If It Seems Too Good to Be True...
The language used to pitch liquid supplements leaves you wanting it to be true. But you know better. Somehow, what you have learned through life lessons clicks in your head -- "if it seems to good to be true, it is."
MLM representatives are in the business of spin and hype. Their message is designed to amaze you and leave you wanting to hear more. In many cases, the hype surrounding liquid supplements for arthritis is built on certain key phrases -- better bioavailability, specialized ingredients that are lacking in your diet, glyconutrients, standardized extracts -- and best of all -- 100% money-back guarantee.
Don't Let the Big Words Trip You Up
Hang on a second! What exactly is bioavailability? What's a standardized extract? Is there such a thing as a non-standardized extract? And is that money-back guarantee enough to convince you this is something you need to try?
In reality, there is little to no regulation of supplements -- no way to know that what you think you are getting in terms of dose and purity is indeed what you are getting.
Here's what you need to do:
- Don't get caught up in the hype.
- Think rationally, not emotionally. Steer clear of "hope in a bottle".
- Look for scientific studies, not testimonials, to back up the product's claims.
- Talk to your doctor before trying any supplement -- be sure there is no possibility of a reaction with your medications.
- Stick with companies that are reputable. Their good reputation should offer some assurance that the products sold are of good quality.
- Realize that many supplements are very expensive and what you might be paying for is nothing more than the placebo effect.
Common sense will serve you well when considering liquid supplements for arthritis. Don't become so desperate that you are willing to clean out your wallet and try literally -- ANYTHING!
Check out this list provided by the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, for information on specific supplements, potential side effects, and a peak at what the science says.
Source:
Dietary Supplements - Background Information. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. 4/12/2006.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/dietarysupplements.asp
