Your Health Can Benefit With Herbs And Supplements
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:
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Vitamins. 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.
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Minerals. 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.