Supplements That Heal
Nutritional supplements? I can do without them, so do I really need to take them? I have heard this argument more than a dozen times before. The problem with most people is that they base their health on how they feel. Just because you feel healthy and in perfect fit now, does not mean you do not need supplements. When it suddenly strikes – an illness, a health problem, a sign of old age, weakness – we begin to search for a dietary or herbal supplement to help us get out of the hole we have unfortunately dug for ourselves. The answer to this question is: yes, you do need nutritional supplements. Nutritional deficiency is almost impossible to avoid in these modern times. With our busy lifestyle, the ever-tempting convenience of fast food, it is now very difficult to enjoy excellent daily nutrition. Do you remember the food pyramid, and just how much of each food group you have to take? I am pretty sure you have entirely neglected them. Well, except if you are one of the rare species of health buffs left standing. This is not to say, though, that health supplements should replace proper nutrition. Besides, nutritional supplements are still supplements. They work by complementing your diet to make sure you get the right nutrients that you need. I admit that it is difficult, even for me, to stay away from fast foods or non-fresh foods. If your lifestyle and work conditions prevent you from having a nutritious diet, then your only hope for better illness-free health is a good dietary supplement. What are the benefits that you can get from nutritional supplements? First of all, supplements help you overcome nutritional deficiencies. We need all the nutrients in their proper amounts for optimum health. Since our diets most likely can not provide all of them, nutritional supplements can fill in those gaps. Nutritional supplements also help boost our immune system. The stronger your immune system, the more resistant your body can be against disease. You probably know that popping a tablet or two of Vitamin C can help you avoid colds and related illnesses. This is exactly how useful supplementation is. Nutritional supplements are also useful in getting rid of the toxins which we horrendously take in everyday. The environmental stresses we go through, chemicals we are in touch with, as well as our lifestyle – these all subject us to harmful toxins which can lead to serious health problems. Supplements, most especially anti-oxidants, can help our body keep toxins to a minimum. There are much more benefits that nutritional supplements can provide. The main point is that these supplements help you have the optimum health you deserve and minimize the risk of diseases. “I am already taking supplements, but I barely see any difference.” Many people have the same complaint. The problem that I mainly see is that people do not really take supplements seriously. They take the one most available, or perhaps the cheapest. They believe in all these bold claims from websites and end up getting low quality products. To take full advantage of what dietary supplements can offer, you must choose the right supplement to take. It is only by taking your choice seriously will you be able to live a fuller, and better life. So, choose well from now on. According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, dietary supplements are products (other than tobacco) that:
Whether or not a product is classified as dietary, conventional food, or drug is based on its intended use. Most often, classification is determined by the information that the manufacturer provides on the product label or in accompanying literature. The types of claims that can be made differ. Drug manufacturers may claim that their product will diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent a disease. Such claims may not legally be made for dietary supplements. (Even though in reality, they perform very effectively.) The label of a dietary supplement or food product may contain one of three types of claims:
How does FDA regulate dietary supplements? Manufacturers do not have to provide FDA with evidence that dietary supplements are effective or safe; however, they are not permitted to market unsafe or ineffective products. Once a dietary supplement is marketed, FDA has to prove that the product is not safe in order to restrict its use or remove it from the market. In contrast, before being allowed to market a drug product, manufacturers must obtain FDA approval by providing convincing evidence that it is both safe and effective. The label of a dietary supplement product is required to be truthful and not misleading. If the label does not meet this requirement, FDA may remove the product from the marketplace or take other appropriate actions. What information is
required on a dietary supplement label? General information
Supplement Facts panel
Nondietary ingredients such as fillers, artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, or binders; listed by weight in descending order of predominance and by common name or proprietary blend. The label of the supplement may contain a cautionary statement but the lack of a cautionary statement does not mean that no adverse effects are associated with the product. Does a label indicate the quality of a dietary supplement
product? FDA is authorized to issue Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations describing conditions under which dietary supplements must be prepared, packed, and stored. FDA published a proposed rule in March 2003 that is intended to ensure that manufacturing practices will result in an unadulterated dietary supplement and that dietary supplements are accurately labeled. Until this proposed rule is finalized, dietary supplements must comply with food GMPs, which are primarily concerned with safety and sanitation rather than dietary supplement quality. Some manufacturers voluntarily follow drug GMPs, which are more rigorous, and some organizations that represent the dietary supplement industry have developed unofficial GMPs. Are dietary supplements standardized? Dietary supplements are not required to be standardized in the United States. In fact, no legal or regulatory definition exists in the United States for standardization as it applies to dietary supplements. Because of this, the term "standardization" may mean many different things. Some manufacturers use the term standardization incorrectly to refer to uniform manufacturing practices; following a recipe is not sufficient for a product to be called standardized. Therefore, the presence of the word "standardized" on a supplement label does not necessarily indicate product quality. What methods are used to evaluate the health
benefits and safety of a dietary supplement? The mission of the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population. General Safety Advisory * The information in this document does not replace
medical advice.
Herbs
And Their Benefits Vitamins
And Their Benefits Minerals
And Their Benefits Probiotics
And The Benefits
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