Are herbal supplements right for you? Herbal supplements are becoming more and more popular these days. However, herbal supplements may be risky for certain individuals. Do you really need to clean out or "detox" your colon? Let us take a closer look at herbal supplements and colon cleansing. Then you decide for yourself, along with your doctor, what is right for you.

If you are considering herbal supplements, educate yourself about the products before you purchase, and talk to your doctor about products you are considering using. Many doctors are cautious about endorsing most herbal supplements; however, there are a growing number of doctors working to better understand herbal therapies. If your doctor is not comfortable discussing herbal supplements with you, ask for a referral to a specialist who is knowledgeable in this area.

The first question you should ask yourself is herbal supplements safe? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for overseeing the safety of U.S. food and drug products. They do not have the authority to approve herbal supplements before they are sold. Herbal supplements do not always contain what their labels claim. When you start to buy herbal supplements remember that the government oversight and consumer protection is very limited with these products.

The information you can expect to find on herbal supplement labels is:

• Name of herbal supplement;

• Quantity of contents, for example, 60 capsules, or 8 ounces;

• In some cases you might find a disclaimer statement such as: "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

• A fact panel that includes serving size, amount and active ingredient;

• Other ingredients that may be listed on the fact panel might include amino acids, or herbs for which no daily values have been established.

• Name and address of manufacturer, packer or distributor

If you do not understand the herbal supplement's label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

Tips on how to choose the best herbal supplement brands:

• Look for standardized herbal supplements. If there is a U.S. Pharmacopeia's "USP Dietary Supplement Verified" seal on a supplement, the supplement has met certain manufacturing standards. These standards include cleanliness and freedom from environmental contaminants such as lead, mercury or drugs. Other groups that certify herbal supplements are , Good Housekeeping and NSF International. The goal of each of these groups is to certify that herbal supplements meet a certain standard. Do not assume that all herbal products are safe. The groups that test herbal supplements are not obligated to report products that fail to live up to their standards.

• Purchase single-herb products and choose products that clearly show how much of the herb each dose contains.

• Be aware that no one herbal supplement can address a wide spectrum of health concerns. Trust your instincts. If the herbal supplement claims sound just too good to be true, then the claims are probably NOT true. Pass by that particular herbal supplement.

• Be even more cautious about herbal supplements manufactured outside the United States. There are several European herbs that are highly regulated and standardized; however, toxic ingredients and prescription drugs have been found in some herbal supplements manufactured in other countries.

Is there absolutely anyone that should not use herbal supplements? Use the following as a guideline:

• If you are taking a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication some herbs can cause serious side effects when mixed. This is especially true with aspirin, blood thinners or blood pressure medications. Talk to your doctor about possible interactions. (See the list below of medications that do not mix well with herbal supplements). (See also the list below of herbal supplements that may possibly produce harmful effects when used in combination with certain types of medications).

• If there is a traditional medication with an established record for safety and effectiveness you should take the traditional medication instead of an herbal supplement. You will be less likely to have adverse side effects with a traditional medication that has a proven record for safety and effectiveness.

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take herbal supplements, and as a general rule, don't take any medication unless your doctor approves.

• Many herbal supplements can affect the success of surgery. Some herbal supplements decrease the effectiveness of anesthetics. Some herbal supplements can also cause dangerous complications like bleeding or high blood pressure. Be sure to tell your doctor about any herbs you are taking or considering taking as soon as you know you need surgery.

• If you are younger than 18 or older than 65, you should not take herbal supplements. Older adults may metabolize medications differently. Herbal supplements have not been tested on children and/or do not have established safe doses for children. Therefore, those younger than 18 years of age, should not take herbal supplements unless upon the advice of a doctor. Most likely, a doctor would not advise the use of herbal supplements in these two age groups.

A list of medication that does not mix well with herbal supplements is:

•Blood pressure medicines;

•Blood thinners (anticoagulants, anti-platelet agents; nonsterioidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen;

•Diabetes medications;

•Drugs that affect the liver;

•Heart medications;

•Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The following is a list of herbal supplements that may possibly produce harmful effect when used in combination with certain types of medications:

•Black cohosh

•Dong quai

•Ephedra

•Feverfew

•Garlic

•Ginger

•Ginkgo

•Ginseng

•Goldenseal

•Kava

•Milk thistle

•Scotch broom

•St. John's wort

Colon Cleansing:

You may hear many people claim you need to clean out your colon. The fact is doctors do not recommend colon cleansing for better health or to prevent disease. The only time doctors feel you need a colon cleansing is in preparation for a medical examination of the colon.

The colon eliminates waste material and bacteria. It also absorbs water and sodium to maintain your body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Some colon-cleansing programs actually disrupt this natural balance. You may end up dehydrated and with a salt depletion.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. It is offered as information only. All health problems should be addressed by a professional health care provider.

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