Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Improve and Maintain Health with Herbal Supplements and Vitamins

By Amber Duncan

There has been a massive trend of people moving toward natural remedies and taking herbal supplements and vitamin supplements to maintain and improve their health. Whether you want to lose weight, prevent signs of aging, or improve health by taking vitamins and antioxidants, there is sure to be a product on the market with a sales pitch that will make it appear to be just what you need to buy today.

Studies have been conducted on the benefits of using various herbs and herbal extracts. Research has shown that adding herbal supplements to a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial. Many natural health supplements are used to treat medical conditions as well as promote good health.

With an overwhelming amount of information available on herbal supplements, how does one go about learning what they need to know? The internet contains a wealth of information on all types of herbs and vitamins. Some herbal supplements are mild and do very little; some are very strong and can actually interact the wrong way with medications you're currently taking. Many people think that because it's natural and herbal, it must be completely safe.

Just because herbs are natural doesn't mean they are safe. Many of our prescription drugs and over the counter medications are made from natural products. Tobacco is a plant, but cigarettes have been proven to be a health threat. The poppy is a pretty flower that is used to create dangerous and addictive illegal street drugs.

The problem with many herbal nutritional supplements is that they are not strictly regulated in the United States. Manufacturers of natural health supplements are not obligated to guarantee their safety, effectiveness or even the true content of their products! As a result, some dietary supplements do not contain the herbs they claim to.

Herbal supplements can be very expensive as you find yourself adding more and more to your daily regimen. Perhaps you began slowly, just taking a few; maybe some ginseng for energy, ginkgo biloba for focus and memory and vitamin C for your immune system. Magazine articles or internet advertisements catch your eye; you learn about the benefits of more products that are available. Soon, you are taking 15 - 20 capsules per day and spending a small fortune to maintain this craze. Many herbs are great by themselves, but they can work adversely when mixed with others. Some of them can be a deadly combination with your current prescription medications.

Like the daily multi-vitamin, herbal supplements are also available in multi-purpose form. A multi-purpose supplemental formula should be well-balanced with a selection of herbs that work well together to provide the benefits you're looking for. There are many supplemental programs available that will meet your individual needs while you spend less money and take fewer pills.

Before beginning a supplemental health program, do plenty of research; look into the different companies, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been reported. Talk to your doctor. In the past, doctors have been against the use of herbal supplements, but many are beginning to open up to the idea. Some doctors are recommending herbal supplements today; you doctor might be able to recommend a good source for obtaining the supplements you want.

No matter what supplements you decide to add to your daily health regimen, remember, they are just a supplement, and you must continue to live a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of exercise and eat right. An herbal supplement that claims to prevent cancer is not going to protect you if you are still smoking 3 packs of cigarettes per day. A weight loss formula will not help if you are eating fast food every day or if you are constantly snacking in front of the TV all evening. A muscle building drink does nothing for you if you do not work out with weights.

Supplements can be very beneficial if you are living a healthy life style by getting plenty of exercise and eating right. As with any medications, consult your physician before beginning any new herbal or vitamin supplementation program. - 17274

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