As the resident RN, I want to offer my opinion on supplementation, etc. You should know a bit of my background. I have been a nurse for 13 years. My most recent years have found me "retired" from clinical nursing to stay home to raise my kids. Prior to that, most of my clinical experience was in cardiac nursing with emphasis on pre-bypass education and post-bypass care. During my entire tenure on cardiac units, I always felt there was a lack of care once we sent patients home (especially when we started sending open heart patients home 2 days post-op!). Hence, I started this group - to fill a need for bypass patients and their families. During my attempt to stay home with my kids, I began a home based business selling supplements. I chose a company to work with that was focused greatly on cardiac health. I am no longer involved in this business, however I still take certain supplements personally. So, that being said, you know I can see both sides of the supplement debate. I know that there are instances where supplements are a perfect solution, and I also know there are instances where prescription medications are the only solution. The key in making a decision to try something "natural" is to let your doctor know what you are planning to use. Now, most doctors will not give you a full endorsement of taking nutritional products (they just aren't wired that way). However, before taking ANYTHING (including over the counter remedies for other conditions), I strongly encourage you to inform your doctor of your plan, and to at least get a "it can't hurt you" out of him/her! This is highly important, for two reasons. First, if you are on prescription medications there are instances where the supplement can either reduce or potentiate the effects of your medication. Second, while supplements are "natural", this does not mean they are SAFE. You must be very discerning about claims made by supplement providers. They are not regulated by the FDA in the way that pharmaceuticals are, and anyone can post a website claiming anything about a supplement they want to sell. As with anything, do your research! I am a firm believer that if something is safe and can help you, then by all means give it a try if that is what you prefer AND if your doctor is aware of you taking it. To your health, Ann, RN