RE: suppliments/supportive doctor at Kaiser in the Southbay

[Guest guest]

jleehada wrote:

A naturopath or holistic practitioner may be a better bet for this person. Of

course, it's rare, if ever, to find an allopathic Western M.D that would

recommend supplements of any kind. That's really not going to change for

awhile.

 

Most supplements are covered under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health Education

Act) and not regulated by the FDA as the other poster stated. People taking

these products should look for supplements that follow GMP (Good Manufacturing

Practices) and are standardized (each pill/capsule/powder is measured for

consistency).

 

Yes, Mannatech follows the above, as do a small handful of other nutraceutical

companies.

 

 

J

 

RE:

I hope I don't get flamed for this, but please please please be very

careful with supplements.

 

It sounds to me like this physician was very unprofessional. I would

never treat a patient like that. However, there are legitimate

concerns with herbal supplements that physicians have.

 

I don't have an issue with some herbal supplements, but I could never

recommend them to a patient. The reason is that supplements are not

regulated by FDA. Manufacturing, purity, etc. is NOT monitored. Even

the dosage can be way off. If a physician recommends an herbal remedy

that is tainted or in some other way dangerous, it opens the physician

up to huge malpractice risk. (BTW, I'm not claiming that pharma is

perfect; manufacturing issues happen there too.) Unfortunately, the

fear of malpractice really affects patient care.

 

There are lots of good herbal supplements, and some dangerous ones.

Unfortunately, the lack of regulation makes it very difficult to tell

them apart. It sounds like you are doing the right thing by carefully

researching supplements and working with a naturopath.

 

I'm glad you explained to the physician why you would be switching. I

don't think it's going to change his mind, but it's important that

doctors hear that their patients want a more holistic approach.

Finding the right fit is really important. You might try calling or

emailing the physician and asking if he or she is supportive of

complementary and alternative medicine. You might also look a

physician with a DO instead of and MD. Osteopathic physicians might be

more receptive.

 

Good luck!

 

-Steve