Introduction
When it comes to supplements, it can be hard to know which ones are safe and which ones to avoid. With so many different types of supplements on the market, it can be difficult to determine which ones are beneficial and which ones could be potentially harmful. Fortunately, Eat This Not That has compiled a list of 6 supplements that doctors recommend avoiding. This list includes supplements that can cause serious side effects, interact with medications, or simply don’t provide any real health benefits. By avoiding these 6 supplements, you can ensure that you are taking the safest and most effective supplements for your health.
6 Supplements to Avoid Taking, According to Doctors — Eat This Not That
When it comes to supplements, it can be hard to know what to take and what to avoid. While some supplements can be beneficial, others can be dangerous and even cause serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. Here are 6 supplements that doctors recommend avoiding.
1. Kava
Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific islands that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. However, recent studies have linked kava to liver damage, so it’s best to avoid taking it. If you’re looking for a natural remedy for anxiety, talk to your doctor about other options.
2. Ephedra
Ephedra is a stimulant that has been used for weight loss and to boost energy. However, it can cause serious side effects, including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and even stroke. The FDA has banned the sale of ephedra, so it’s best to avoid it.
3. Comfrey
Comfrey is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including skin wounds and joint pain. However, it contains a toxic compound called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage. For this reason, it’s best to avoid taking comfrey.
4. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is a tree bark extract that has been used to treat erectile dysfunction and low libido. However, it can cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and even stroke. For this reason, it’s best to avoid taking yohimbe.
5. Chaparral
Chaparral is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including skin wounds and joint pain. However, it contains a toxic compound called nordihydroguaiaretic acid, which can cause liver damage. For this reason, it’s best to avoid taking chaparral.
6. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a herb that has been used to treat depression and anxiety. However, it can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications, including birth control pills and antidepressants. For this reason, it’s best to avoid taking St. John’s Wort.
When it comes to supplements, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any. While some supplements can be beneficial, others can be dangerous and even cause serious health problems. The 6 supplements listed above are ones that doctors recommend avoiding.
If you’re eating a balanced diet, chances are you don’t need a dietary supplement, but vitamin deficiencies can happen, especially with certain health issues like Crohn’s disease, which can make it difficult to absorb the essential nutrients needed. Taking a supplement can be beneficial, but it’s always recommended to speak to a physician first because many can cause harmful side effects or are just ineffective. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with doctors who share six supplements to avoid and why. As always, consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT Medical Toxicologist and Co-Medical Director at the National Capital Poison Center explains, “Tejocote is a species of Hawthorn; the root of the plant is often dried and sold as a weight-loss supplement. While the Tejocote plant itself is associated with minimal toxicity, use of tejocote root as a dietary supplement has been reported to cause gastrointestinal distress, chest pain, and other unwanted symptoms. An analysis of tejocote root supplements found that some of them are contaminated with toxic chemicals, including oleander.”
Dr. Johnson-Arbor says, “Although the name “velvet elk” sounds like a dreamy Disney character, the term actually refers to the fine hair (or “velvet”) that covers regenerating deer antlers. Velvet elk antler (sometimes called “elk antler velvet” or “deer velvet”) is a dietary supplement that contains powdered antler velvet, and it’s often marketed as a supplement for immune system enhancement, increased athletic performance, and improved sexual function. This supplement is potentially dangerous because deer or elk antlers can contain prions.. Prions believed to be the cause of the Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, a rare but nearly always fatal brain disorder. Since elk antler velvet can contain prions, humans may be at risk for contracting diseases transmitted by prions if they take velvet elk antler supplements.”
Dr. Johnson-Arbor shares, “Apoaequorin is a protein that is derived from bioluminescent jellyfish that is described to improve memory by enhancing calcium activity within the brain. While that sounds intriguing, there is no data to suggest that this protein is absorbed into the human body after digestion, or that it is able to enter the brain at all.”
Dr. Jacob Hascalovici MD, PhD Clearing Chief Medical Officer says, “Often touted as good for the bones, calcium ingested as a supplement has been linked to higher risks of heart attacks. As scientists learn more about calcium supplementation, it appears that it may be wiser to ingest calcium through foods rather than as stand-alone supplements. Even if you are concerned about osteoporosis, it’s good to double check with a medical professional to ensure calcium supplementation is the right answer for you.”
Dr. Hascalovici tells us, “Ginkgo biloba is natural and often viewed as beneficial for memory and blood flow. However, ginkgo biloba can interfere with many common medications, including drugs for mood disorders, diabetes, and pain, sometimes with very negative consequences. People with epilepsy should generally steer clear of ginkgo biloba, as it can lead to seizures.”
According to Dr. Hascalovici, ” Beta-Carotene, which makes vitamin A, can unfortunately be overdone. In one study, researchers found that among men, beta-carotene supplementation was associated with a higher risk of lung cancer. Better to get your beta-carotene and vitamin A from sweet potatoes, carrots, and other bright veggies.”
Dr. Johnson-Arbor urges, “People who have unwanted or unexpected symptoms after vitamin or supplement use should contact poison control for expert advice. There are two ways to contact poison control in the United States: online at www.poison.org or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.”
Heather Newgen