Last year alone, Americans spent billions of dollars on natural remedies for sicknesses. But there are numerous products available in health food stores, making it difficult to choose between them. It's also difficult to know which ones are good and which ones are bad. It is crucial to mention that there are some vitamins and minerals found in supplements that are great for your health, and others that can cause unthinkable damage to your body. Before you put anything down your throat, take a minute or two and read about these 3 amazing secrets that supplement companies don't want to tell you.
Surprising Secret #1 The difference between drugs and nutritional supplements.
Secret # 2 The implications of taking supplements while also taking prescription drugs.
Amazing Secret #3 The importance of buying name brand and approved companies.
The Difference Between and Drug and Nutritional Supplements
Many times, the difference between the two is not much at all. Both can be extremely helpful in relieving symptoms, but both can also cause a lot of damage if taken incorrectly or without the attention of a medical doctor. One of the critical factors is the way in which the FDA view these substances. They usually treat supplements like food because they are intended to supplement the diet or to go with it. Drugs, however, are intended to cure, to treat, or to prevent diseases. Because of these definitions, most supplements receive the same kind of attention as any other kind of food.
The Consequences of Taking Both Drugs and Supplements
It is important to be careful when taking supplements because some of them when mixed with prescription drugs may cause very negative side effects. The easiest and best thing to do is to discuss with your doctor and supplements that you are taking or are considering to take and let him evaluate them for you. You should do this even if you think that the supplements are good. In addition, if you are scheduled for surgery, make sure to stop taking these supplements as some can cause excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, and may interfere with the anesthesia.
The Importance of Taking Only Brand Name Supplements
One myth that has run wild is that supplements are safer than prescription drugs because they are thought to be natural and chemical free. Unfortunately research has not shown this to be true across the board. Many independent tests have found that some supplements were contaminated with potentially harmful ingredients such as pesticides, bacteria and heavy metals. More recently, Consumer Reports tests found that labels on supplement bottles did not contain what they said nor was the dosage information correct. According to their research, a good strategy is to rely on more well known companies like GNC or vitamin shoppe over lesser known brands. These and other better known brands appear to have more consistent quality and safety.
Now that you have been enlightened, you may be wondering where you can obtain accurate information about supplements. It is ironic that most of what you will see online or hear from talking with a grocery store clerk is not reliable. Take a step in the right direction by talking to the FDA and the National Institute of Health. - 16083
Surprising Secret #1 The difference between drugs and nutritional supplements.
Secret # 2 The implications of taking supplements while also taking prescription drugs.
Amazing Secret #3 The importance of buying name brand and approved companies.
The Difference Between and Drug and Nutritional Supplements
Many times, the difference between the two is not much at all. Both can be extremely helpful in relieving symptoms, but both can also cause a lot of damage if taken incorrectly or without the attention of a medical doctor. One of the critical factors is the way in which the FDA view these substances. They usually treat supplements like food because they are intended to supplement the diet or to go with it. Drugs, however, are intended to cure, to treat, or to prevent diseases. Because of these definitions, most supplements receive the same kind of attention as any other kind of food.
The Consequences of Taking Both Drugs and Supplements
It is important to be careful when taking supplements because some of them when mixed with prescription drugs may cause very negative side effects. The easiest and best thing to do is to discuss with your doctor and supplements that you are taking or are considering to take and let him evaluate them for you. You should do this even if you think that the supplements are good. In addition, if you are scheduled for surgery, make sure to stop taking these supplements as some can cause excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, and may interfere with the anesthesia.
The Importance of Taking Only Brand Name Supplements
One myth that has run wild is that supplements are safer than prescription drugs because they are thought to be natural and chemical free. Unfortunately research has not shown this to be true across the board. Many independent tests have found that some supplements were contaminated with potentially harmful ingredients such as pesticides, bacteria and heavy metals. More recently, Consumer Reports tests found that labels on supplement bottles did not contain what they said nor was the dosage information correct. According to their research, a good strategy is to rely on more well known companies like GNC or vitamin shoppe over lesser known brands. These and other better known brands appear to have more consistent quality and safety.
Now that you have been enlightened, you may be wondering where you can obtain accurate information about supplements. It is ironic that most of what you will see online or hear from talking with a grocery store clerk is not reliable. Take a step in the right direction by talking to the FDA and the National Institute of Health. - 16083
About the Author:
Author Dorthy Weatherbush sees everyday celebrities like Kristy Swanson of Knots Landing fame use these secrets plus diet and supplement programs like the Medifast Diet to trim unwanted pounds. Read Dorthys review of the Medifast weight loss program.
