Herbal Supplements - Who Shouldn't Use Them

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

18 Apr 2006 02:00 PM

One of the biggest challenges to dieting is understanding what diets you can or can't do as well as what you can or can't take. For example, when you are dieting you should not take herbal supplements if you fall into any of the following categories:

• You shouldn't take herbal supplements when you are taking prescription medications without checking with the physician or pharmacist first. Some herbs can cause serious side effects when they are combined with other medications especially those that regulate blood pressure or act as a blood thinner.
• You shouldn't take herbal supplements when there is a medical treatment proven for your condition. Many herbal supplements offer solutions to medical conditions, but taking herbal supplements in place of proven medical solutions is not always the wisest course of action. You should consult with your physician about the possibilities.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, herbal supplements are not recommended without clearance from a physician. This is true for all medications - prescription, over the counter and herbal alike. What may be perfectly safe for you may not be safe for your nursing infant or fetus.
• You shouldn't take herbal supplements for dieting unless your physician clears them. There are many herbal combinations offered by manufacturers that promise to speed your weight loss, decrease your appetite or increase your metabolism. The FDA does not clear the majority of these nor do they have scientific evidence to support what they offer. They can also do more harm than good.
• For adults over 65 or teenagers under 18, herbal supplements are not advisable. The majority is designed for an adult metabolism and there is little scientific evidence on how they can affect the elderly or children.

The best rule of thumb for herbal supplements is to consult with your physician. There are plenty of herbal supplements that offer great benefits. For example, garlic pills are great for keeping mosquitoes away in the summer time and to help lower blood pressure. But they should never be taken in lieu of other medication and you should never self-diagnose and self-treat.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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