Herbal Supplements
March 25th 2008 06:06
Do you need herbal supplements?
People need herbal supplements primarily because they just can’t get all the nutrients they need from their food. The over-processed, hormone-filled, artificially-flavored, low-fiber and sugar-filled diet that Westerners often indulge in is the primary reason for this. Most of us suffer from mineral or vitamin deficiencies of one sort or another. You may not fully appreciate the impact of a boost in your diet for just one trace mineral deficiency, not until you start experiencing lesser pains and aches, improved memory, or feel more energized than before you started a supplemental regime.
Another major benefit of herbal supplements is that they help a lot in combating stress. Stress has become a constant factor in causing illness and fatigue. When we experience stress, our bodies consume more vitamins and minerals at an increased rate. There are also lots of specific cases wherein supplements may be helpful, such as vitamin B and amino acid supplements for vegetarians, and calcium for children. Medical doctors have started prescribing herbal supplements for pregnant women, too. In general, people who seek a more holistic method of taking care of their body almost always need herbal supplements, as well as those who prefer a lifestyle based on natural health.
Thinking of buying some?
If you’re considering getting some herbal supplements, you need to understand a few important things first. Sure, they may be popular right now, but not all people need to take herbal supplements, you know. It all depends on your current health status, your medical history, and the herb itself. Like OTC and prescription drugs, herbal supplements have ingredients that have an effect on your body functions. They may even be risky for certain individuals. Before buying any herbal supplements, you need to have an adequate knowledge about what you’re buying and always consult your physician first.
Are they safe for you?
Herbal supplements are not being approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration before being sold, because the FDA is not authorized to do so. Thus, government oversight and consumer protection is quite inadequate. Buyers must keep in mind that even though these products are supposed to contain what their labels claim, this is not always the case.
However, consumers can always expect certain information from the labels of these herbal supplements. This information includes the name of the herbal supplement, the net quantity of the contents, a Supplement Facts panel where you can see serving or dosage sizes and active ingredients, and other ingredients, such as amino acids. You can also see the manufacturer’s name and address on the label or container.
How to buy?
In order to ensure that you’re getting the best and the safest herbal supplement products, always look for the U.S. Pharmacopeia's "USP Dietary Supplement Verified" seal. This indicates that the product has met manufacturing standards for cleanliness, uniformity, and the lack of contaminants such as lead and mercury, or other chemicals. Also look for single-herb products that show how much of the herb each dosage contains, not those that are only mixtures of several herbs with unknown proportions.
Supplements should not be seen as a solution you’ll need to lean on forever: unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the best supplements are designed to “supplement” a need and teach your body to support itself. Good supplements will not build dependency, but will allow you to grow into a place of better health where you don’t need to use them any more.
People need herbal supplements primarily because they just can’t get all the nutrients they need from their food. The over-processed, hormone-filled, artificially-flavored, low-fiber and sugar-filled diet that Westerners often indulge in is the primary reason for this. Most of us suffer from mineral or vitamin deficiencies of one sort or another. You may not fully appreciate the impact of a boost in your diet for just one trace mineral deficiency, not until you start experiencing lesser pains and aches, improved memory, or feel more energized than before you started a supplemental regime.
Another major benefit of herbal supplements is that they help a lot in combating stress. Stress has become a constant factor in causing illness and fatigue. When we experience stress, our bodies consume more vitamins and minerals at an increased rate. There are also lots of specific cases wherein supplements may be helpful, such as vitamin B and amino acid supplements for vegetarians, and calcium for children. Medical doctors have started prescribing herbal supplements for pregnant women, too. In general, people who seek a more holistic method of taking care of their body almost always need herbal supplements, as well as those who prefer a lifestyle based on natural health.
Thinking of buying some?
If you’re considering getting some herbal supplements, you need to understand a few important things first. Sure, they may be popular right now, but not all people need to take herbal supplements, you know. It all depends on your current health status, your medical history, and the herb itself. Like OTC and prescription drugs, herbal supplements have ingredients that have an effect on your body functions. They may even be risky for certain individuals. Before buying any herbal supplements, you need to have an adequate knowledge about what you’re buying and always consult your physician first.
Are they safe for you?
Herbal supplements are not being approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration before being sold, because the FDA is not authorized to do so. Thus, government oversight and consumer protection is quite inadequate. Buyers must keep in mind that even though these products are supposed to contain what their labels claim, this is not always the case.
However, consumers can always expect certain information from the labels of these herbal supplements. This information includes the name of the herbal supplement, the net quantity of the contents, a Supplement Facts panel where you can see serving or dosage sizes and active ingredients, and other ingredients, such as amino acids. You can also see the manufacturer’s name and address on the label or container.
How to buy?
In order to ensure that you’re getting the best and the safest herbal supplement products, always look for the U.S. Pharmacopeia's "USP Dietary Supplement Verified" seal. This indicates that the product has met manufacturing standards for cleanliness, uniformity, and the lack of contaminants such as lead and mercury, or other chemicals. Also look for single-herb products that show how much of the herb each dosage contains, not those that are only mixtures of several herbs with unknown proportions.
Supplements should not be seen as a solution you’ll need to lean on forever: unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the best supplements are designed to “supplement” a need and teach your body to support itself. Good supplements will not build dependency, but will allow you to grow into a place of better health where you don’t need to use them any more.
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