HealthyLife Articles

Tag: supplements

  • Men Need Calcium, Too

    Men’s Health

    Image of calcium rich dairy products.

    Much has been written about the importance of calcium for women’s health, but men need calcium, too. Although osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, it can strike men. And studies have suggested that calcium may play some role in controlling blood pressure for some people-something worth asking your physician about.

    In addition to eating foods high in calcium-like fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt-you can protect your bones by performing a weight- bearing exercise like walking regularly, by avoiding over-consumption of alcohol, and by getting adequate vitamin D (from either fortified milk or sunshine).

    Medications like corticosteroids or Dilantin can interfere with calcium absorption, so if you’re taking these medications, find out if you should also take a calcium supplement.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Are Natural Sleep Aids Safe?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of different supplements.

    Many herbal and “natural” sleep supplements are available in stores today. Although they claim to help you sleep without side effects, experts say you should use caution before taking one.

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers these natural remedies to be “dietary supplements.” This means they are not regulated as strictly as medicines. In fact, the companies that make these supplements don’t have to get FDA approval before selling them.

    Herbs and supplements can interact with medicines you already take. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any natural supplement. And parents should not give any natural supplements to children without first talking with the child’s pediatrician. These supplements can have effects on children’s growing bodies.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • So Do You Really Need That Vitamin?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Concept image of young women with cooking pan and different vitamins words above.

    Before taking a daily vitamin or dietary supplement, you might want to think about what you’re really consuming, suggests a Kansas State University human nutritionist.

    “Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration like other drugs are regulated, which is something I think a lot of people don’t realize,” said Brian Lindshield, assistant professor of human nutrition.

    Lindshield researches supplements to see if the ingredients listed on the label actually match what is found in the bottle. You don’t always get what you pay for and think you’re getting.

    If you want to get the most accurate product, look for the bottles with the more descriptive labels. Also, paying a little extra will usually get you the ingredients you are seeking.

    “You should probably avoid buying the cheapest supplement available because if the manufacturer is cutting corners to get the price really cheap, they probably are not using the same standards that the manufacturers of more expensive products are,” Lindshield said.

    Another tip: Don’t expect supplements to make up for a poor diet. “Vitamins and minerals will prevent deficiency, but it’s not going to make up for a lot of the chronic disease risks that come with an unhealthy diet,” Lindshield said.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine