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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Herbs are drugs so this week let’s look more closely at how to choose, and safely use all supplements, herbal or otherwise. As we discussed in part one, herbal supplements have become increasingly popular. Natural is in, and natural is a good thing (to once again paraphrase an admired professional)! Herbs can indeed be effective, safe and many times they can help us with less side effects than their prescription drug counterpart. However, let me say again, and again that Herbs are DrugsToo!
Herbs are Mother Nature’s drugs, that is plants, which have been producing chemicals for millions of years to ward off or kill pests and herbivores (plant eaters such as insects, etc.) that feed on them and/or cause disease in the process. They are sold as fresh or dried products, liquid or solid extracts, teas, powders, and even food products. In the United States, herbs are not legally required to be standardized, so the quality, quantity etc., can be inconsistent among different batches within a company or between manufacturing companies. So, while we definitely want to consider using herbs to prevent disease and ease our symptoms, we also want to be informed before we use them. Okay, here are a few tips.
Let’s
Do Our Homework. Let’s do our research about a herb or any supplement before we purchase it. Unless we’re purchasing a supplement based on our physician’s recommendation, let’s not take any based upon the latest hype, research study published, or recommendation by a non- professional. Herbs and all supplements including even the safest vitamins, are drugs too and they interact with other supplements, drugs, foods etc. They also may interfere with absorption of food nutrients, or they may cause negative side effects. Here’s a great site for more info, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/search.aspx?stype=drug&source=1&query=herbs
Read Labels. Read labels for dosage information, form of herb, expiration date, quality assurances, warnings, and contact info. Read the ingredient list since some of us may be allergic to either the substance source or a filler.
Follow Directions. More is not better; less is not necessarily safer. How to take each supplement is important since some need to be taken with food, others with liquids; some on an empty stomach or under the tongue, etc.; some need time to have a desired effect (glucosamine for example may take up to 6 weeks to become effective).
Start Slowly. I like to recommend to my clients to take only one new supplement at a time unless directed otherwise by a physician. We can more easily judge a response or interaction of a new drug even a supplement, if it’s the only new kid on the block.
Speak Up. Let’s bring a list of all supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter medicines to our physician, dentist, or any health care provider and keep them informed. Many drugs including herbs can alter blood tests results, interact with a new prescription as well as cause potentially negative side effects before surgery including dental cleanings.
Once again, “Herbs are Drugs Too”, and I’m including natural supplements, so let’s remember this; it’s for our health and that’s usually why we take them to begin with. Want a great web site to check out supplements? Go to www.supplementwatch.com It includes the latest research, one such about antidepressants.
I am also pleased to announce that beginning Sept 15, I will be offering a weight management program based upon 30 minute sessions using SKYPE. Just in time for post summer, pre holiday season for all my readers around the globe. Stay tuned for more info!
Here’s to Our Health!
June M. Lay M.S.
Junefit
Please seek the advise of your Doctor, for any medical concerns or before begining a supplementation program.
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