Health, in general, means free from diseases and illness. World Health Organization described it as the absolute well-being of any person’s physical, psychological, and social state. But the condition is an unavoidable part of life. Medical professionals use various methods to prevent, cure, or reduce the symptoms of diseases. The conventional treatment includes Allopathy. However, alternative methods like homeopathy, naturopathy, and Ayurveda are well-accepted and effective.

While preventing or curing illness, the primary focus is getting a balanced and nutrition-rich diet that ensures the vitality and well-being of the body. But supplements often get prescribed to provide high doses of essential nutrients to maintain or improve health. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that there are 29000 different available supplements, and annually there are 1000 new products in the market. As the list is long, here are the tips for the most popular supplements across all mediums to help you to choose from the best.

1.  Homeopathy

This form of treatment is based on the body’s healing process. Based on the principle of “like cures like,” a small amount of natural substance is used to trigger the body’s natural defense. The four well-known supplements include,

●     Arnica

Although the actual herb is toxic, the dilution prepared with arnica can be taken orally or applied as ointments. Best used for inflammation, pain management, swelling, and healing of wounds, you can use low doses of arnica as a supplement.

●     Belladonna

This plant cures a range of ailments from whooping cough, pain, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Also, used for Parkinson’s, Inflammatory Bowel syndrome, and motion sickness, Belladonna tries to promote healthy life by reducing nerve-related pain and restricted muscle movement due to injury.

●     Pot Marigold

Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) is helpful in skin irritations and infections. It is an effective treatment for fissures, lip peeling, gum irritation, skin irritation, inflammation from radiation therapy, and ulcers.

●     Sedalia

A combination of Belladona, Calendula, Chelidonium, and other herbs, Sedalia reduces restlessness, agitation, hypersensitivity, and nervousness often associated with stress and anxiety. This medicine relieves the digestive symptoms caused by stress and promote restful sleep.

2.  Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that helps people live long, healthy, and balanced lives, which is also considered complementary and alternative medicine. The main goal is to prevent the body from diseases, but if necessary, treatments of many acute diseases are also available.

●     Cannabis

This therapeutic herb is used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential treatment for several diseases and are also made of cannabinoids including Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You can use cannabis to treat rare childhood epilepsy since it is available as oils, tinctures, edibles, and effective CBD capsules, available at a licensed Cannabis Store.

●     Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a potential adaptogen and anxiolytic that reduces physical and mental stress. You can take 300-500 mg of root extract capsules to reduce anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, and boost the immune system.

●     Turmeric

A common ingredient used in food, turmeric contains curcumin that has medicinal properties. It is full of antioxidants and can alleviate inflammation, hay fever, and depression. You can use turmeric as a dietary supplement for arthritis, allergies, and respiratory illness.

●     Brahmi

This herb improves your brain functions and enhances your memory. By decreasing the levels of cortisol, Brahmi reduces stress and anxiety. Moreover, regular use eases the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and a great way to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.

3.  Allopathy

The conventional treatment method, Allopathy, uses medicines or surgeries to have contrasting effects on illness symptoms. It can either cure or suppress the symptoms to treat the disease.

●     Probiotics

Although probiotics are good bacteria present in your gut, food like yogurt and other medicinal supplements are the way to add these helpful bacteria in the body. Probiotics can help in digestion and keep a check on harmful bacterias. Prolong use can control inflammation and support immune function.

●     Vitamin D

Sunlight is the natural source of vitamin D. A few foods like fatty fish or fish liver oil also contain this vitamin, but if you do not get the ample amount, turn to dietary-supplements for a specific dose as required by a healthy body.

●     Multi-vitamins

This medicine contains a specific amount of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes other nutrients like calcium and fiber, which proves to be the best supplement to a balanced diet.

4.  Naturopathy

Naturopathic treatments use herbs, massages, acupressure, exercises, and diet management for healing. A combination of traditional treatment methods with modern science, naturopathy treats you inside out.

●     Calcium

Not only for bone health, but calcium can also be used for regulating blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart rate, muscle functions, and more. Although many foods are good sources of calcium, if required, try 1000-1200 mg medicine every day.

●     Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Ample in fish oil, this fatty acid is an essential nutrient that supports cardiovascular health and cognitive functioning. If your regular diet does not include fish, take Omega 3 capsules to benefit your heart health.

●     Vitamin C

This potent anti-oxidant boost the immune system. It also promotes skin health by producing collagen and reduce the effects of free radicals. The recommended dosage for an adult is around 65-90 mg, but prolonged use may cause side-effects like diarrhea.

●     Iron

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the tissue. Naturally present in many food items and available as a dietary supplement, this mineral is paired with small doses of vitamin C for better absorption and maintaining an adequate amount of nutrients in the body.

Conclusion

Getting nutrition from supplements sounds easy, but it does not mean that it promises better health. Studies show, in some cases, dietary supplements did not stop the onset of diseases and nor decrease the risk of various illnesses. Also, large doses can cause severe side-effects.

Therefore, be careful while taking supplements. If you lack any nutrients, avoid self-medicating, and wait till your doctor advises for it.

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Submitted Exclusively to CrystalWind.ca  by  Liz Thomson.  © 2020 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.