Health supplements may cause harm if taken in excess, and people should always consult their physician prior to taking any dietary supplement. Vitamin D toxicity may lead to nausea, vomiting, kidney function impairment and irregular heartbeat; high doses of vitamin A/folic acid could increase cancer risks.
Do not trust supplements which claim to treat diseases as this is usually exaggerated. A healthier diet will protect yourself better.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds our bodies require in small amounts for various metabolic processes, and can be found in food sources like fruits and vegetables. Most people can get all their necessary vitamins through eating well.
People may need supplements because their diet doesn’t provide enough of certain vitamins. Folic acid (a type of B vitamin) should be taken prior to and during gestation to reduce birth defects.
Be cautious when taking vitamins; large doses of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D and E can build up in the body and become toxic if taken at excessive amounts. Some water-soluble vitamins like folate and B6 may also become dangerous if taken in high amounts. Consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements that claim they can treat disease.
Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with crystalline structures and specific chemical composition. Many minerals consist of one element while others can contain multiple. Table salt is considered a mineral due to its chemical formula: sodium chloride (NaCl).
Minerals play an essential role in maintaining immune function. These include defense mechanisms against pathogens and long-term regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Most people can get enough minerals through diet; however, people with certain health problems or those adhering to restrictive diets are at increased risk of mineral deficiency.
Minerals often exhibit distinct properties that allow for easy identification. Magnetite, for instance, features an intense magnetic field as well as platy cleavage surfaces featuring fine straight lines visible under magnification – characteristics which help identify it easily.
Herbal Extracts
Herbal extracts are concentrated forms of herbs used for medicinal use, typically made by infusing bark, leaves, flowers, berries or roots into alcohol and allowing the solution to soak for some time before being extracted or extracted further. Also referred to as tinctures they have long been popular within folk remedies, Ayurveda and homeopathy practices alike.
Since herbal supplements do not adhere to the same safety and efficacy standards as prescription or OTC medicines, some have serious side effects and could interact with medications you take – for instance raw elderberries can be toxic; St John’s wort could interfere with certain antidepressant drugs; valerian root can amplify the sedative effects of other drugs; etc.
To prevent unintended side effects from herbal extracts and supplements, it’s essential that they come from a trustworthy supplier with clear instructions for their use. In addition, always seek medical advice prior to taking herbal remedies or supplements.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are foods or supplements designed to provide medicinal and nutritional benefits, including dietary supplements or functional foods containing vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals as well as herbal extracts, encapsulated oils or spices.
Prevention can help protect against diseases and conditions like strep throat, asthma, arthritis and diabetes; additionally it may assist in controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Nutraceuticals have many beneficial effects; however, they cannot be considered to treat disease or illness like pharmaceutical medications can. This is because their claims may not be supported by clinical trials. Nutraceuticals are commonly recommended by naturopaths, Chinese medicine practitioners and homeopaths and sold at health food stores.
Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants offer natural solutions that are both gentle and effective ways to boost one’s health without side effects from synthetic drugs. Herbal remedies have become an increasingly popular worldwide trend.
Herbal medicines provide many health advantages. Herbs can be taken to treat various maladies including sprains, coughs and colds; asthma, bronchitis; digestive issues; headaches and depression. Furthermore, these herbs may help slow aging and strengthen the immune system.
Traditional medicinal practices rely on an intricate system of empirical knowledge passed from generation to generation and modern scientific research, often supplemented with phytochemical extraction for its pharmacological properties. Unfortunately, much medicinal plant research has focused on this aspect alone and failed to explore their potential as partners in mutualisms and commensalisms.
