* Phenytoin is a drug used for seizures. Herbal interactions to be aware of include ginkgo biloba, white willow, lemon balm, skull cap, kava kava, and valerian root, to name a few. It is also important to know that Folate supplementation is necessary with Phenytoin, but excess Folate can be harmful.

* It’s important to take calcium supplements and vitamin D two hours apart from taking either Phenytoin or Digoxin in order to not interfere with these drug’s effects.

Of particular concern are interactions with herb St. John’s Wort, which is taken by 7.5 million Americans as a depression remedy. This herb can cause serious consequences when taken with drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, as well as warfarin, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives. This herb may also interact with Digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, and other drugs, causing treatment failure. Some of these interactions are serious enough that if St. John’s Wort were a drug, government would restrict marketing, make it a prescription-only item, or require label warnings.

So, what can one do??

Anyone taking a dietary supplement should first do their homework. Know exactly what purpose of a particular supplement is for and learn all known interactions. There are many excellent informational websites on internet. A good rule of thumb is to look for a site that does not offer products for sale!

It’s also important to inform your healthcare professional what supplements you are taking, in order to avoid potential supplement-drug interactions that could put you at medical risk. Although many credible professionals sell products, there are just as many who sell products but don’t really understand physiology of human body and are just out to make money. Supplement sales is a very popular ‘easy’ way to make money today!

It’s just as important to do one’s homework when looking for a complementary care practitioner. Although this is only one set of criteria, best recommendation is to look for one or any of these: A pharmacist or registered dietitian who is educated in medicinal herbs, a physician who specializes in functional medicine, or an MD, OD, ND, DC, PharmD or RD who also has CCN credential.

Don’t be afraid to take supplements. They serve a very beneficial purpose. But do know why you’re taking each supplement, just as you should know why you take any prescription medications. Be an informed consumer and take responsibility for your health and wellbeing.

Perhaps not all of cases are caused by these fashion symbols, but it should not be dismissed as being a large contributor. This is age of plastic surgery and breast enhancements, if a woman did not feel that she had to have these two things in order to be beautiful they would not be so popular. So what causes her to want this? Men and of course societies portrayal of women.

This is not just a woman’s problem however. Men are put under just as much scrutiny as women. A man must be strong, well in shape, and not too fat or too skinny. They have to act a certain way, be tough and able to take charge. Some men just aren’t this way and again end up with long term depression.

Society must change as a whole in order for our children of this country to feel wanted and feel beautiful again.

Gary is a web designer and writer for Love and Friendship Poems