by Jennifer Paige

Created on: October 24, 2007

Prevention is the best medicine! Proponents of alternative medicine know it is best to be proactive when it comes to your health. One way you can be proactive is by taking natural supplements to ensure your physical and mental well-being, both now and in the future.

Regardless of your age or physical condition, natural supplements can contribute to good health.

There are many different kinds of supplements, each with its own benefits. Natural supplements can be vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or other botanicals.

Supplements come in a variety of forms, such as tablets, capsules, teas, powders, extracts and more. The form that is most effective depends on the particular supplement.

Keep in mind that not all supplements are of equal quality. To choose the right supplement, the FDA recommends the following:

1.Look for products with the U.S.P. notation, which means the manufacturer
followed standards set by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia

2.Realize that natural' doesn't always mean safe (think poisonous mushrooms)

3.Consider the name of the manufacturer or distributor because well-known
companies likely have higher standards for their products

4.Write to the manufacturer for more information, including the conditions
under which the supplement was made

Of course, it is also important to consult your physician before taking supplements if you have any health problems, are pregnant or nursing, or are having surgery.

There is surmounting evidence that natural supplements are extremely beneficial.

Some of the most popular supplements are listed below, along with the specific contributions they have been proved to make:

ANTIOXIDANTS (ex: grape seed extracts) maintain cell integrity; prevent damage from free radicals

CALCIUM reduces risk for developing osteoporosis

CRANBERRY prevents urinary tract infections and prevents formation of dental plaque

ECHINACEA aids healing from upper-respiratory infections

FIBER maintains bowel regularity

FOLIC ACID reduces risk of neural tube defects in fetuses

GARLIC reduces blood pressure

GREEN TEA EXTRACTS improve mental alertness and can help prevent cancer

PSYLLIUM SEED HUSK reduces risk of coronary heart disease

ST. JOHN'S WORT helps treat mild to moderate depression

You don't need to wait until you are older or begin to experience health problems. Prevention is the best medicine. Start with including daily natural supplements in your overall healthy lifestyle.

Sources:
cfsan.fda.gov
nccam.nih.gov

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