news, strategies, & insights about hospital food service and technology

I was watching the Today Show this morning and they reported on an article that Consumer Reports wrote on dietary supplements and the 12 substances to avoid that are found in these supplements.   Matt Lauer spoke of a man, who was taking a supplement that contained high amounts of silver and his skin turned blue!   It’s true; they showed him on the air and his skin was blue!

We love our “quick fix” when it comes to improving our health and nutrition.  Are we really making improvements by consuming a little pill?  The American population has become too dependent on dietary supplements.  They are used to lose weight, gain weight, improve stamina, build muscle, cure chronic health problems and the list goes on.  There is a whole group who use “all natural supplements” a holistic approach to avoid using prescription medications.   Have you ever read the ingredients on these supplements?  Do you understand what the ingredients are?  Can they cause harm?  Just because something is listed as “all natural” doesn’t mean it can’t cause health concerns.

The supplement industry is a billion dollar industry.  What do we really know about this industry?  Not much!  American’s base their knowledge of supplements on; friends who think they lost weight or cured medical aliments using a dietary supplement.  American’s have become obsessed with the quick gratification approach to their health.  We have become a population addicted to gimmicks and fads. This is especially true with the elderly, looking for the fountain of youth.   It takes hard work to stay healthy; there is no magical remedy.

The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements.  Giving supplement manufacturers the ability to sell products without testing for safety and whether or not it really works.  Lack of proper regulation under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act has allowed unsafe supplements to be sold throughout the country.  Some of these supplements are being imported into the United States, because, “fish oil from Sweden” is always better than “fish oil from America.”  This is the gimmick factor!

There are 12 supplement ingredients that Consumer Reports listed to avoid.  These ingredients lead to larger health complications such as: liver, kidney and cardiovascular problems.  These ingredients are: aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater cilandine, kava, lobelia and yohimbe.

As a consumer, what can I do to keep myself safe?

Consult your doctor before starting any over the counter supplements especially; if you’re pregnant, nursing, have a chronic health problem or are having elective surgery.

Your doctor can also steer you away from the adverse effects caused by food and drug interactions with these supplements.  It is important to let your doctor know everything your taking both prescription and over the counter.  This is equally important in emergency situations.  Be sure, your family is aware of all medications and supplements you are using.  Keep a list that can be given to the emergency personal and physicians.

The “Quick fix”, could lend you a life time of serious health problems.  Be smart and consult your physician before starting any supplements.  You’ll be thankful you did.

For more information on dietary supplements visit:

www.consumerreports.org

www.fda.gov

Reference:

Dangerous Supplements – 12 products you should avoid – consumers report 2010

Retrieved, September 2010.

As a healthcare food service director, have you ever asked: What can my hospital and food service department do to support sound nutrition for patients, employees, and visitors? And what can we do to support the economies of the communities we serve as well?

Here’s an idea… What about having a farmers market on the hospital grounds?

Fresh, locally grown products available to communities—especially urban communities where these foods are lacking—can help promote healthy eating habits.

Think of the impact a farmers market has on a hospital and the communities it serves.  Fun, outdoor venues set the stage for education on nutrition, food preparation, and food demonstrations using locally grown products.  Great way to increase employee morale as well!

What benefits can a farmers market deliver for your hospital? Positive publicity, for one. You set your hospital apart from your competitors.  It’s also a great outlet for employee health, high-profile nutrition education, and improved community relations.  Of course, you can enjoy improved patient satisfaction, too. You were planning to include these locally grown products in your menu, right?

Hospital farmers markets help stimulate the locally economy as well.  Local agriculture, small farmers, and growers have new outlets for their products.  Eliminating the distributor and middle-man gives farmers a fair wage and keeps dollars in the local economy.

Hospitals all over the US and Canada are jumping on the band wagon. How about your hospital?

For information on starting a farmers market at your hospital visit: www.noharm.org. For more ideas about green and sustainable food service practices, check out the Food Service Sustainability Trends page on the Vision website.