Saturday, December 13, 2008

About the Huge Health Trend toward Vitamins and Supplements

By Amber Duncan

We have noticed a huge health trend turning to natural remedies by taking herbal supplements and vitamins to maintain and improve health. Whether one is trying to lose weight, prevent signs of aging or just improve their general health, there is sure to be a product that claims to be most effective.

Studies have been conducted on the benefits of using various herbs and herbal extracts. Research has shown that adding herbal supplements to a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial. Many natural health supplements are used to treat medical conditions as well as promote good health.

With an overwhelming amount of information available on herbal supplements, how does one go about learning what they need to know? The internet contains a wealth of information on all types of herbs and vitamins. Some herbal supplements are mild and do very little; some are very strong and can actually interact the wrong way with medications you're currently taking. Many people think that because it's natural and herbal, it must be completely safe.

You might be surprised to find out that it may not be safe. Do you realize that many of our prescription drugs, over the counter medications and even illegal street drugs all contain ingredients that come from plants? Tobacco is a plant, but does that mean that cigarettes are an "all natural, healthy" product? The poppy is a beautiful flower that is used in manufacturing highly addictive and deadly street drugs.

You might be surprised to learn that many herbal supplements are not regulated in the United States. The manufacturers do no have to prove their effectiveness or guarantee their safety. Many dietary supplements might not even contain the herbs they claim to.

Herbal supplements can be very expensive as you find yourself adding more and more to your daily regimen. Perhaps you began slowly, just taking a few; maybe some ginseng for energy, ginkgo biloba for focus and memory and vitamin C for your immune system. Magazine articles or internet advertisements catch your eye; you learn about the benefits of more products that are available. Soon, you are taking 15 - 20 capsules per day and spending a small fortune to maintain this craze. Many herbs are great by themselves, but they can work adversely when mixed with others. Some of them can be a deadly combination with your current prescription medications.

Like the daily multi-vitamin, herbal supplements are also available in multi-purpose form. A multi-purpose supplemental formula should be well-balanced with a selection of herbs that work well together to provide the benefits you're looking for. There are many supplemental programs available that will meet your individual needs while you spend less money and take fewer pills.

You should do plenty of research before beginning a supplemental health program. Look at the different companies out there; how long have they been in business? Have there been any bad reports with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer groups? Talk to other people who are currently taking herbal supplements; see what they are taking and who they are purchasing them from. Talk to your doctor or health care specialist; it is possible they will be able to refer you to a good source for buying herbal supplements. You might be surprised to find that many medical doctors are more open to the use of herbal supplements today than in the past.

It is important to remember that no matter what type of health improvement you are looking to achieve with supplements, you must continue to live a healthy lifestyle. Remember, the herbs are just a supplement. Herbal supplements that claim to help you resist cancer will not be effective if you are smoking 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day. A weight management formula will be most ineffective if you eat high-fat food and snack in front of the TV every night. A muscle building shake is not going to work if you do not work out.

Herbal supplements and natural remedies are a great step toward good health and well-being. If you are considering adding herbal supplements to your healthy lifestyle, consult with your physician to be sure you are not doing yourself more harm than good.

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