Dietary Supplements
Whether you're visiting the drug store, grocery or natural food shop you'll likely find an aisle where there are jars and bottles of things for you to put in your body that are neither foods nor medicines. Ranging from vitamins and minerals to fiber and herbal remedies, these supplements are not regulated in the same way as either food or medicine. Some of them are backed by solid research, others are folk remedies or proprietary cures.
If your diet does not include enough of certain vitamins or minerals, a supplement may be a good idea. Natural treatment for conditions like constipation may be effective. But because these substances are unregulated, it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the products and to use common sense when taking them. This is even more true if you are pregnant or taking a medicine that may be affected by supplements.
Recently Answered
- Q How should I take garcinia cambogia (HCA) for weight loss?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYou can buy garcinia cambogia extract in health food stores or online. When looking for a supplement, look for “garcinia cambogia” or “GCE” with at least 50% HCA (active ingredient potassium). Some experts believe that the... Full Answer
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- Q How does garcinia cambogia (HCA) help suppress my appetite?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe hydroxycitric acid (HCA) extract from garcinia cambogia suppresses appetite by increasing serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you feel good. It’s a target of many antidepressant medications. Having... Full Answer
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- Q How does fish oil benefit health?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFound in fish oil and certain plant and nut oils, like canola and flaxseeds, omega-3 fatty acids are heavy hitters in the fight against heart disease. Fish oil that contains both DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) helps to... Full Answer
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- Q Why is fish oil good for my heart?
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While fish is low in heart-unhealthy saturated fat, it provides another healthy quality that makes it a ringer for your heart. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help slow the plaque buildup in your arteries that contribute to heart disease as... Full Answer
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- Q What are the benefits to consuming fish and fish oil?
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Dr. Dean Ornish, Internal MedicineBesides their other significant health benefits, such as reducing your risk of sudden cardiac death by up to 80 percent, the omega-3 fatty acids may significantly lower your triglycerides and reduce inflammation.Take 3 grams per day of fish oil, which... Full Answer
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- Q What are the health benefits of coconut oil?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOne cooking oil is especially flavorful and good for your health. In this video, Dr. Oz reveals the benefits of coconut oil. Full Answer
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- Q Do probiotics help irritable bowel syndrome?
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Many types of probiotics have been shown to moderately reduce symptoms of IBS, including pain, gas, bloating, and stool frequency. There is also some evidence that probiotics may reduce swelling and improve quality of life. However, not all studies... Full Answer
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- Q What herbs may boost libido?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIt may sound like a character in a sci-fi movie, but Tribulus terrestris might have some benefits for men and women experiencing a decline in libido. The fruit, which has been used since the times of ancient Greece, increases luteinizing hormone, which... Full Answer
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- Q How safe is garcinia cambogia (HCA) for weight loss?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe garcinia cambogia plant and its fruit have been eaten safely for years. The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) extract is also likely safe in normal amounts. However, don’t take this supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are... Full Answer
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- Q What are prebiotics?
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Ashley Koff, Nutrition & DieteticsMore and more we're hearing about prebiotics, which are defined as non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of healthy bacteria in the digestive system. It helps to think of prebiotics as precursors to healthy bacteria --... Full Answer
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