Herbal Supplements and Calcium Supplements – How Safe Are They?

Herbal supplements and natural calcium supplements are part of the conversation today when focusing on wellness. Sales propaganda abounds with claims that some supplements can cure everything from cancer to arthritis. In truth, though, herbal and calcium supplements have been used in numerous forms through history. Western medicine is now taking more seriously the consumption of herbs as optional treatments for a range of ailments.

In the United States, medicines and foods are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are supposed to be tested for safety before being offered for sale to the public. Herbal supplements, on the other hand, are placed in a subcategory known as dietary supplements and are regulated under a different set of laws. That is why it is important to do some research before choosing the relevant herbal supplements or calcium supplements for a particular diet.

When choosing which supplements may be right, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine can be an excellent resource. In addition, the herbal supplement manufacturer or distributor should be able to respond to most questions concerning their products. Though some people will merely dismiss the benefits of supplements, there are multiple resources online for investigating the safety and effectiveness of a variety of products. An online health food store is a helpful place to start a search for herbal and calcium supplements.

There is plenty of evidence that many herbal supplements and especially calcium supplements have produced specific results, both good and bad. Since the potential is always there for certain ingredients to interact with drugs, it is important to refer to any supplements being taken, including vitamins, when speaking with a doctor or pharmacist. Health conditions, including pregnancy, can be affected by anything that is ingested, so a medical professional should be a resource for selecting which herbal supplements ought to be avoided and which ones are needed. For example, a dietician may propose calcium supplements as part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan, but there are other herbal supplements that can cause complications when undergoing medical procedures. Again, research and knowledge are the most important tools a consumer has when making decisions around the subject of health.

Another mechanism consumers have to look after their health with herbal supplements or medications is through their own diligence. When taking medications or calcium supplements, for example, the consumer should follow the recommended dosages while maintaining a record or log of what is consumed along with the benefits or any side effects experienced. In addition, supplements produced outside of the U.S. may not be held to any FDA regulations and might contain ingredients considered unsafe by FDA standards. The NCCAM keeps a list of herbal supplements, calcium supplements, and alternative medicines that are currently under review, so double checking this resource helps the consumer pass up dubious choices.

Adding both herbal supplements and calcium supplements to a balanced diet can have considerable benefits. Whether the supplements help with sleeplessness or chronic fatigue, there are notable reasons to include them in a daily routine. With prudence and an eye toward safety, herbal supplements can deliver a natural alternative to various pharmaceuticals being advertised today.

About the Author

Author Cliff Everett Smith is the Managing Owner of http://www.BestHealthFoodStore.net, an online health food store where you can discover safe, effective, natural herbal supplements and calcium supplements for optimum nutrition.