Are Dietary Supplements Helpful Or Harmful?

There has been a long standing debate as to the validity of dietary supplements. Most supplements are not FDA certified, but even if they are, does that change the danger level? There are debates that crop up with athletes using steroid supplements. What if they are injured and need steroids to heal? Should they be punished for what most of us use on a regular basis? Should they be punished for their doctor's choice of treatments?

Almost all of us take vitamins and minerals daily for a myriad of health issues. There are herbs and pills for sleep, eye health, sexual health, and general well-being. The problem stands affront when it comes to the actual contents of the pills. Some contain heavy metals and toxins that can counteract pharmaceutical prescriptions. Some may cause anaphylactic shock, resulting in a trip to your local emergency room.

Let's take a look at some of these supplements. I have picked 4 of the top 20 to investigate. These are: Folic Acid, Valerian Root, Ginseng, and Melatonin.

Folic Acid is a B vitamin, most often prescribed to women to help boost fertility and prevent birth defects, like spina bifida. It also helps stimulate new cell growth. In my research, I have found that there are more reasons to take this supplement than to avoid it. Folic acid deficiencies can cause anemias and diarrhea. If you happen to get too much, it is regularly removed through your urine. You can get this through your food as well. This helpful supplement can be found in beans, citrus fruits, and most other vegetables.

Valerian Root promotes relaxation and sleep. It is used as an effective treatment for insomnia and has been used since the days of sentinels and Hippocrates. It may take a while for this supplement to work, so extended use is required. It may also be good for treating gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal pain. It may also be effective in treating epilepsy. This has not been reinforced through research and it makes me wonder why. The negative side effects include headaches and night terrors for some users, but no other side effects have been recorded.

Ginseng is used in aphrodisiacs, stimulants, and in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is also effective in the treatment of sexual ailments in men. It is suggested that this popular supplement is helpful in the treatment of stress, as well. Not much else is known about the effects of this drug, but it may be worth exploring.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is created in the brain for the regulation of sleep. It works in conjunction with tryptophan to clear free radicals inside the human body while you sleep. You may suffer side effects like mental changes, itching, fast heart rate, and other undocumented symptoms and you should report these to your physician. You should reconsider using this supplement if you have liver conditions, kidney disease, or are pregnant or nursing.

With any medication, you need to do your homework. Look at the severity of the side effects and decide for yourself if you are willing to deal with them. Talk to your doctor and ask friends if they have used these and what side effects they experienced. Also, look at the pharmaceutical equivalent and its side effects and then make an informed decision.