People have been turning to herbal supplements since the beginning of time. In fact, many people prefer to use herbs in their daily routines instead of medications because of the “natural” claims. Unfortunately, it’s not as cut and dry as that, and a recent study out of the University of Michigan underscores that point.
The study found that six popular herbal supplements are linked to potential damage to the liver. The herbs listed in the study were ashwagandha, black cohosh, garcinia cambogia, green tea extract, red yeast rice, and turmeric or curcumin. According to the researchers, an estimated 15.6 million adults in the U.S. have taken at least one of the herbal supplements that can damage the liver in the past 30 days.
The study illustrated the importance of doing your research and discussing herbal supplements with your doctor before you begin taking them. Just because something is considered “natural” does not mean it’s safe. In fact, the FDA does not review dietary supplements before they are sold to consumers. The administration’s role in regulating them begins after the product enters the marketplace.
Among the potential dangers, supplements can:
- Reduce effectiveness of prescription medications by speeding up their breakdown.
- Increase your risk of bleeding.
- Change your response to anesthesia.
- Reduce effectiveness of chemotherapy
- Reduce bone strength
- Damage organs
- Damage the nervous system
This is not to say that supplements can’t be used to treat or alleviate ailments, as there is plenty of scientifically proven benefits. It just means it’s important to do your research and talk with your doctor before you take anything.
