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Supplementation: distinguishing between a temporary deficiency and an assimilation problem
We all have occasional bouts of sluggishness and fatigue, or simply feel the need for a boost of courage and strength.
Fortunately, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to vitamins, minerals and food supplements of all kinds. And that's a good thing!
As with everything else, this should of course be consumed in moderation, with limited courses of treatment, varying the intake and giving the body time to regenerate on its own.
But in absolute terms, the body is designed to be totally autonomous and in perfect self-healing condition, when the immune system is in top form. It goes without saying that the nutrients the body needs go hand in hand with a well-balanced diet and as little stress as possible.
To achieve this objective of restoring the body to its full potential, we must also avoid falling into the trap of trying to do too much for the body.
Let's take the analogy with plants and the two major trends currently underway in agriculture: feeding the plant or feeding the soil. The modern conventional method is based on the principle that we have the understanding and technical capacity to perfectly meet all the plant's nutritional needs. This is what makes it possible to grow soilless, replacing the soil with a totally neutral substrate and regulating the water and nutrients introduced into it. The soil is thus relegated to second place, to the extent that even in open fields, this logic has reduced the soil to an inert substance devoid of life.
The other approach used in organic farming, and particularly in currents such as permaculture, takes the opposite approach: it is the earth that must nourish the plant, so the farmer's role is solely to nourish the earth. In this way, by giving the earth back all its life and nourishing it, it will itself provide for the needs of the plant, as happens in nature.
Another phenomenon can be observed: the more regularly a plant is watered, the more its roots will remain in the surface layers of the soil. This means that the slightest change in watering will weaken the plant, as it will not be able to meet its water needs on its own, as the water will remain in the deeper layers of the soil. On the other hand, if you water a lot, but very sparingly, the plant will be forced to develop deep roots, making it much more resistant and self-sufficient.
It's much the same for our bodies. The more we replace its needs with all sorts of crutches, the more we disabuse it of its natural functions.
Restoring the body's capacity for self-healing means ensuring that it has all the resources it needs to ensure that the immune system is in tip-top shape without needing too much help.
But, of course, we can help you achieve this goal!
In today's modern Western society, it is extremely rare to encounter malnutrition problems to the point of causing deficiencies. However, some very strict diets can lead to this, such as veganism, which requires vitamin B12 supplementation.
There are two main ways in which we can be subject to deficiencies: occasionally or chronically. Occasionally, events such as seasonal changes, dietary modifications, periods of stress, travel, etc. can lead to certain disturbances and symptoms that it may be advisable to supplement to avoid any undesirable aggravation.
On the other hand, when we are dealing with long-term deficiencies, the logic is completely different, as there may be a problem with assimilation and we can no longer reason in the same way.
Take iron, for example. Iron deficiency will be diagnosed on the basis of a set of specific symptoms and confirmed by a blood test. If the markers are confirmed to be below the required threshold, supplementation will almost certainly be prescribed. This seems logical and normal. This course of treatment generally lasts a good month, with a follow-up blood test one or two months later to check that levels have returned to normal. If this is the case, all is well. But if the levels are still below the criteria, people may find themselves taking almost permanent supplements, sometimes for life.
If iron levels do not rise, even with supplementation, this confirms that there is an assimilation problem. The legitimate question to ask is whether supplementation really serves any purpose in this case?
Clues to recognising an assimilation problem :
- Supplementation has no effect on symptoms (proven to be linked to the substance)
- Supplementation itself is a factor in undesirable effects (excluding the impact of excipients)
If a dysfunction in assimilation is demonstrated, wouldn't it be more judicious to focus on repairing the problem of assimilation rather than simply supplementing it?
Let's now look at the problem from the angle of sensitivities, in the broad sense of the term, including allergies and intolerances. From an energetic point of view, it is perfectly clear that we can be sensitive to any substance, including those that the body needs, such as vitamins and minerals.
If I'm iron intolerant, my body will interpret iron as an allergen, i.e. a substance that is undesirable for the body, and it will reject it. In this case, the problem of assimilation is perfectly understandable. But it also implies an equally implacable logic: iron supplementation will become an extraordinary influx of toxic substances, recognised as such by an intolerant person.
At best, the body will be able to eliminate the excess intake, but at worst, it may cause side-effects linked to an accumulation of undesirable molecules in the tissues or joints.
It is understood that during this time, the problems linked to the deficiency itself will still not be resolved. And depending on the substance, the problems caused by a prolonged deficiency can lead to relatively serious pathologies.
Of course, not all assimilation problems come down to a problem of sensitivity, but a possible correlation can be observed in easily two-thirds of cases.
The good news is that if the origin of the sensitivity is proven, it is perfectly possible to treat it using energetic deprogramming of sensitivities. This approach can overcome any type of allergic reaction or intolerance, whatever the allergen.
When sensitivity to a substance is detected, it is therefore a priority to treat it before attempting any form of supplementation. Only once the sensitivity has been deprogrammed and the problem of assimilation repaired can basic supplementation be considered, in the short term, to give the necessary boost while the body gets used to drawing its resources naturally from its diet.
Unfortunately, sensitivity to vitamins, minerals and trace elements is not recognised by the medical profession, and blood analysis laboratories do not test for the incidence of IgE (allergies) or IgG (intolerances) to these substances.
The use of an energy test, such as the kinesiology muscle test, is a very effective way of highlighting this type of impact.
Olivier Coen
Researcher and trainer in energy therapies, founder of the Vibratory Reinformation method and the Lumen Care Laboratory, specialising in the energetic treatment of physical and emotional sensitivities using contact homeopathy.