Gloss Facts: Natural Isn’t Always Safe
When my nephew was home from college a while ago, he brought a big stash of supplements home with him. Protein powder, muscle development drinks and other so-called health supplements. I read over the ingredients list and marveled at the contents. They may be all natural, but what exactly are they?
Just because a supplement is sold at a health food store doesn’t necessarily mean it is healthy for you. Herbal supplements are unregulated and, while many are beneficial, others may be ineffective at best and harmful at worst. Just like prescription medications, supplements can have side effects and may negatively interact with each other or other medications.
If you’re planning to take an herbal or dietary supplement, keep the following in mind:
- Dietary supplements don’t have to prove their safety or effectiveness before landing on store shelves.
- Research your supplement thoroughly using a reliable, unbiased source.
- If you have questions or are taking other prescription medications, ask your health care professional before taking a supplement.
- When asked about medications you’re taking (by doctors, before surgery, etc.), be sure to also list supplements.
Many people take calcium supplements to boost their calcium intake, protect bone health and ward off osteoporosis. But a recent study, published in the British Medical Journal, shows people who take 
More than one in four cancers in women are breast cancer and about one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime — those are the scary statistics each woman should know. With that knowledge, women also need to know how to combat their risk of breast cancer –the latest being fish oil.
Hopefully, you already take a one-a-day vitamin each morning to ensure you’re getting the required doses of nutrients to keep you healthy. Most recently, dermatologists have been raving about a new supplement –- Immuno-Viva Core –- that you may want to consider adding to your daily routine.
For everyone who has ever stared at the vitamin aisle wondering what to take, Functionalab takes the guesswork out of picking vitamins. Created by Dr. Barry W. Ritz, who believes in an holistic approach to wellness, the doctor spent several years researching nutritional supplements. Functionalab studies the connection between inner health and outer beauty and creates supplements to help people maximize their health objectives.