Dietary supplements and health: when self -medication is dangerous

Dietary supplements and health: when self -medication is dangerous

Definition and classification of dietary supplements:

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and/or their complexes. This definition, enshrined in the legislation of most countries, emphasizes the key difference between dietary supplements and drugs: they are not intended for the treatment of diseases, but are used to maintain health and replenish nutrient deficiency.

The classification of dietary supplements is quite wide and can be based on various criteria. One of the most common approaches is the division in composition and origin:

• Nutricevtiki: Contain essential foods necessary for the normal life of the body. These include vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6), amino acids and food fibers. Examples of nutricinics are vitamin D, calcium, fish oil, fiber. They are aimed at replenishing the deficits of these substances in the diet, improving metabolism and maintaining a general state of health.

• Parafarmetzetics: They have a preventive, auxiliary effect in various diseases, and also contribute to normalizing and improving the functions of organs and systems. They may include plant extracts, beekeeping products, microorganisms (probiotics and prebiotics), and other biologically active substances. Examples of parapharmaceuticals are Echinacea extract, propolis, lactobacilli, artichoke extract. It is important to understand that parapharmaceuticals do not replace the medicines prescribed by the doctor, but only complement the basic therapy.

• Probiotics and prebiotics: A special category of dietary supplements aimed at maintaining the health of intestinal microflora. Probiotics contain living microorganisms, which, getting into the intestines, have a favorable effect on its functioning. Prebiotics are substances that are not digested in the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract, but serve as a nutrient medium for beneficial bacteria in the intestines, stimulating their growth and activity. The joint use of probiotics and prebiotics is called synbiotics.

Another classification of dietary supplements can be based on the form of release:

• Capsules and tablets: The most common forms of release that ensure the convenience of dosing and reception.

• Powders: They can be bred in water or added to food. It is convenient to use them to make drinks or enrich the diet.

• Liquids (solutions, syrups): Suitable for children and people who are difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.

• Bats and functional food: Contain added vitamins, minerals or other biologically active substances.

Regardless of the classification, it is important to remember that dietary supplements do not pass such strict clinical trials as drugs. Therefore, before starting to receive dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully study the composition, dosage and possible side effects, as well as consult a doctor.

Marketing Badov: Promises and Reality:

The dietary supplement market is a huge industry in which billions of dollars spin. Marketing strategies used to promote dietary supplements are often very aggressive and exploit people’s desire to be healthy, energetic and beautiful. Unfortunately, many promises contained in the advertising of dietary supplements are not true and are based on unfinished or exaggerated effects.

Typical marketing tricks used to promote dietary supplements:

• Exaggerated statements about health benefits: Advertising often promises a cure for chronic diseases, a significant improvement in physical form, increased immunity and other incredible results. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases.

• Using pseudo -scientific terms and concepts: Marketers often use complex scientific terms and concepts to give their products the appearance of scientific and effectiveness. However, these terms can be used incorrectly or not have real scientific evidence.

• Reviews and evidence: Advertising often uses reviews and evidence of people who claim that dietary supplements have helped them get rid of various health problems. However, such reviews are often fabricated or paid, and do not reflect the real effectiveness of the product. In addition, the placebo effect (faith in the effectiveness of the drug) can play a significant role in the perception of the benefits of dietary supplements.

• Game on fears and anxiety: Advertising often exploits the fears of people associated with aging, diseases, excess weight and other health problems. She offers dietary supplements as a simple and quick solution to these problems, which does not require effort and changes in lifestyle.

• Discounts and promotions: Marketers often use discounts and promotions to stimulate sales of dietary supplements. This can create a sense of urgency with consumers and make them buy products that they really do not need.

It is important to critically evaluate advertising statements about the benefits of databases and not give in to marketing tricks. Before buying dietary supplements, it is necessary to carefully study information about the product, its composition, dosage and possible side effects. It is also necessary to consult a doctor to make sure that dietary supplement is safe for you and does not interact with other medicines that you take. It should be remembered that a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular physical exercises are much more effective ways to maintain health than taking dietary supplements.

Risks of self -medication of dietary supplements:

Bado self -medication can be dangerous for several reasons:

• Incorrect diagnostics: In case of self -medication, a person can incorrectly determine the cause of his symptoms and choose a dietary supplement that is not suitable for solving its problem. For example, a person with symptoms of anemia can begin to take an iron -containing dietary supplement, not knowing that the cause of anemia is not a deficiency of iron, but another disease. In this case, self -medication will not only not help, but can also lead to a deterioration in the condition.

• Incorrect dosage: Exceeding the recommended dose of dietary supplements can lead to undesirable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions and others. Some dietary supplements, such as vitamin D and vitamin A, can be toxic when taking large doses. On the other hand, taking the insufficient dose of dietary supplements can be ineffective and not bring the desired results.

• Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with medicines that a person takes, enhancing or weakening their effect. For example, dietary supplements containing vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants (drugs that thinning blood). Bades containing St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptives and immunosuppressants. The interaction of dietary supplements with drugs can lead to serious health consequences.

• Concreting symptoms of serious diseases: Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious diseases, delaying the diagnosis and the onset of treatment. For example, a person with early stages of cancer can take dietary supplements to alleviate his symptoms, not suspecting a serious disease. In this case, a delay in diagnosis and treatment can significantly worsen the prognosis.

• Poor products: The dietary supplement market is not regulated enough, which leads to the emergence of poor -quality products containing inaccurate information about the composition, incorrect dosage or even harmful impurities. Poorive dietary supplements can not only not benefit, but also harm health.

• Lack of proven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements do not have sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness. This means that there is no guarantee that they will really help to solve your problem. Instead of spending money on ineffective dietary supplements, it is better to consult a doctor to receive qualified assistance.

• Allergic reactions: Some dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to certain ingredients. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema, shortness of breathing and other symptoms. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life -threatening condition.

To avoid risks associated with the self -medication of dietary supplements, you must always consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement. The doctor will be able to evaluate your health status, identify possible contraindications and choose a dietary supplement that will be safe and effective for you. It is also important to buy dietary supplements only from reliable suppliers and make sure that the product has a quality certificate.

Special risk groups: to whom dietary supplements are contraindicated or require special caution:

To some groups of people, the reception of dietary supplements is contraindicated or requires special caution:

• Pregnant and lactating women: Reception of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be strictly agreed with a doctor. Some dietary supplements can be harmful to the fetus or child. For example, high doses of vitamin A can cause malformations in the fetus. Some herbs, such as St. John’s wort, can penetrate into breast milk and have a negative effect on the baby.

• Children: Reception of dietary supplements by children should be especially careful. The dosage of dietary supplements for children differs from dosage for adults. Some dietary supplements can be toxic for children even in small doses. Parents should consult a pediatrician before giving a child any dietary supplements.

• Elderly people: Older people often take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of interaction between dietary supplements with medicines. In the elderly, the function of the kidneys and liver is also often reduced, which can slow down the elimination of dietary supplements from the body and increase the risk of side effects. Elderly people should consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

• People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and liver disease, must be especially careful about taking dietary supplements. Bades can interact with the medicines that they take, or worsen the course of their disease. Before taking any dietary supplement, people with chronic diseases need to consult a doctor.

• People preparing for the operation: Some dietary supplements can affect blood coagulation and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. People preparing for the operation must inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that they accept at least two weeks before the operation.

• People with allergies: People with allergies need to carefully study the composition of dietary supplements and avoid products containing ingredients to which they have allergies.

How to choose a safe and effective dietary supplement:

If you decide to take dietary supplements, it is important to make the right choice in order to avoid risks and get maximum benefit. Here are some tips that will help you choose a safe and effective dietary supplement:

• Consult a doctor: Before you start taking any dietary supplement, consult your doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your health status, identify possible contraindications and choose a dietary supplement that will be safe and effective for you.

• Learn the product information: Carefully study the information about the product, its composition, dosage, indications and contraindications. Pay attention to the presence of a quality certificate. Look for information about the product manufacturer. Make sure that the manufacturer has a good reputation and complies with quality standards.

• Choose products of famous brands: Choose products of well -known brands that have a good reputation and are tested by time. Avoid products from unknown manufacturers that can be poor -quality or contain harmful impurities.

• Pay attention to the composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that there are no ingredients for which you are allergic to. Avoid products containing artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.

• Do not believe loud promises: Do not believe the loud promises contained in the advertisement of dietary supplements. Remember that dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can only complement the main therapy and maintain health.

• Start with small doses: If you first take dietary supplements, start with small doses and gradually increase the dose to recommended. This will help you evaluate the tolerance of the product and avoid side effects.

• Follow your condition: During the intake of Bad, follow your health status. If you have any side effects, stop taking the product and consult a doctor.

• Buy dietary supplements only in pharmacies or specialized stores: Buy dietary supplements only in pharmacies or specialized stores that have a license to sell dietary supplements. Avoid buying dietary supplements on the Internet from unknown sellers, as it can be dangerous.

Legislative regulation of the market of baskets:

Legislative regulation of the market of baskets varies in different countries. In most countries, dietary supplements are regulated as food products, and not as drugs. This means that they do not undergo such strict clinical trials as drugs, and their manufacturers are not required to prove their effectiveness.

In Russia, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). Rospotrebnadzor establishes requirements for safety and quality of dietary supplements, and also controls their production and turnover.

Despite the presence of legislative regulation, the market of dietary supplements remains insufficiently controlled. This leads to the emergence of poor -quality products containing inaccurate information about the composition, incorrect dosage or even harmful impurities.

Therefore, it is important to be especially attentive when choosing dietary supplements and buying them only from reliable suppliers.

Badam alternatives: a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet:

The best alternative to dietary supplements is a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle includes:

• Balanced nutrition: The use of a variety of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.

• Regular physical exercises: Playing sports or physical activity of at least 30 minutes a day.

• Sufficient sleep: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

• Refusal of bad habits: Refusal of smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.

• Stress management: Learn to cope with stress using relaxation techniques, meditation or other methods.

A balanced diet should include:

• Fruits and vegetables: At least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day.

• Whole grain products: Bread, pasta, rice and other whole grain products.

• Squirrels: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and other sources of protein.

• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products.

A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain health and prevent many diseases. If you still decide to take dietary supplements, remember the need to consult a doctor and choose safe and high -quality products.

The role of the doctor in making a decision on the intake of dietary supplements:

The role of a doctor in making a decision on dietary supplement is key. The doctor may:

• Evaluate your health status and identify possible nutrient deficiency.

• Choose a dietary supplement that will be safe and effective for you.

• To warn against the reception of dietary supplements that can be harmful to you.

• To inform about the possible side effects and interactions of dietary supplements with medicines.

• To help you develop a plan for nutrition and physical activity that will help you maintain health without taking dietary supplements.

Before taking any dietary supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Do not self -medicate, as this can be dangerous for your health.

Prospects for the development of the market of the Dannies:

The dietary supplement market continues to grow and develop. In the future, the following trends can be expected:

• Strengthening legislative regulation: The authorities will strengthen control over the production and turnover of dietary supplements in order to protect consumers from poor -quality products.

• Development of a personalized approach: Bades will be developed that take into account the individual characteristics of the human body, such as genetic profile, metabolism and lifestyle.

• The emergence of new ingredients and technologies: New biologically active substances and technologies will be developed that will increase the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements.

• The growth of the popularity of natural and organic dietary supplements: Consumers will more and more give preference to natural and organic dietary supplements that do not contain artificial dyes, flavorings and preservatives.

• Office of online sales: Online sales of dietary supplements will continue to grow, which will make them more affordable for consumers.

The development of the market for the Dad provides new opportunities for maintaining health and prevention of diseases. However, it is important to remember the need to consult a doctor and choose safe and quality products.

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