Bad: when self -medication can harm

Bad: when self -medication can harm

Section 1: What is dietary supplement and their legal status

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct consumption with food or introduction to food products in order to enrich the rations with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not intended for the treatment of diseases and do not have a pharmacological effect. They are positioned as means for maintaining health, preventing diseases and improving the functional state of the body.

The legal status of dietary supplements varies in different countries. In Russia, for example, dietary supplements are regulated by Federal Law No. 29-FZ “On the quality and safety of food products” and sanitary rules and norms (SanPiN). They are subject to state registration, which certifies their compliance with security requirements. However, unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of specific diseases. This means that the responsibility for their safety and effectiveness is largely on the manufacturer.

In other countries, such as the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by the sanitary supervision of the quality of food and medication (FDA) in accordance with the Law on food additives, health and education in 1994 (DSHEA). This law also establishes that dietary supplements do not require preliminary approval of FDA before the market if they contain only ingredients that were previously considered safe. FDA does not check the dietary supplement for efficiency, but can take measures if the product is unsafe or contains false statements.

In the European Union, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out at the level of individual member countries, which leads to differences in the requirements for their production, labeling and sale. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) evaluates the safety and effectiveness of individual dietary supplements, but does not assess finished products.

Despite the fact that dietary supplements are not medicines, they can affect the body and interact with drugs. Therefore, it is important to understand their composition, potential risks and contraindications before starting.

Section 2: The composition of dietary supplements and common ingredients

The composition of dietary supplements can be very diverse and include vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PNS) and other biologically active substances. It is important to note that the composition of the dietary supplement may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the declared purpose of the product.

• Vitamins and minerals: These are one of the most common dietary supplements. They are designed to replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body, which can occur due to unbalanced nutrition, stress, disease or other factors. Examples: vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamins of group B, calcium, magnesium, zinc.

• Plant extracts: Dietary supplements often contain extracts of medicinal plants, which are traditionally used in folk medicine. Examples: Echinacea extract, ginseng extract, ginkgo biloba extract, milk thistle extract, green tea extract.

• Amino acids: Amino acids are construction blocks of proteins and play an important role in various biological processes. Bades may contain individual amino acids or their complexes. Examples: L-carnitine, creatine, glutamine, BCAA (amino acids with an extensive chain).

• Probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics are living microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. Prebiotics are substances that serve as food for probiotics and stimulate their growth. Bades with probiotics and prebiotics are designed to maintain the health of the digestive system.

• Paul -saturated fatty acids (PNS): PNSK, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, are important to the health of the cardiovascular system, brain and vision. Dietary supplements with PNZK are usually made of fish oil or vegetable oils.

• Other biologically active substances: The composition of dietary supplements may include other biologically active substances, such as Q10 coenzyme, chondroitin, glucosamine, antioxidants (for example, resveratrol).

It is important to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement before buying and pay attention to the presence of ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or interact with the drugs taken. You should also take into account the dosage of each ingredient and compare it with recommended daily consumption standards.

Section 3: Risks of self -medication of dietary supplements

Self -medication with dietary supplements, especially without consulting a doctor, can be associated with various risks:

• Incorrect diagnosis: Self -medication can lead to a delay in making the correct diagnosis and, therefore, to the untimely beginning of adequate treatment. Signs of a serious disease can be mistaken for minor symptoms that can be eliminated using dietary supplements.

• Inefficiency of dietary supplements: Bades are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. In some cases, they can have a supportive effect or relieve symptoms, but they are not able to replace the full treatment prescribed by the doctor. The use of dietary supplements instead of drugs can lead to a deterioration in health.

• Side effects: Bades can cause side effects, especially with prolonged use or in high doses. Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, which can lead to undesirable consequences.

• Allergic reactions: Some dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling, shortness of breathing and even anaphylactic shock. Especially careful should be people who are allergic to food or drugs.

• Toxicity: Some dietary supplements may contain toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides or microorganisms. This can happen due to poor-quality raw materials, violations of production technology or insufficient quality control.

• Fakes: There are a significant amount of fake products in the dietary supplement market. Fake dietary supplements may contain unexpected ingredients, be contaminated or not to contain active substances in the declared amount. The use of fake dietary supplements can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous to health.

• Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs, changing their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This can lead to increased side effects of drugs, a decrease in their effectiveness or the development of new side effects. Especially dangerous is the interaction of dietary supplements with anticoagulants, anti-signs, antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

• Addiction: Although dietary supplements do not cause physical dependence, they can cause psychological dependence. A person can believe that he needs dietary supplements to maintain health or improve well -being, and feel anxiety and discomfort in his absence.

• Symptoms disguise: Bades can mask the symptoms of serious diseases, making it difficult to diagnose and treatment. For example, painkillers can temporarily relieve pain, but do not eliminate the cause of the disease, which can lead to its progression.

Section 4: When a consultation with a doctor needs

Consultation with a doctor before taking dietary supplements is necessary in the following cases:

• The presence of chronic diseases: People suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease, need to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements, as they can interact with the drugs taken or aggravate the course of the disease.

• Taking drugs: If you take any drugs, you need to consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure that dietary supplements will not interact with your medicines.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and lactating women should be especially careful about receiving dietary supplements, since some ingredients can be dangerous for the fetus or child. It is necessary to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.

• Allergic reactions: If you have allergies to food products or drugs, you need to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and consult a doctor in order to avoid an allergic reaction.

• Childhood: Children are not recommended to give dietary supplements without consulting a doctor, since their body is more sensitive to the effects of biologically active substances.

• Preparation for the operation: If you have an operation, you must inform the doctor about the intake of dietary supplements, since some ingredients can affect blood coagulation or interaction with anesthesia.

• Inexplicable symptoms: If you have any inexplicable symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, you must consult a doctor, and not try to treat them yourself with the help of dietary supplements.

Section 5: How to choose high -quality and safe dietary supplement

The choice of high -quality and safe dietary supplement requires an attentive approach:

• Buy dietary supplements only in proven places: Bay dietary supplements in pharmacies, specialized healthy food stores or from reliable online seller. Avoid the purchase of darts from dubious sources, such as street traders or unverified Internet sites.

• Check the availability of state registration certificate (SGR): In Russia, all dietary supplements must have a SGR issued by Rospotrebnadzor. The presence of SGR means that the product meets safety requirements. You can check the authenticity of the SGR on the website of Rospotrebnadzor.

• Carefully study the composition: Before buying, carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and pay attention to the presence of ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or interact with the drugs taken. Make sure that the dosage of each ingredient corresponds to the recommended daily consumption standards.

• Pay attention to the manufacturer: Give preference to dietary supplements produced by famous and respected companies that have a good reputation and use high -quality raw materials.

• Look for information about clinical research: If possible, look for information about clinical studies confirming the effectiveness and safety of Bad. However, it should be remembered that most dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials.

• Beware of unreasonable promises: Be careful with dietary supplements who promise miraculous healing from all diseases or quick weight loss without effort. Remember that dietary supplements are not medicines and cannot replace full treatment.

• Check the expiration date: Before buying, make sure that dietary supplements have not expired.

• Pay attention to the packaging: Bad packaging should be holistic, without damage and have a clear and legible marking.

• Consult a doctor or pharmacist: Before you get a dietary supplement, consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure that he suits you and will not interact with the drugs taken.

Section 6: Alternatives Badam: Healthy Life and Balanced Eating

In many cases, the need for dietary supplements can be reduced or eliminated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and compliance with a balanced diet.

• Balanced nutrition: A balanced diet, including a variety of foods from all food groups (fruits, vegetables, cereals, proteins, fats), provides the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Try to use fresh, natural products, avoiding processed and refined products.

• Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises strengthen health, improve mood, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and help maintain healthy weight.

• Sufficient sleep: A sufficient sleep is important for restoring the body and maintaining its normal functioning. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

• Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect health. Find the ways to effectively manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, walking in nature or communication with close people.

• Refusal of bad habits: Refusal of smoking and alcohol abuse is an important step towards improving health.

• Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations allow you to identify diseases at an early stage and start treatment in a timely manner.

Instead of relying on dietary supplements as a panacea, focus on creating a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep, stress and rejection of bad habits. In most cases, this will be a more effective and safe way to maintain health.

Section 7: Examples of situations when self -medication of dietary supplements is especially dangerous

There are situations when self -medication of dietary supplements can be especially dangerous and lead to serious consequences:

• Replacing drugs with dietary supplements for serious diseases: Never replace medicines prescribed by a doctor, dietary supplements, especially in the treatment of serious diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or autoimmune diseases. This can lead to a deterioration in the condition and delay in obtaining the necessary medical care.

• The use of dietary supplements for the “treatment” of cancer: There is no scientific evidence that dietary supplements can cure cancer. The use of dietary supplements instead of traditional treatment of cancer can be deadly.

• Reception of dietary supplements for “losing weight” without consulting a doctor: Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain dangerous ingredients, such as stimulants or diuretics that can cause serious side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. Never take dietary supplements for weight loss without consulting a doctor.

• The use of dietary supplements for the “treatment” of depression or anxiety disorders: Bades are not an effective remedy for the treatment of depression or anxiety disorders. The use of dietary supplements instead of antidepressants or psychotherapy can lead to a deterioration in condition.

• Reception of dietary supplements containing hormones or hormone -like substances, without a doctor’s appointment: Bades containing hormones or hormone -like substances can cause serious hormonal disorders and side effects. Never take such dietary supplements without a doctor’s appointment.

• The combination of several dietary supplements at the same time without consulting a doctor: The combination of several dietary supplements can simultaneously increase the risk of side effects and interactions between the ingredients. Never take a few dietary supplements at the same time without consulting a doctor.

• Reception of dietary supplements in liver or kidney diseases: Diseases of the liver and kidneys can affect metabolism and elimination of dietary supplements from the body. Reception of dietary supplements in these diseases can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances and deterioration.

In these and other similar situations, dietary supplements can be extremely risky and lead to serious health consequences. Always consult a doctor before starting taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have chronic diseases or you take medications.

Section 8: myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements

There are many myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements that can mislead consumers and lead to their incorrect use:

• Myth: Bades are natural and therefore safe products. Fact: Naturalness does not always mean safety. Some natural substances can be toxic or allergic reactions. In addition, dietary supplements can be polluted by harmful substances or maintain not declared ingredients.

• Myth: Bades are effective for the treatment of all diseases. Fact: dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can have a supportive effect or relieve symptoms, but are not able to replace the full treatment prescribed by a doctor.

• Myth: dietary supplements undergo strict quality control, like medicines. Fact: dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials and are not subject to the same strict quality control as medicine. Responsibility for their safety and effectiveness lies to the manufacturer to a large extent.

• Myth: If dietary supplements are sold in a pharmacy, then it is safe and effective. Fact: Bad sale in a pharmacy does not guarantee its safety and efficiency. Pharmacies are responsible only for the proper storage and sale of products, but not for its quality and safety.

• Myth: The more vitamins and minerals in the dietary supplement, the better. Fact: an overdose of vitamins and minerals can be harmful to health. It is important to observe the recommended daily consumption standards and not exceed them without consulting a doctor.

• Myth: Bad can be taken uncontrollably, without consulting a doctor. Fact: taking dietary supplements without consulting a doctor can be dangerous, especially for people with chronic diseases taking drugs, pregnant and lactating women.

• Myth: Bades help to quickly lose weight without effort. Fact: there are no dietary supplements that could provide quick weight loss without effort. Losing weight requires an integrated approach that includes a balanced diet and regular physical exercises.

• Myth: dietary supplements can replace good nutrition. Fact: dietary supplements cannot replace good nutrition. They are only an addition to the diet and do not contain all the necessary nutrients.

It is important to critically evaluate information about dietary supplements and not believe unreasonable promises. Before taking Bad, always consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Section 9: The role of medical workers in informing patients about dietary supplements

Medical workers, such as doctors, pharmacists and nurses, play an important role in informing patients about dietary supplements:

• Providing reliable information: Medical workers must provide patients with reliable and scientifically sound information about dietary supplements, including their composition, potential risks and contraindications, as well as possible interactions with drugs.

• Consultations on the choice of dietary supplements: Medical workers can help patients choose a high -quality and safe dietary supplement, taking into account their individual needs and health status.

• Assessment of the need to receive dietary supplements: Medical workers must assess the need to receive dietary supplements for each patient and explain that in most cases the need for dietary supplements can be reduced or eliminated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and compliance with a balanced diet.

• Identification of potential risks: Medical workers must identify potential risks associated with the intake of dietary supplements, such as allergic reactions, side effects and interactions with drugs.

• Information about the rules for receiving dietary supplements: Medical workers must inform patients about the rules for taking dietary supplements, including dosage, admission and duration of the course.

• Monitoring of the condition of patients: Medical workers must monitor the condition of patients taking dietary supplements and timely identify and eliminate possible side effects.

• Exposing myths and errors: Medical workers must expose myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements and provide patients with true information about their effectiveness and safety.

Medical workers should be well aware of dietary supplements and their potential effects on patient health. They must actively participate in the informing of patients about dietary supplements and help them make reasonable decisions regarding their use.

Section 10: Final recommendations

Badama self -medication can be dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences. Before taking any dietary supplements, it is necessary:

• Consult a doctor or pharmacist: Get professional advice to make sure that dietary supplement suits you and will not interact with the drugs taken.

• Choose high -quality and safe products: Put dietary supplements only in proven places, check the presence of the SGR and carefully study the composition.

• Follow the reception rules: Follow the instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

• Follow your condition: Pay attention to any changes in your condition and report them to the doctor in a timely manner.

• Remember that dietary supplements are not medicines: Do not replace the medicines prescribed by the doctor.

• Focus on a healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep and stress management are the basis of health.

Remember that your health is in your hands. Be careful and careful when choosing and using dietary supplements. Do not self -medicate and always consult a doctor.