He takes about 14 things a day for a couple years now. He takes fish oil, mineral water, vitamins, etc. Is this ok
2007-01-20 14:05:57 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Joe, first understand that fish oil supplements, water, and vitamins (and I assume your friend is also taking minerals) are NOT herbal supplements.
Second, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in its June 19, 2002 issue recommended vitamin/mineral supplements for ALL ADULTS! This recommendation was based on two basic facts: 1) most Americans do not consume adequate levels of these nutrients in their diet and 2) low intakes of vitamins and minerals increase your risks for all the common, chronic diseases (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, neurodegenerative conditions, etc.).
Third, the Standard American Diet is grossly deficient in Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (the type of fats in fish oils). This deficiency contributes to many, many common diseases including heart disease and cancer.
It sounds like your friend is taking reasonable actions that are supported by modern science. You might consider copying his actions for your own benefit.
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-01-20 14:59:34 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's okay to take herbal supplements if they are food grade. A regular american diet does not contain all the nurtrients we need and regular multivitamins don't work because they are made with chemicals and are in forms that our body can't digest and utilize. Even if you are eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables every day, you still aren't getting all the nutrients you need. (That is because of all the chemicals put on them during growing and harvesting and because the soil is depleted of nurtrients from over use. Not to mention the irradiation which destroys many of the nutrients present). Many of the other foods we eat, even if they are fortified, are lacking in nutrients. White bread for example has had all the nutrients stripped during the processing, and the vitamins that are put back in it are usually chemically derived. All our processed food is this way. Frankly, I don't think it's possible to be healthy over the long term without taking herbal supplements. Do some research and don't listen to the media.
2007-01-20 22:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You certainly don't need it. Unless your doctor has diagnosed you with a specific vitamin deficiency, they are a waste. Your kidney will filter out the excess.....for the most part. But you can take too much and overdose on vitamins. It can really make you sick and cause all kinds of problems....including the heart.
2007-01-20 22:11:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
So long as he has consulted a doctor. As long as a person if fully informed as has consulted with his or her doctor, I wouldn't worry. If he is just straight up self medicating, then you should urge him to speak with his doc.
2007-01-20 22:14:50 · answer #4 · answered by Bleaux 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without knowing what he is taking, I couldn't answer. I fear that your doubts will do you more harm then his efforts to help himself.
2007-01-21 01:30:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is terrible.
If you have a well balanced, suffcient diet, you do not need pills of any kind.
Your friend is an idiot. Tell him to stop using all that before he gives himself renal failure.
2007-01-20 22:10:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I bet he runs too.
2007-01-21 00:47:18 · answer #7 · answered by JORGE N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋