Health Alert
Hra
e
b
l
Splmno
up
e
et
s
: Herbal Supplements:
Ha
elh
t
fl
u
r
Hr
u
? Healthful or Harmful?lfma
Many people take nutrient supplements
to help get nutrients that may be missing
from their diets. In recent years, a grow-
ing number of people have started using
another kind of supplement. Many people
take herbal supplements to prevent or treat
health conditions.
Researchers have found some herbal
supplements are useful. However, others
are a waste of money because they do not
have health benefits. Still others are danger-
ous. They have caused numerous medical
emergencies.
Herbs have been used for hundreds
of years to treat aches and pains. Even so,
health experts still do not know a lot about
them. Scientists are busy studying herbal
supplements and testing their safety. At
this time, the government does not regulate
herbal supplements. Therefore, if you
decide to use them, it is important to keep
these points in mind.
• Herbs may be natural, but natural
does not mean the same thing as
safe. For instance, the herb hemlock
is natural and deadly.
• Some herbal supplements contain
harmful bacteria or toxins.
• Herbal supplements can block the
effects of medicines you are taking.
Always be sure to tell your doctor
about any herbal supplements
you take.
• Amounts that are safe to take are
not yet known for many herbal
supplements.
• Herbal supplements may be fine to
take for minor health problems.
However, they should not be used
to treat major problems like cancer
or AIDS.
• Some people have adverse reactions
to herbal preparations.
Chapter 3 Your Nutrition Toolbox 55
before using salt substitutes that contain
potassium. Some salt substitutes are a
blend of herbs and spices. They add flavor
to foods without adding sodium or potas-
sium. They are safe to use anytime.
It is not necessary to use salt substi-
tutes to lower the salt and sodium in your
diet. You can reduce your salt and sodium
intake by making the changes suggested
here.
Discuss: With some herbal supplements being ineffective and
others being dangerous, why do you think people choose to use
them?
Health Alert t Health Alert