STRESS & DEPRESSION OTC SUPPLEMENTS: GETTING INFORMED
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Supplements can be very effective--just know what you are taking, and why, and how it might affect you. Recently in the news was Phenylpropanolamine, used for many years in some over-the-counter decongestants and weight-loss products. In certain people PPH was found to have extremely dangerous side-effects. Similar in some ways to the plant,"Ephedra," which has highly beneficial uses, ("Ma-Huang" in Chinese medicine) "Herbal Ecstasy" in pop culture has had devastating results in teens thinking it was "just an herb", taking it for a recreational high, ending in tragedy.
Because some countries (including the U.S.) do not yet have FDA approval or standardized manufacturing and packaging of nutritional supplements, some suggest staying with well-known brands, more likely to have the capital to use pharmaceutical-quality conditions, laboratories, packaging and procedures, and to contain what they say is in each dose on the label--no more/no less.
RE: "ALL NATURAL" and "ADULT DOSAGE"
Some supplements are labeled "All Natural." Remember: So is Ragweed. Anyone who gets asthma or itchy eyes from cats...or goes into anaphylactic shock from a peanut knows how silly it is to think that "all natural" means it is safe for everyone. As with prescription drugs, products can act very differently say, over age 60, and there are entire books on appropriate dosing for seniors. It also seems reasonable that a 5'3",150 lb. 50 year old sedentary woman might have different dosage needs and tolerance than say, a 6'3", 250 lb. 25 year old male athlete.
In some communities it is easier to find progressive physicians, seasoned master herbalists, experienced doctors of oriental medicine (many of whom are also acupuncturists,) etc. Ask around until someone you trust has had successful first-hand experience. Perhaps try a large university teaching hospital nearby. They will likely be doing research (or at least reading the research!) Soon, even in rural areas, emerging telemedicine will enable us to interact with professionals in remote locations with the expertise we seek.
With guidance, and monitored over time, there are some very exciting positive outcomes from OTC supplements, but practicing relaxation techniques and recreational activities may just diminish the NEED for stress-related health care.
Bottom Line:
1) First, do no harm
2) Utilize a variety of relaxation techniques and recreational activities and see how you can diminish the NEED for stress-related health care.
3) Become an informed partner in your health care, ask lots of questions.
(See last month's newsletter or my "Tips" page for a list of Q's.)
3) Be sure you understand what you are doing and why. (see other tips on supplements and integrative practices in this section.)
4) For immediate,drug-free tips for some stress symptoms, take a look at my website for techniques that may be helpful: http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips.asp
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com