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Is Taking Herbal Supplements Worth The Risk?
Many men and women nowadays are turning to "organics" and "naturals", also
known as herbals. The rising acceptance of herbal supplements has created a
new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you jump on the bandwagon,
here are some facts you should know about this mean, "green" dietary
supplementing machine.
What is the distinction between a drug and a dietary supplement?
According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in
different countries, drugs are chemicals that can help prolong the life,
treat the effects of a health condition, enhance the quality of life, and/or
cure ailments and diseases, or change the function of any part or chemicals
inside the body. These drugs possess approved therapeutic benefits. For
example, paracetamol is a drug given to lower the body temperature in fever.
Ascorbic acid is used for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are
given to treat mild cases of anemia.
Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements.
The primary difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims
unlike drugs. Furthermore, dietary supplements can either contain vitamins,
minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the
diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone or as a
substitute for any food or medicine.
Most of the manufactured medicines we now have previously came from animals
and plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or
life-curing components and separated them from the unhealthy ones. This lead
to further drug research and development which, in turn lead to the
production of a wide variety of drugs for numerous ailments and conditions
from man-made or syntheteic sources. But still we have semi-synthetic drugs,
as well as drugs that approximate more natural composition. Since herbal
supplements are made from a combination of raw herbs reduced into powder or
gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and capsules, there is a
possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering
components are still present, thus the expression of concern from the
medical community.
Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With the rising acceptance of using and consuming anything herbal or
organic comes the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to
endanger lives. If that is the case, then why are herbal supplements given
drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people
is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements
registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk
being sold in the black market for a substantial sum. We could insure the
quality and safety of herbal supplements if they receive proper
classification with the food and drug administration. As well, people may be
able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health
condition is proven to be linked to the use of a specific herbal supplement.
Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements
experienced an improvement in their health, whether this is due to the
herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen
the condition of an individual, then using them merits the risk. But of
course, certain things should be considered before taking those herbal
supplements:
Your physician knows best.
First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a
particular herbal supplement is all right given your health condition.
People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not
advised to take these, or at the least to take these herbals in minimum
amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed
and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from
stress, has been removed from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets
because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such
as Ephedra used for losing weight, contain chemicals that can increase heart
rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several
documented cases by the American Medical Association.
Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as
instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the
components of herbal supplements. While it is totally safe for one
individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another
individual may be allergic to it.
No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about
how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these
herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the
medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases,
or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and
cholesterol, and fight off infections.
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