Lecture on Herbs, Vitamins, and Minerals

Importance of a Well-Balanced Diet

Essential nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and lipids
Supplements may be prescribed if diet is insufficient
Supplements come in various forms: powders, capsules, liquids, and tablets
Important to review patient's history and medication for supplements
Supplements can either enhance or inhibit treatment

Used for centuries, self-treatment
Common Herbs and Uses:
- Aloe Vera: burns
- Chamomile: relaxation and insomnia
- Echinacea: immune system boost
- Garlic: decreases blood pressure and cholesterol
- Ginger: digestion
- Ginseng: energy
- Green Tea: cancer prevention
- Turmeric: decreases inflammation
- Valerian: sleep aid
- St. John's Wort: depression
Issues with Herbs:
- Not regulated by FDA
- Inconsistent amounts between manufacturers
- Sources may lack safety and dosing information

Includes herbs, vitamins, minerals, massage therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc.
CAM therapies are sometimes used due to lack of confidence in conventional treatments
Insurance may not cover CAM therapies due to lack of scientific evidence
Eastern vs. Western Philosophy:
- Eastern: body’s self-healing, disease from imbalance
- Western: medications for specific problems
- Integration of both philosophies in patient care

Organic nutrients, essential for regulating chemical processes
Types:
- Fat-soluble (A, D, E, K): stored in body, can build up to toxic levels
- Water-soluble (B, C): not stored, excreted by body, must be ingested regularly
Vitamin Functions:
- Vitamin A: healthy skin, teeth, bones, vision, immune health
- Vitamin D: bone development, calcium, and phosphorus absorption
- Vitamin E: red blood cell formation, muscle health, immune support
- Vitamin K: clotting process
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): prevents alcohol-related imbalances
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): decreases cholesterol (side effect: flushing)
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): prevents spinal bifida in fetuses
- Vitamin B12: improves memory, increases red blood cell production
- Vitamin C: connective tissues, bones, teeth, wound healing
Overdose of vitamins can lead to serious health issues