Phyllis A. Balch - Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements

A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings.

Hippocrates

Socrates once said, There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance. This statement should guide us in all of our actions, especially where our health is concerned. Too many of us do not have the slightest idea of how to maintain good health. When illness strikes, we rely on our doctors to cure us. What we fail to realize is that the cure comes from within. Nature has provided us with a wondrous immune system, and all we have to do is take proper care of this inner healing force.

Does this sound too simple? Basically, it is simple; our modern lifestyles have gotten us off the right track, with fast foods, alcohol abuse, drug dependencies, a polluted environment, and high-tech stress. Nature intended to fuel our inner healing force with the right natural substances to enable the body to function up to its fullest potential. Natures resourceswhole foods, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, phytochemicals, and other natural bountiesare designed for use in our immune systems. However, because most of us have a profound lack of knowledge as to what our bodies need to function properly, we find ourselves out of balance and susceptible to all sorts of illnesses.

All individuals should take an active role in the maintenance of their health, the prevention of disease, and the treatment of their disorders with the guidance of a health care professional. The more we take it upon ourselves to learn about nutrition, the better prepared we will be to take that active role. A good diet coupled with medical advice offers the best chance of living a healthy life. Attitude is also an important factor in the processes of health maintenance and healing. We must have a positive state of mind in order to bring harmony to the body. The realization that body (lifestyle), spirit (desire), and mind (belief) must come together is the first step to better health.

This book is the culmination of half a lifetime of study, work, and research. It is intended to provide you and your health care professional with a more natural approach to healing, which may be used in conjunction with your current medical treatment. A number of the suggestions offered, such as intravenous therapy, can be administered only by or under the supervision of a licensed physician. Also, because our body chemistries differ, some of us may have allergic reactions to certain supplements.

Before taking any nutritional supplement, check with your health care professional regarding its appropriateness. For your children, always check with their pediatrician first.

Should you experience an allergic reaction, especially abnormal bowel function (such as diarrhea), to any supplement, immediately discontinue use of the supplement. You should never attempt to treat yourself without professional advice.

No statement in this publication should be construed as a claim for cure, treatment, or prevention of any disease. It is also important to point out that you should not reject mainstream medical methods. Learn about your condition, and dont be afraid to ask questions. Feel free to get second and even third opinions from qualified health professionals. It is a sign of wisdom, not cowardice, to seek more knowledge through your active participation as a patient.

Every effort has been made to include the latest research available on nutritional healing. All the information in this book has been carefully researched, and the data have been reviewed and updated throughout the production process. Because this body of knowledge promises to continue growing and changing, we suggest that when questions arise about up-to-date information on treatment and prevention of disorders, you ask your health care provider. We will strive to keep abreast of new scientific information, treatments, and supplements.

Nearly nine hundred years ago, Moses Maimonides said, The physician should not treat the ailment, but the patient who is suffering from it. This book was designed to meet the differing needs of individuals and to help each person create his or her own nutritional program.