What Are Antioxidants?
You may have heard about the possible benefits of antioxidants, natural substances found in food. Right now, there is no proof that large doses of antioxidants will prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or cataracts. Eating fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day) rather than taking a supplement is the best way for both you and your senior parent to get antioxidants. Vegetable oil and nuts are also good sources of some antioxidants. Non-dairy calcium sources are especially good for people who cannot use dairy products.
What About Herbal Supplements?
You may have heard of ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Echinacea, or black cohosh. These are examples of herbal supplements. They are dietary supplements that come from certain plants, and since they come from plants, it's easy to think they are safe. Furthermore, although herbal supplements are not approved as drugs, some are being studied as possible treatments for illness. However, it's still too soon to tell. Remember some strong poisons (like hemlock) and some prescription medicines like cancer drugs come from plants as well, so care should be taken.
When you or your elderly parent use any dietary supplement including herbals for a health problem, you are using that supplement as a drug. Because the ingredients may have an effect on the body, they can interfere with medications already being taken. Some herbal supplements can also cause serious side effects such as high blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fainting, headaches, seizures, heart attack, or stroke.
If you are thinking about using dietary supplements for your senior parent, remember:
- Talk to the doctor or a registered dietitian first. Just because something worked for your neighbor's elderly parent, doesn't mean the same will be true for your senior mom or dad.
- Use only the supplement the doctor or dietitian decided on—don't buy combinations with unnecessary added supplements.
- If the doctor does not suggest a dietary supplement, but your senior parent has decided to use one anyway, tell the doctor. Then he or she can keep an eye on your aging parent's health and adjust their other medications if needed.
- Learn as much as you can about the supplement your senior mom or dad is thinking about, but be aware of the source of the information. Could the writer or group profit from the sale of a particular supplement?
- Buy brands you know from companies you, your doctor, your dietitian, or your pharmacist know are reputable.
- Remember that many of the claims made about supplements are not based on enough scientific proof. If you have questions about a supplement, contact the firm or a doctor and ask if it has information on the safety and/or effectiveness of the ingredients in its product.