Dr. Uday Jani to discuss supplements for health support Nov. 8 in Lewes

Dr. Uday Jani, MD,  will present a free informational talk about health supplements from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church parish hall, 211 Mulberry St., Lewes.

Jani said he routinely gets questions from patients want to know what is the best non-pharmaceutical treatment for high blood pressure; can herbs really ease their anxiety, what’s the most natural way to deal with menopause symptom, is there an effective way to manage pain without opoids, and more.

His talk, “From Astralagus to Zinc: Everything to Know About Supplements,” will help attendees consider and learn about natural approaches to treating what ails them. Jani, Delaware’s leading integrative medicine physician, draws on more than three decades of experience in caring for patients with these highly effective, evidence-based alternatives to pharmaceuticals. He will explore how to unleash the body's inner healing power with a variety of options. 

Supplements can be used to help manage hypertension, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, heart disease, menopause, anxiety and more. Vitamins may help patients resist infections, keep nerves healthy, increase energy and help blood clot properly. Medicinal mushrooms and herbs can be carefully selected and administered to help enhance the immune system and increase resistance to stress.

Noting that the most-used natural products by U.S. adults include fish oils and Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, probiotics and prebiotics, melatonin, Coenzyme Q10, echinacea, garlic supplements and ginseng, Jani will share the latest science behind them. He’ll also discuss the use of daily doses of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, D, B12 and K, magnesium and iron, along with a caution: “A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good protein sources and healthful fats should provide most of the nutrients needed for good health.”

Jani will uncover the multiple health benefits of all types of tea, which are rich in antioxidant, anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, immune-boosting and stress-alleviating properties. “White, green, black and oolong teas all contain catechins,” he said, “which are phytochemicals that help protect from environmental toxins.”

Additionally, Jani will explain how to read a supplement bottle with a knowledgeable eye to ensure that what’s listed on the outside is found inside the bottle. “I advise people to look for standardized, single-name supplements, and to be extremely cautious about purchasing supplement products manufactured outside the U.S.,” he said. “It’s also a sound practice to be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true.”

He explains that inconsistencies are frequently seen in herb trials, which can affect their outcomes. “Different parts of the herb may be used for testing – in different forms, such as solutions, tinctures or infusions; in dissimilar doses and combinations; as well as differing extracts, like aqueous or alcohol. Additionally, the trials’ duration, end points and participant demographics may all differ. All this makes it especially important to focus on purchasing supplements that have been independently reviewed and tested to meet quality standards by organizations such as US Pharmacopeia or NSF International.”

Jani said, “While many plants have medicinal qualities, it’s often due to a synergistic effect of different compounds. There is no magic pill, but when supplements and herbs are used wisely, in conjunction with a healthy, well-balanced diet, they can unlock additional ways to help prevent disease, boost immunity and enhance well-being.

“I invite all who are interested in educating themselves on the benefits of supplements to join me at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Nov. 8,” said Jani. “Thanks to the generosity of the church’s Parish Nursing Group, this presentation is complimentary and open to the community.”

Dr. Uday Jani blends the best of traditional, integrative and functional medicine at his Milton-based concierge practice, Shore View Personalized Medical Care. He believes in treating the whole person utilizing an evidence-based integrative approach to best facilitate each patient’s innate healing response. For more information, go to udayjanimd.com.