Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine A Journey To Wellness And Quality Supplements

Explore the transformative journey of integrative medicine at Mayo Clinic with Dr. Brent Bauer. Learn about the evolution of complementary therapies, how to choose reputable supplement companies, address physician concerns, and understand the FDA's regulation of dietary supplements.

• Dr. Brent Bauer discusses the journey of integrative medicine at Mayo Clinic, emphasizing the importance of holistic healthcare.
• He explains the evolution of the complementary and alternative medicine program and the various therapies offered to patients.
• Dr. Bauer provides insights on choosing a reputable supplement company and the importance of quality control in supplement manufacturing.
• He addresses physician concerns about supplements, emphasizing the significance of communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
• The discussion touches on potential risks associated with herb-drug interactions and the regulation of dietary supplements by the FDA.
• The implementation of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) has improved the quality of dietary supplements in the United States.

In this informative discussion with Dr. Brent Bauer from the Mayo Clinic, we delve into the world of integrative medicine, highlighting the significance of holistic healthcare. Dr. Bauer discusses the journey of integrative medicine and its impact on patients' lives. He emphasizes that while it's essential to help people when they're sick or in pain, it's even more productive to help them stay well. This concept underpins Mayo Clinic's approach to healthcare, with a focus on complementary and alternative therapies.

The journey of integrative medicine at Mayo Clinic began when Dr. Bauer encountered patients seeking unconventional treatments, such as echinacea and harmonic convergence. Realizing the knowledge gap in these therapies, he initiated the complementary and alternative medicine program. This program explored a range of therapies, including meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, to address various patient needs. These therapies have significantly improved patients' well-being and quality of life.

One crucial aspect of integrative medicine is the use of dietary supplements. Dr. Bauer shares insights on choosing a reliable supplement company. He highlights the importance of scrutinizing the entire production process, from harvesting botanicals to quality control. Transparency, clear labeling, and third-party certification by organizations like NSF and USP play a vital role in ensuring the quality of dietary supplements.

Addressing physician concerns about supplements, Dr. Bauer acknowledges the historical skepticism in the medical community due to the presence of low-quality supplements on the market. However, he encourages a shift in attitude, recognizing that patients seeking supplements are taking steps toward improving their health. Collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals can lead to informed decisions about supplement usage.

Dr. Bauer also discusses the potential risks associated with herb-drug interactions. While dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA, there's a perception that they lack oversight. However, similar to drugs, dietary supplements are subject to rules and regulations regarding adverse events. Companies are required to collect and report data on adverse events promptly. This reporting system helps maintain the safety of dietary supplements in the market.

The discussion concludes by highlighting the significant change in the dietary supplement industry, marked by the implementation of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) since 2010. These practices ensure the quality and safety of dietary supplements, aligning them more closely with the expectations placed on drug manufacturers.

In summary, the journey of integrative medicine at Mayo Clinic embodies a commitment to holistic healthcare, focusing on both traditional and complementary therapies. Dr. Brent Bauer's insights shed light on the importance of patient-physician communication, quality control in supplement manufacturing, and the regulatory framework governing dietary supplements in the United States. This journey represents a transformative approach to healthcare that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their well-being.

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