Alternative Therapies
Alternative Therapies
Everywhere you look there is a supplement promising pain relief, stronger bones, and sounder sleep. It is hard not to be tempted by these promises. But are these remedies for you? That's what we try to answer for you in the Supplement Guide.
In this guide, we set out to examine the world of supplements - herbs, vitamins, minerals and other natural, exotic and even synthetic substances - that are sold off the shelf for one or another arthritis-related condition or symptom.
We answer some questions you should ask before deciding whether or not a supplement or two or three might be right for you. Will the supplement you want to take interact with your prescription medication? Some can. Will it adversely affect your arthritis or another co-occurring condition? That's a possibility too. What's the proper dose? The manufacturer's suggested dose may not be right for you.
Some types of complementary medicine are regulated and many practitioners have high standards of professional ethics and practice. However, others are not regulated – and unfortunately, not all practitioners are ethical or competent.
Learn to identify the seven danger signs of any kind of medical therapy.
