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

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FIN

li t

botsford
general
hospital

Reaching Out To The People Of Our Community

28050 Grand River Avenue Farmington Hills, MI 48336-5933