Welcome to Self-Confidence Guide
Self Confidence Class Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
To Go or Not to Go Herbal, that is the Question…
from: Deb St. George, Publisher, Character-References.comMany people nowadays are turning to “organics” and “naturals” otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean, “green” dietary supplementing machine.
What is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement?
According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.
Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine.
Most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a different variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But still we have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less approximate more natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of concern from the medical community.
Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If that’s the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.
Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their health—whether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:
Your doctor knows best.
First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.
Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even think about downing one bottle of
It has no approved curative effect.
No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.
Self Confidence Class News
FREE self defense class for women
United Kung Fu will host a free women's self-defense seminar Friday night in the Valley.
Read more...Young Marines graduates largest class ever
The Bossier Sheriff Young Marines graduated its largest class of recruits in a packed ceremony this week at the Bossier Sheriff’s Substation on Viking Drive. Fifty-seven recruits of Class 23 walked across the stage to become Young Marines after completing 13 weekends of training, which included physical fitness, confidence building skills, team motivation, academics and more. Class sizes in the ...
Read more...MyFear ZapperTM Offered Free to Non-Profit Child Services Providers to Help Children Zap their Fears
Counselors can help their clients build self-confidence by overcoming fear with MyFear ZapperTM, a website-based game that helps children build self-confidence by teaching them techniques to zap their fears. The program is offered at no charge to non-profit child services agencies in the United States. To date, Child Focus, Inc., Clermont County, Ohio's child services agency, has been using the ...
Read more...Moms self defense class ‘empowering way of life’
A group of moms are making the most of their Tuesday mornings by taking a self-defense class at Eun’s Martial Arts Center in Farragut.
Read more...Program Teaches Kids Self-Defense Techniques, Builds Confidence
Child enticement and bullying -- they're two very different things, but both are concerning for parents. One local sheriff's office is doing something about it.
Read more...Free baby sign language class to be offered in DL
Teaching hearing babies how to sign has become popular in recent years with good reason.
Read more...Confidence, Positive Feelings Support Better Medication Adherence in Hypertensive African-Americans
When it comes to taking prescribed medications for hypertension, a patient's self confidence could be as important as doctor's orders. A new study by researchers at NYU School of Medicine reveals that positive affirmation, when coupled with patient education, seems to help patients more effectively follow their prescribed medication regimen.
Read more...