Nearly half the dollars in health care are spent on alternative health care in the US. There obviously is a need to pay attention to something other than the medical model of health care, which seems to be geared on illness fixing rather than maintaining health, or prevention. Many physicians are now quite respectful of alternative methods, and even incorporate these into their own care. Probably two reasons. l. They see the effectiveness of other methods, and have the wisdom to always be open to learning more. 2. They realize they better wake up and see what the scoop is before all the patients are gone! Quack nutritionists abound. People listen to health food store clerks before they check out what a dietitian or certified nutritionist has to say. You really need to investigate the credentials of someone you are potentially giving your health care to. Herbs are drugs, and have been used for centuries, but that does not mean that just anyone can prescribe them. Vitamins are essential, but the overuse is just as, and sometimes more so, dangerous as the deficiency. Many of the vitamins which are water soluble are typically considered safe, but excesses cause chemical imbalances which can cause some serious health problems. e.g. excess vit C and esophageal reflux due to the deterioration of the sphincter from excess acid! etc, etc. Call the American Dietetic Association for information, or do some research on your own, before blanketly accepting what "nutritionists" say, since in some states anyone can hang out a sign. We are not the only profession who has this problem. Psychologist and counselors vary greatly in their backgrounds, and their ability to be effective. And, of course, among nurses and doctors, they vary in their abilities--just as dietitians do! So, get several opinions before starting a regime which affects your health. M. Scott, RD,MA, IBCLC in New Hampshire