| Alternative health care supplements have several | | | | better monitor what goes into each dose. Make sure it |
| advantages over traditional pharmaceutic drugs. For | | | | provides information on the nutritional content and the |
| instance, they are made from natural plant extracts, | | | | amount present per dose or serving (if it's in drinkable |
| making them easier to absorb than the chemicals used | | | | form). |
| to make synthetic supplements. Many doctors also | | | | 3. Buy organic. |
| recommend alternative health care supplements for | | | | While most herbal supplements are safe, they may still |
| patients with allergies, weight problems, chronic | | | | contain pesticides and plant preservatives, although in |
| digestive problems, and coronary risk factors such as | | | | very small amounts. Alternative health care |
| diabetes and high blood pressure. | | | | supplements made from organic herbs are grown |
| However, dietary supplements are not regulated in the | | | | naturally, so they are less likely to contain such |
| US, and not all alternative health care supplements are | | | | chemicals. Although generally more expensive, organic |
| reliable. How do you know which brands are safe and | | | | supplements are much safer and have little or no side |
| which are not? Here are some tips for choosing the | | | | effects. |
| best alternative health care supplements. | | | | 4. Buy from trusted sources. |
| 1. Choose the right form. | | | | As much as possible, buy alternative health care |
| Alternative supplements come in different forms, such | | | | supplements only from professional health stores and |
| tablets, capsules, gel caps, syrups, and drinkable liquids. | | | | hospitals. Buy online only if you trust the brand and |
| Most people prefer solid supplements because they | | | | have been using it for a long time. If you buy from |
| do not like the taste of herbs, but liquid supplements | | | | groceries or drugstores, read the labels carefully and |
| are generally more efficient. This is because they are | | | | call the manufacturer or your doctor if you have any |
| absorbed directly, unlike solids which have to be | | | | questions. |
| broken down first. Tablets are especially difficult to | | | | IMPORTANT: Dietary supplements are not strictly |
| process, because strong binders are often used to | | | | regulated in the US. Some alternative health care |
| hold their shape. However, capsules can be better | | | | supplements contain harmful additives such as gluten, |
| liquid if they have a certain absorption process. | | | | silica, starch, and sugar. Choose only supplements that |
| 2. Look for single-herb supplements. | | | | are GMP-compliant because they are less likely to |
| Some manufacturers simply combine different herbs | | | | contain such chemicals. Also, make sure they do not |
| to create an herbal multivitamin, but not all herbs will | | | | contain any artificial colors or flavors. |
| work well together. Single-herb supplements let you | | | | |