, just giving information in case anyone does want to order them. That just expedites things since the sale ends January 7, 2000. They have a whole catalog full of stuff and great deals.
Has anyone noticed that the vitamin manufacturers are finally noticing that men and women have different nutritional needs and are producing vitamins for both? Women’s formulas seem to have extra iron and calcium, and men’s formulas have no iron, extra zinc, and extra chromium and selenium. These are just the differences I noted, no doubt the balance if other vitamins are different as well. It is good that we are finally departing from the feminist myth that there are no differences between men and women except socialization.
