JELLY page 69
That was it. I was done. I
haven't taken another pill since
— and don't plan on trying again.
Besides, I didn't notice any dif-
ference in my energy level. I was
still tired after lunch, and I didn't
cut down on pressing my snooze
button each morning.
The bottom line was: I noticed
no difference.
There are some who would say
I didn't give the pills a chance to
work or that my dosage was not
strong enough. Still, I came to the
conclusion that this dong quai and
royal jelly was not for me.
The product
doesn't need
FDA approval.
I'm almost glad I did my home-
work after, rather than before, I
took these pills. Based on what
some professionals told me, I don't
think I would have tried the pills
in the first place.
After quitting the regimen, I
spoke with nutritionists and a doc-
tor who maintained the product
and others like it tend to play on
people's insecurities.
They are also concerned be-
cause the intake of such products
is unmonitored and might be dan-
gerous. Nutrition, they say, should
come from foods because pills do
not correct a poor diet.
The benefits of both dong gnai
and royal jelly are relatively un-
known. It is known, however, that
the latter can trigger an asthmatic
reaction, according to a January
1995 issue of "Environmental Nu-
trition Newsletter."
I called GNC on numerous oc-
casions, but none of my phone
calls was returned.
Neva Cochran, a registered
dietitian and a spokesperson
with the American Dietetics As-
sociation, said such pills are un-
necessary. She said energy
comes from the foods we eat,
particularly those rich in carbo-
hydrates.
`There is really no reason some-
one would need to take an energy
supplement," Ms. Cochran said.
I realize there are many people
out there whose lives have been
changed by nutritional supple-
ments. They promise naturally
derived herbs and supplements
work for them. I've heard their tes-
tirnonies, and I have no reason to
doubt them.
Still, based on my experiences
with dong quai and royal jelly, and
based the conversations I had
with nutritionists, I don't think I'll
experiment with herbs and sup-
plements. In the future, when we
know more, who knows? Maybe
then doctors will be recommend-
ing royal jelly, ginseng and the
thousands of other products found
on the shelves of healtia-fooa
stores. O
Are you man m
eve
exce
your
own healt
I f you're like most women, you're so busy taking care of your family— your children, husband, parents
or other loved ones – its hard to find time for yourself. But finding time for annual check ups is the best defense
against breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiac disease.
B otsford General Hospital
offers a continuum of services to assist you in maximizing your health, If you would like a physician referral,
call HealthMatch at(810)442-7900. If you're in the prime of your life - 40 and up, take time out for
Primenmefor Women, Saturday, September 28 from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm at Botsford General Hospital
in the Zieger Center. The day will include sessions on menopause, osteoporosis, cardiac health, imagery
for health and healing, stress management, yoga, meditation, demonstrations on healthy cooking, color and makeup.
continental breakfast and lunch will be served. There is a minimal feeper person, with discounts for
signing up with a friend. To register call Community Relations at (810) 442-7986. Due to popularity,
there may be a waiting list. So call today and maximize your health.
FIN
li t
botsford
general
hospital
Reaching Out To The People Of Our Community
28050 Grand River Avenue Farmington Hills, MI 48336-5933