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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, March 4, 2008 Alternative health treatments call for talk, caution By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots Herald Columnist The Food and Drug Administration recently warned people not to take certain dietary supplements exported from China. The FDA found the supplements were contaminated with erectile dysfunction drugs. The contaminants can interact with prescription nitrate medication and lower blood pressure to a danger point. But as bad as side effects like these from natural products seem, in my experience, the incident isn't that unusual. And there's a reason. Repeated health advisories of this type occur because the FDA has no power to mandate testing of dietary supplements before marketing. If a problem occurs later, the government must go through lengthy procedures to prove a supplement is hazardous before removing it from the market. This can create quite a dilemma. How can you take advantage of products that are effective and pure while avoiding those that are downright dangerous? Sometimes it's a balancing act. Government researchers have studied the issue and publicized some practical ideas and suggestions. Talk to your doctor More than a third of U.S. adults regularly use alternative therapies, government statistics show. But only a fraction of the people who use vitamins and minerals, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathic remedies and naturopathic or chiropractic care discuss it with their physicians. Why? To help answer this question, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the Institutes of Health conducted a survey. The findings show many people don't know they should tell their doctors about their use of alternative therapies, and many physicians don't ask. Lack of time during a brief office visit is another obstacle, the survey of people 50 and older found. After analyzing the results, the center decided to take action. It recently launched a public awareness campaign called "Time to Talk." "Talking not only allows fully integrated care, but it also minimizes risks of interactions with a patient's conventional treatments," the group said. As an added plus, it can help you stay in better control and more effectively manage your health. Treatment pointers The center emphasizes the importance of working closely with your doctor when using alternative therapies. To help you get started, here are some tips: List all therapies and treatments you use when completing a patient history form. Prepare a list in advance and bring it with you for your doctor's visit. Include all prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as all complementary and alternative medicine treatments and therapies. During your visit, tell your doctor about all conventional and alternative therapies or treatments you're using. Initiate a conversation on the subject even if your doctor doesn't ask. Talk to your doctor before starting a new alternative therapy. Inquire about its safety, effectiveness and possible interactions with your prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Ask your doctor for credible sources of information about alternative remedies. The government, universities and reputable medical organizations are often good resources. Find out what scientific studies have been done on the safety and effectiveness of the treatment in which you're interested. Choose alternative practitioners with care to minimize any possible risks. Ask for a referral from your doctor, regional hospital, the state licensing board or a reputable professional organization. Also find out whether your health insurance plan covers the alternative services you desire. Avoid products that make questionable claims. Regard with suspicion any assurance of a quick cure, miracle cure, cure-all, exclusive product, innovative product, new discovery, magical discovery or secret formula. For more information about the contaminated supplements from China, go to the FDA's Web site at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01766.html. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider. © 2008 Elizabeth S. Smoots

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