February 26, 2013- With the growing urban pressures of balancing work and home, and of living in a polluted environment, your diet may not be sufficient to keep you healthy and energetic. So yes, consider supplements.
Herbal products are classified as GRAS – Generally Regarded As Safe-by the US Food And Drug Administration. Which means they are not likely to have any ill-effects on your health, and are considered safe for children as well.
Leaves, stem, seeds, fruit, bark and root-anything can be used to produce herbal medicines. Easily available at most upmarket departmental stores as well as on the internet, they can work wonders when taken in the right dosage at the right time.
Before you choose your supplement, keep these points in mind…
Consult your doctor to determine if you need any dietary supplements at all (this can be done through a simple blood test). Remember, they are not a substitute for healthy food, only an additional benefit. Once you’ve decided which supplement you need, discuss the ingredients with your doctor/naturopath to figure out side-effects, if any.{mosimage}
Opt for supplements from a reputed manufacturer or health food store. This will guarantee that the product is pure and does not have any contaminants. Any good store will have trained salespeople who will help you make an informed choice.
Read the product label to know the ingredients used. Also determine the nutrient content and the serving size needed for the recommended dosage. Some supplements contain little of the actual herb-read the labels carefully and choose the one that has the highest concentration of the specific herb your body requires.
Remember to check the expiry date. Vitamins as well as other supplements tend to lose their potency over time.
Consider looking up the company website. It may give you valuable information about the supplement, along with contact details of specialists who can tell you more about which product will suit your particular situation and how to take it.
Keep in mind that many dietary supplements are sensitive to temperature and humidity. So they need to be stored carefully, in a clean, dry place.
