 Frequently Asked Questions
 Q: What herbs can I take while pregnant or lactating?
A: Safety studies of herbs have not been conducted on pregnant
or lactating women. For this reason, Nature's Sunshine Products recommends
that you avoid herbal supplements while pregnant or lactating. Exceptions
include vitamin and mineral supplements essential for fetal development or
other nutritional supplements as directed by your health care provider.
Q: What
guidelines do you offer for children taking supplements?
A: We cannot recommend that any product be taken by children
under 12 years old unless it is labeled as such. Exceptions to this would
be upon the recommendation of a health care provider.
Q: Can I exceed
the recommended dosage?
A: Nature's Sunshine Products does not recommend exceeding
label dosages or taking products in a manner different than label
directions, unless directed by your health care provider. It is the sole
responsibility of the consumer to take products according to label
directions.
Q: Are ephedra
and synephrine safe?
A: While these ingredients are generally safe when taken
according to label instructions, some people may experience some of the
following symptoms in association with their use: increased heart rate,
jitters, shakiness and elevated blood pressure. These effects may be
increased when either ephedra or synephrine is taken in conjunction with
caffeine or other stimulants. Consult your health care provider before
taking herbal products containing ephedra or synephrine or other
weight-loss products.
Q: How do
stimulating laxative herbs (Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Turkey Rhubarb,
Senna, Whole Leaf Aloe, etc.) work in the body, and how long can I take
them?
A: They work by stimulating the contraction of the colon and
increasing the motility and fluid content of the stool. When taking
laxative herbal products, you should take a vitamin and mineral
supplement. Nature's Sunshine Products recommends taking stimulating
laxative herbs for up to two weeks as needed, never to exceed four weeks
consecutively. You should plan to rest from stimulating herbal laxative
use for a period of one to two months following use. A healthier, more
natural way of regulating the bowel is using bulking herbs (Psyllium,
LOCLO, and UltimateBuild) and increasing water intake. Bulk herbs contain
fiber that can help lower your risk for certain diseases. They may be
taken long-term without adverse effects.
Q: Can I take
herbs while preparing for surgery or any medical procedure?
A: Nature's Sunshine recommends consulting the surgeon and
anesthesiologist prior to surgery. You may need to stop taking herbal
supplements up to two weeks prior to surgery. You should also consult with
your health care provider prior to resuming your herbal regimen.
Q: What
third-party clinical research is available for Nature's Sunshine Products?
A: Published research is available for many of the ingredients
used in Nature's Sunshine Products. However, most combination products
have not been specifically investigated by Nature's Sunshine or other
individuals. Nature's Sunshine has plans to conduct clinical trials on a
limited number of products as time and funds provide. Results of these
studies will be made available as they are completed.
Q: What is the
carbohydrate content of Nature's Sunshine Products?
A: Most capsule products contain less than 200 mg of
carbohydrates per capsule, and tablet products will contain less than a
gram.
Q: I"m not
experiencing the results I expected from Nature's Sunshine weight-loss
products. What am I doing wrong?
A: NSP weight-loss products are designed to complement a
healthy diet and adequate aerobic exercise. For best results, you"ll need
to improve your eating habits and food choices and increase your activity
level. Please remember that permanent weight loss is a gradual process and
occurs only with a healthy change in lifestyle. NSP weight-loss products
are designed to help you achieve a healthy weight, but without lifestyle
changes, these effects are merely short-term.
Q: Can Nature's
Sunshine products be taken with prescription medications?
A: When taking prescription medications, you should always
consult your health care provider prior to taking any dietary supplements.
You should make your doctor aware of any dietary supplements you are
taking. Herbal supplements have biological activity, just as
pharmaceuticals do. While most herbal dietary supplements and
pharmaceuticals do not interact with each other, a few may interact. You
should address each product on a case by case basis when consulting your
health care provider.
Q: What
supplements should I avoid while on chemotherapy?
A: NSP does not recommend the use of supplements besides
Paw Paw Cell-Reg® while
undergoing chemotherapy. You should inform your health care provider of
any herbs you may be taking before initiating chemotherapy.
Q: Why does
Nature's Sunshine Products use hydrogenated soybean oil?
A: The hydrogenated soybean oil used in Nature's Sunshine
Products does not contain trans-fatty acids. In addition, the extremely
small amount of hydrogenated oils used in the processing of the product
should have no significant effect on the body.
Q: Are there
any herbal treatments for cancer?
A: Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements for
the treatment of cancer. You may consider taking vitamin and mineral
supplements, antioxidants and immuno-stimulating herbs. You might also
want to read the information on our new
Paw Paw Cell-Reg®.
Q: Which herbs
interact with Coumadin?
A: Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Ginger, all Ginsengs, White or Purple
Willow, Vitamin K and Garlic are the most important to avoid. If you are
taking Coumadin, you should consult your health care provider before
taking any supplements.
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