BEWARE THESE SUPPLEMENTS
T here are a number of micronutrients your body does not
produce on its own – such as vitamins, minerals, and omega-3
oils, therefore healthcare professionals will often prescribe them
in the form of supplements, in order to meet or enhance your
body’s daily requirements for optimum health.
However, many may not be safe for you, especially if you’re
on certain medications or have some medical conditions. Next
time you learn about an interesting supplement and think it
may be ‘just what you need’, skip the risk and first visit your
healthcare professional for a consultation.
Here are a few examples:
St. John’s Wort – Often taken for
depression, anxiety, sleep trouble and muscle
spasms, St. John’s Wort supplements may
cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and
upset stomach, and can interact with heart
medication and birth control pills. It may even
make chemotherapy treatments less effective.
Arnica – It has been used for thousands of
years topically to ease pain, swelling and aches
on skin and muscles. It has also been taken
internally to assist in constipation, however
its consumption can raise blood pressure and
cause irregular heartbeat, headaches, and
shortness of breath. Some people may even
be sensitive to applying it directly on skin.
Ginkgo Biloba – Often taken as a tea to improve
memory, mental function, treat bladder infections, increase
sexual energy, and said to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and
even cancer, Ginkgo is one of the most popular supplements
sold today – and it can also thin out the blood, interact with
blood thinners and anti-depressants, and cause bruising,
headaches, and intestinal issues.
Known as a ‘living fossil’, the Ginkgo biloba is one of the world’s
oldest living tree species, and has been found in fossils dating back
270 million years. The Ginkgo can have a long life span, 1,000 or
older. In China, the oldest Ginkgo is about 1,400 years old (above).
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Ginger – It’s delicious, and it has many
benefits, including ease of nausea due to
motion sickness, chemotherapy or surgery,
and it may even treat inflammation and pain
from arthritis and joint pain… but taken in
high amounts, it can counteract with diabetic
medication and blood thinners, causing
blood clotting, increased blood pressure and
heartbeat, and throw off blood sugar levels.
Aloe Vera – Its gel is amazing on a fresh
burn or skin wounds, but taking it internally
– which is said to improve digestion, relieve
heartburn, increase collagen production, and
reduce stomach ulcers – may cause issues for
those with kidney problems and on diabetes
medication.
Ginseng – Another popular root, used
for its delicious taste and many said health
benefits, are not advisable for those taking
antidepressants, and medication for blood
pressure, diabetes, and heart medications.
Otherwise, generally considered safe to
increase energy, for sharper cognitive function,
to treat colds and flus, and lower blood sugar.
Black Cohosh – If you’re a woman
going through menopause, chances are your
supplements contain this ingredient, as it’s
often used against hot flashes, to treat PMS,
and night sweats. But it should be avoided
by those with liver problems and who’ve had
cancer (especially breast, prostate, and ovarian
cancers) as it’s said to lower estrogen levels in
some parts of the body, but raise it in others.
Garlic – It has been used medicinally
for centuries, both raw and cooked, and
often prescribed as a supplement in order to
contain its freshness and efficacy, and to reduce
odour and taste. However, some people react
to garlic in somewhat inconspicuous ways
(headaches, unexplained fatigue, insomnia,
digestive issues), while it may make others
suffer with thinned blood, and heart issues. •
Don’t just buy the supplement...
Always consult first!