by Ronnie Daniels

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: January 28, 2009

Should You Take Dietary Supplements?

People all over the world take dietary supplements to improve health and fitness. So much so that nutritional supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many physicians and medical researchers now think supplements should be taken with caution and instead advise eating natural foods, herbs and spices instead.

First know that all supplements are not the same. Some of these miracle cures can actually make you ill or even kill you. This year the U.S. FDA cited the manufacturers of twenty eight dietary supplements and forced them to recall those products. Many of these products contained the prescription drugs found in Viagra, drugs that cause seizures and chemicals known to cause cancer.

Another problem with the supplement industry lies in the fact that it is totally unregulated. Manufacturers of these dietary supplements can make any claim they wish to about their product without evidence to prove their claims. Many dietary supplements are ineffective.They are destroyed by stomach acids and end up passing on out of the body without being absorbed. That just wastes your money.

Most doctors prefer us to use diet and exercise to ensure good health. In order to determine which, if any supplements you need, just ask your doctor. Always tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements because of possible interaction with any drugs you may be taking and discontinue taking any supplements well before having surgery to prevent post operative complications. When it comes to your health your doctor is your first source of information.

There are many natural alternatives to taking the packaged dietary supplements. Healthy foods such as organically grown vegetables and fruits, healthy spices such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric provide the same healthful benefits without the risks.

Healthy herbs and medical conditions that they alleviate.

Rosemary has many uses for flavoring foods and improving health. It's a natural breath freshener and helps to protect blood vessels. When used as an essential oil it makes a really good hair conditioner as well as helping promote hair growth.To use on your hair simply put a few drops on your scalp and massage it in. This herb is an excellent seasoning for poultry and veal and very tasty with garlic on vegetable dishes.

Oregano is an Italian herb which is very high in antioxidant properties and is an anti-fungal agent also. Simply sprinkle it onto any food as a healthy garnish or use in cooking for great

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