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.
Amazing Secret #1 The difference between a drug and a nutritional supplement.
Amazing Secret #2 The impact of taking supplement with prescriptions drugs.
Stunning Secret # 3 The importance of taking only name brand supplements from approved sources.
The Difference Between and Drug and Nutritional Supplements
Often times, there is no significant difference. Both can have strong effects and can cause physical problems if taken incorrectly. One of the critical factors is how the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration view them. Largely, supplements are handled like foods. They are intended to supplement the diet, to go along with it. Drug on the other side are substances intended to treat or prevent disease. Due to these differing definitions, most supplements get lots of attention from the FDA, almost as much as a package of cough drops.
The Impact 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 the secrets have been revealed, you may want to know where reliable information can be obtained regarding supplements. You will not find it online on a website through Google, or by talking to anyone who's not a medical doctor. Instead, try calling the FDA or the National Institute of Health.
Author Resource:
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 plan.
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