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6 facts on herbal supplements |
 Many people use organic herbal supplements for improved health and general well being. In fact, this has become more of a fad, and not a health lifestyle today. So if you are thinking of hopping onto this bandwagon, there are some facts about herbal supplements worth knowing.
1.First, you have to know the difference between a drug, and a herbal supplement. Basically, drugs have been defined to be chemicals that help prevent and treat health conditions, help prolong and improve the quality of life or perhaps change some part or chemicals in the body. Drugs are usually approved for therapeutic claims.
On the contrary, herbal supplements are not drugs but instead, dietary supplements. They don’t actually have approved therapeutic claims but contain vitamins, amino acids, minerals and herbs that supplement a person’s diet. They are not to be taken alone as a food or medicine substitute.
2.As there are many fake herbal supplements taking advantage of the growing demand in herbal and organic supplements, it is important that you ensure the supplement you buy is classified with the food and drug administration.
Not only does this ensure the safety of its use, it also helps you if you need to file complaints because of worsening health conditions due to some herbal supplement.
3.On the overall, most people have experienced an improvement in their health taking herbal supplements. However before you actually start taking any herbal supplements; it is better to first  consult your doctor first. This is especially so if you suffer from problems like high blood pressure and diabetes,.
4.Usually, people suffering from kidney, liver and heart trouble or malfunction are advised not to take these supplements. This is because these supplements can strain these organs during its processing and filtering. For example, supplements containing Ephedra used for losing weight has chemicals that can increase heart rate and thus, exhaust the heart to cause heart attacks.
5.If your doctor states it is safe to take herbal supplements, make sure you don’t take more than they prescribe or as instructed on the bottle. Different people tend to react differently to the components of herbal supplements; so don’t take too much of anything.
6.Always remember that herbal supplements are meant to improve your health condition, and are not to be used therapeutically.
So no matter how high the claims are on the label of the herbal supplement, never substitute them for medications prescribed by your doctor for certain diseases and infections, or for lowering blood pressure, sugar or cholesterol levels. |
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