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Millions of people take dietary supplements every day, hoping to improve their health in some way. But how much do you know about these supplements? Are they safe? Do they work? And are there any risks associated with taking them? Here are six important things to know about dietary supplements if you're one of the people who take them. NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE REGULATED Since dietary supplements are not drugs, they do not need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold. This means that some products may not contain what is stated on their labels or may even include ingredients that could be dangerous. Therefore, it's important to always read labels and do your research before committing to one. Furthermore, make sure you purchase your supplements from a reputable source. This means that you should look for companies that have been independently tested and certified to provide high-quality products. MAKE SURE THE SUPPLEMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU Before taking any dietary supplement, check with your doctor or healthcare professional first. This is especially important if you have a medical condition or are on medication, as certain supplements may interact in unwanted ways. Just because something is labeled as "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you or that you even need to take it. Before taking any supplement, talk to your doctor about whether or not it could be beneficial for you and how much you should take.

Community pharmacists are readily accessible healthcare providers and medicine experts in the community setting and their counsel is often sought by patients and consumers on a number of subjects including the use of dietary supplements. Their role in the sale of and advice regarding natural health and drug alternatives has never been more relevant. The recent National Health Service (NHS) Interim People Plan calls for the NHS to put all staff front and centre of the way it operates and identifies pharmacists as a critical part of multidisciplinary teams, providing care across a wide range of increasingly complex patient needs. Despite existing demand to counsel patients on a vast range of medicines, more and more consumers are looking to their pharmacist to support and enhance their knowledge regarding the relevance of a growing range of supplementary nutrients now available. Nutritional supplementation is increasingly becoming the consumer's first choice for 'drug free' treatment or natural prevention that provides a true sense of taking control, which the prescription process often denies them. Historically the immense benefits provided by the NHS have instilled a general abdication of our personal health control, leaving us to rely on the health service to treat and cure as necessary. As our NHS has become visibly over-stretched we begin to realise what the rest of the world has known for centuries - good health is based primarily upon nutritional robustness. It may be stating the obvious but there is an excellent source of incremental revenue for the pharmacist who is willing to provide space to and advice for nutritional supplements.

Dr Rod Hughes sets out how pharmacists can play a pivotal role in steering people with joint pain towards a prevention programme… Joint health supplements are big business in the UK, with millions of pounds spent over the counter every year. People turn to these supplements for various reasons, but most are seeking relief from the symptoms of arthritis, a group of painful long-term conditions thought to affect around 10 million people in this country. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting around eight million people in the UK. The condition is generally age-related, with joint pain and stiffness developing as the cartilage between the bones gradually wears away. OA changes and the inflammation involved causes difficulty moving and considerable pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tends to affect younger people and is caused by the body's immune system attacking the joints. As a nation we tend to ignore our joints until they cause us problems, resulting in an increasing number of people taking long-term analgesics to control the pain or needing surgery to repair knees and hips. Treatment guidelines followed by doctors in the UK recommend that people with arthritis are advised to maintain a healthy weight and keep physically active, while strengthening their muscles and protecting any damaged joints during daily activities.

Probiotic supplements Everyone these days is singing the tunes of commendations for probiotics, each and every other individual encourages you to take it, and just for the right reasons. In any case, before you begin taking probiotics, view what they are and how they are valuable for women.

There are many reasons why people choose to go vegan. For some, it's a matter of ethics, while others believe that veganism is the healthiest way to live. Whatever the reason, there are many benefits to be had by making the switch to a vegan lifestyle. Here are six of the most important ones: 1. YOU'LL LOSE WEIGHT If you're carrying around a few extra pounds, going vegan is a great way to shed them. A vegan diet is naturally lower in calories than one that includes meat and dairy, so you'll likely find yourself eating less without even trying. And since plant-based foods are typically packed with fiber, you'll feel full and satisfied after meals, without the need to overeat. You can do some research if you visit www.veganfitguide.com or by reading various online resources. Keep in mind that you may not lose weight immediately, as your body will need time to adjust to the new way of eating. But once it does, the pounds should start coming off. Additionally, since a vegan diet is typically rich in nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you're likely to get all the vitamins and minerals you need, without having to take supplements.

Probiotics supplement Everyone nowadays is singing the songs of praises for probiotics, every other person advises you to take it, and all for the right reasons