Stay Healthy With Herbal Supplements And Also Get A Blood Test Online

Dietary and Herbal Supplements

What is a dietary supplement?

A diet is a plan or strategy for eating with certain foods included and others eliminated. Adding anything to your regular diet to improve your health or healing is considered a dietary supplement. It is considered alternative therapy when it is offered outside of a scientifically based medical care treatment facility, and those who argue in favor of this supplement make claims that it will produce a medical benefit. Most of your nutritional needs should be met by eating a balanced diet.

Can dietary supplements help people with cancer?

While there is no clear-cut scientific evidence that an individual’s diet promotes curing cancer, medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian may be a part of your regular medical care. Some supplements may potentially be helpful in decreasing the risk of developing cancer although the evidence for this is not clear. Many claims made by manufacturers of such supplements are not scientifically proven. On the other hand, concerns have been raised that some supplements might interfere with the safety or effectiveness of some cancer treatments. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know about all of the supplements you are taking (including multivitamins) before starting treatment.

There are also many possible side effects from certain diets. These include weakness, diarrhea, or kidney problems. Following diets that are not approved by your healthcare provider or registered dietitian can be dangerous at any time, especially during cancer treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making any changes to your regular diet.

What are the different dietary supplements' intended functions?

The following are examples of possible dietary supplements and their intended functions. Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements:

  • Vitamins are key nutrients that are essential in small quantities for the body to grow and stay strong. Your body needs vitamins either from your diet or from supplements. Examples of vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
  • Minerals are elemental nutrients that are needed to maintain health. Your body needs minerals either from your diet or from supplements. Examples of minerals include calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
  • Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals (by-products of the body’s normal chemical processes).
  • Enzymes are proteins that are made by the body to start and move chemical processes faster, such as digestion. Some enzymes can be taken as supplements.
  • Amino acids.Amino acids are the building blocks of the body’s proteins. Proteins are necessary for growth and development. Some amino acids are made by the body. Some (called essential amino acids) come from your diet.
  • Plant extracts.Plant extracts are sometimes used by followers of the principles of Chinese medicine to help nourish the body. Traditional Chinese medicine works to restore a balance of energy, body, and spirit for good health. When cancer causes imbalances, people who use Chinese medicine may attempt treatment with combinations of herbs, minerals, and plant extracts.
  • Hormones are chemicals produced in glands in the body that affect the functions of organs and tissues.
  • Herbs are plants that are used in food preparation or for medicinal purposes.
  • Homeopathic products.Traditionally, homeopathic products are very small doses of natural substances, usually medicinal substances and/or herbs, diluted with water or alcohol. Homeopathic medicine is based on the belief that what causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure the same symptoms in someone who is not healthy. Homeopathic products are intended to start healing, not eliminate the symptoms.

Dietary supplements can be purchased at grocery stores, health food stores, and drug stores. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including:

  • Pills
  • Capsules
  • Liquids
  • Power bars
  • Cookies
  • Powders
  • Elixirs

Are there any possible problems or complications?

Not all medicines and dietary supplements available over the counter are proven to be safe.

Each dietary supplement is different. Because most are not scientifically tested, the side effects are unknown. Many cancer experts caution against self-prescribing vitamins or other dietary supplements. If you are being treated for cancer and you were already taking dietary supplements before the cancer was diagnosed, you should immediately discuss with your healthcare provider what supplements you are taking. Some supplements may interfere with your treatment.

What is an herbal supplement?

Herbal supplements are products made from plants for use in the treatment and management of certain diseases and medical conditions. Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant derivatives. These products contain only purified ingredients and, unlike herbal supplements, are closely regulated by the FDA. Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts.

Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including:

  • Swallowed as pills
  • Brewed as tea
  • Applied to the skin as gels
  • Added to bath water

Can herbal supplements help people with cancer?

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, there is a renewal in the use of herbal supplements among American consumers. However, herbal supplements are not for everyone. In fact, some herbal products may cause problems for people undergoing cancer treatment. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA or other governing agencies, the use of herbal supplements is controversial. Do not take any herbal supplements without first talking with your healthcare provider.

The FDA and herbal supplements

Herbal supplements are considered by the FDA to be foods, not drugs, and therefore are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as drugs.

Do not self-prescribe. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Dozier, Tennille, RN, BSN, RDMS 
Online Medical Reviewer: Levin, Mark, MD 

Date Last Reviewed: 12/24/2015 

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