Introduction
When it comes to supplements, it can be hard to know which ones are beneficial and which ones can do more harm than good. Unfortunately, there are some supplements out there that can do more harm than good, and it’s important to be aware of them. In this article, we’ll be looking at five supplements that can do the most harm. We’ll discuss why they’re dangerous, what the potential side effects are, and what you should do if you’re considering taking them. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which supplements to avoid and why.
5 Supplements That Can Do “The Most Harm” — Eat This Not That
When it comes to supplements, it’s important to know which ones can do the most harm. While some supplements can be beneficial, others can be dangerous and even deadly. Here are five supplements that can do the most harm.
1. Ephedra
Ephedra is a stimulant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been linked to serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and even death. It is no longer available in the United States, but it is still available in some countries. If you are considering taking ephedra, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
2. Kava
Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific islands. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. However, it has been linked to liver damage and even death. If you are considering taking kava, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
3. Comfrey
Comfrey is a plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. However, it has been linked to liver damage and even death. If you are considering taking comfrey, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
4. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. However, it has been linked to serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and even death. If you are considering taking yohimbe, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
5. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for depression. However, it has been linked to serious side effects, including increased risk of bleeding, serotonin syndrome, and even death. If you are considering taking St. John’s Wort, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
When it comes to supplements, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. While some supplements can be beneficial, others can be dangerous and even deadly. If you are considering taking any supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
They’re marketed as “organic” and “all natural”—but how much do you really know about those supplements in your medicine cabinet? “Supplements may interact with other medications you’re taking or pose risks if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, or are going to have surgery,” says Jeffrey Millstein, MD. “Some supplements also haven’t been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children, and you may need to take extra precautions.” Here are five supplements that doctors say can do the most harm. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Weight loss supplements may contain dangerous hidden ingredients, experts warn. “Many of our patients try over-the-counter weight loss medications prior to seeking bariatric surgery,” says Penn Medicine Bariatric Program Manager, Colleen Tewksbury, PhD, RD. “Unfortunately, what many don’t realize is that even those that have some studies to back them up, only a selected few show a couple of pounds’ advantage over diet and exercise. If you are a candidate for weight loss medications, speak with your doctor about FDA-approved options that would be best for you. Avoid the OTC options. Most, unfortunately, are marketing ploys preying on people desperate for help.”
Caffeine supplements can have serious side effects if too much is taken. “The AAP recommends that adolescents consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine a day; however, one cup of coffee can have anywhere from 95 to 165 mg,” says Kathleen Swayne, MD. “Caffeine pills and powders are also being used more often by teens, especially athletes. Even small amounts of powdered caffeine can cause a life-threatening overdose. Just one teaspoon can have the same effect as drinking 25 cups of coffee.”
Bodybuilding supplements that contain androgenic anabolic steroids can cause severe liver damage. “Bodybuilding supplements that contain AAS can lead to liver damage, including severe cholestatic hepatitis, which can take months to resolve,” says Robert Fontana, M.D., University of Michigan’s medical director of liver transplantation. “Additionally, various multi-ingredient nutritional supplements taken to enhance energy, increase performance and facilitate weight loss can lead to potentially severe, or even fatal, liver damage.”
Kava is a highly controversial supplement that can cause liver damage. “Note that kava has been banned in the United Kingdom and within Europe due to liver toxicity,” says Robert D. Ashley, MD. “More than 100 cases of liver toxicity related to the use of kava have been identified, some leading to liver transplant and some leading to death. There are many reasons for liver damage. For one, kava depletes glutathione, a chief antioxidant, within the liver. It also inhibits enzymes involved in the metabolism of many drugs. Many of the cases of liver toxicity were seen in people who had prior liver disease or used alcohol in addition to kava.”
“If you are drinking modest amounts of green tea you’re very safe,” says Prof Herbert Bonkovsky, director of liver services at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, who has been tracking green tea supplement-related injuries for nearly 20 years. “The greater risk comes in people who are taking these more concentrated extracts… Usually people are taking these green tea extracts trying to lose weight, so they’re often not eating. We know from animal studies that fasted animals absorb a much higher percentage of the catechins than do fat animals. There may well be other factors of other drugs, other chemicals, use of alcohol that are also important as modifying factors.”
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