Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are dietary supplements derived from nature. Herbal plants or parts of a plant are broken down and used for their scent, flavor and therapeutic benefits. When taken as a supplement, they can deliver strong benefits, however, herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA and can have dangerous side effects. They act like drugs once in your system and can affect metabolism, circulation and excretion of other substances in your body. It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are on prescription medications, are breastfeeding or have chronic illnesses and want to add herbal supplements to your health regimen.
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Dr. Michael Breus, PhD , Psychology, answeredMagnolia bark is a natural supplement that helps reduce anxiety, which may help you drift off to sleep more easily. In this video, sleep expert Michael Breus, PhD, shares the benefits of magnolia bark, and why he prefers it to prescription options.
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Zinc deficiency can affect your health by causing your physical performance to suffer. In fact, studies show low levels of zinc in the body lead to a decline in muscle strength and power output. Studies also show that a marginal zinc deficiency is associated with low levels of testosterone, thyroid hormones and IGF1, a hormone that promotes muscle growth and metabolism (amount of calories you can burn).
Zinc is a component of over 100 enzymes, some of which regulate metabolism and oxygen transport. Zinc also helps protect muscle and other tissue from damage due to free radicals. In one study,correcting a zinc deficiency led to an increase in muscle strength and endurance in middleaged women.
You’ll find this mineral in seafood, meats, whole grain products and fortified cereals. Diets high in protein provide substantial amounts of zinc. -
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Environmental Working Group (EWG) answeredAlthough no adverse effects have been found from consuming zinc that occurs naturally in food, excessive supplementation has been shown to suppress immune function. That’s because zinc interferes with copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency, anemia, changes in red and white blood cells and lowered immunity. In clinical studies, high zinc intake has been associated with a significant increase in hospitalization for genito-urinary causes.
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National Center for Homeopathy answeredA homeopathic remedy, pulsatilla is suitable for a person whose low back pain is worse from first motion and better from continued motion and rest. The back pain may be much better from cold applications and worse from warm ones.
These people tend to be warm-blooded and worse in a warm stuffy room. And while thirstless, they often have a dry mouth. They may be timid, weep when telling their symptoms, feel lonely and be better from consolation. -
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National Center for Homeopathy answeredFor the homeopathic treatment of arthritis, guaiacum is suitable for people whose symptoms include rheumatic affections of the small joints, especially the wrists and fingers. These symptoms may be worse from warmth and better from cold applications.
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National Center for Homeopathy answeredPulsatilla, a homeopathic remedy for anxiety, is suitable for sensitive, easily-upset people who need a great deal of consolation and reassurance, and are as changeable as an April day. They tend toward childish rumination and pouting if they don’t get the attention and emotional security they crave, quickly becoming fearful of rejection. They are dependent on others for reassurance. They are worse in warm rooms, being covered in bed and after eating rich foods; however, they do better with fresh air, mild exercise and consolation.
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National Center for Homeopathy answeredAconite is a homeopathic remedy that can be used to treat anxiety. It is suitable for acute situations when sudden fears overtake one rapidly. The person may have an intense fear (or presentiment) of death, as well as palpitations, shortness of breath, flushed face and trembling.
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JJ Virgin , Health Education, answeredAgave is a low-glycemic food that's been marketed as a healthier sweetener, but just because a sweetner is low-glycemic doesn't mean it is healthy. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises your blood sugar levels. Agave is incredibly high in fructose, which is linked to weight gain and metabolism by the liver into triglycerides (fat).
Like honey, agave's high fructose content overshadows the few nutrients it provides. Simply put: whether you want fast fat loss or to avoid metabolic syndrome, fructose should not be a part of your diet. -
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Add a little caffeine to your theanine (found in tea) if you’re looking to increase alertness. The combination of theanine and caffeine will help perk you up and leave you focused yet not overstimulated.
A dose of 150-200 milligrams (mg) of theanine has been shown to be effective in studies. If you pair it with caffeine, combine 250 mg theanine with 150 mg caffeine. -
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Dr. Jeannette O. Graf, MD , Dermatology, answeredFoods that are rich sources of copper include oysters, sesame seeds, dark chocolate, and cashew nuts. In this video, I discuss these copper-rich foods, and the benefits of copper for overall health and vitality.