Supplement use and dangers
@WendySpickerman (983)
United States
December 22, 2017 4:47pm CST
Supplement use is a common trend that many have tried to get me hooked on for the better half of ten years now. All have failed due to the fact that I have no deficiency.
However, there are a number of reasons why supplements may not be right for you.
- Age younger than 18 or older than 65
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Upcoming surgery
One should never start a supplement without discussing it with your doctor first. As patients seek help elsewhere they look to Google for answers and those answers aren't right for every one or every condition.
One should never take more than what is the recommended dose nor should they be taken for longer than 6 months, says Brent Bauer, M.D. that is because most products haven't been studied for longer than 6 months. Long term effects just aren't known and mire research needs to be done.
So if you're thinking about starting 2018, with becoming a new and improved you, discuss it with your doctor, have a proper check up, see if you are deficient first.
From my own personal experience with living a healthy lifestyle, I find getting what I need works best by eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
Did you think supplements were safe? Some supplements may have unwanted side effects and can have unwanted interactions with medications.
Here's hoping 2018 is a happier, healthier year for all.
5 people like this
5 responses
@Morleyhunt (21737)
• Canada
22 Dec 17
I don't take any supplements. I don't take any medication. I try to stay active and eat a relatively healthy diet. I must be doing something right.
2 people like this
@WendySpickerman (983)
• United States
23 Dec 17
Good for you. So glad it's working well for you.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57831)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Dec 17
I worry about telling my doc that I am taking a supplement cause too often the doc has no clue on the good or bad of it. We take a papaya enzyme to help our gut and when hubby told the doc that he said that hubby should take a stool softener instead! I am not sure what that M D would say about us eating papaya every day.
1 person likes this
@WendySpickerman (983)
• United States
23 Dec 17
Because I am highly sensitive to medications, I run into dr who are prescription happy before and it's a matter of finding a dr who suits your needs, concerns and really treats you as an equal contributor to your own managed care. If you feel natural foods is the way for you seek out dr's who are the same. All it takes is a simple call and just asking, I'm lookibg for a dr who supports healthy eat and doesn't write a lot of prescriptions. Our a doctor who focuses on integrating care with alternative treatments.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57831)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Dec 17
@WendySpickerman I like what you say. I wish my area had such a doctor. Naturopaths are not covered by insurance, either. Pills affect me, too. I have had more than one bad experience due to them affecting me- and the docs basically tell me to give over at least a month as I get used to them. I don't have a month to give!!
1 person likes this
@WendySpickerman (983)
• United States
23 Dec 17
@sallypup You don't need a special doctor for this a general practitioner is fine. Integrating care is becoming more and more common. You would just need to find a GP who's open to this. It's using their care and suggesting an alternative that works together. Example melatonin and meditation. You might come in with problems sleeping due to work schedule or something like tinnitus. Instead of prescribing a prescription your GP might suggest 1. melatonin and use 2. meditation to help reduce stress and calm you before bed. The two treatments work together.
1 person likes this
@yanzalong (18984)
• Indonesia
22 Dec 17
I am of the same opinion as you. Have a great day.
1 person likes this
