With everyone trying to be healthier nowadays, the use of dietary supplements also surged. Many individuals, especially those with cardiovascular concerns, have turned to supplements like turmeric, green tea extract, St. John’s Wort, and bitter orange to enhance their health.
However, cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo from Los Angeles, California, has issued a stark warning about some risky supplements that are dangerous for your heart even though these are seemingly “safe” herbal remedies, as reported by Insider.
Many individuals rely on common heart medications such as blood thinners and blood pressure drugs to manage their conditions. Some even look for additional support from herbal supplements. Dr. Belardo has emphasized the potential dangers of this practice, stating, “It’s crazy because you can buy things over the counter that can totally affect the way your medication works.”
It is a dangerous reality that many supplement users do not consult their healthcare providers. According to Mayo Clinic, only 25% of supplement users tell their doctors.
Dr. Belardo has highlighted the four ‘safe’ supplements that might harm your heart:
Four Risky Supplements
1. Turmeric
Turmeric, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation, slowing cancer cell growth, and promoting heart health. However, Dr. Belardo warns that high doses of turmeric can be perilous. Excessive consumption may lead to liver damage and blood thinning, potentially causing severe bleeding when taken alongside blood thinners.
Moreover, the lack of strict FDA regulations on herbal supplements results in possible inconsistent manufacturing standards and the possibility of overdosing, with some supplements also having undisclosed ingredients.
Dr. Belardo says, “You don’t always know what or how much you’re getting.”
2. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract, derived from the same tea leaves in your morning matcha latte, is believed to boost mental alertness and aid in weight loss. Some research even suggests it may support heart health. However, Dr. Belardo warns that green tea extract can be problematic when used with other medications.
The caffeine content in green tea extract can raise blood pressure, posing risks for individuals struggling with hypertension.
3. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a widely used remedy for mild to moderate depression, which traces its roots back to traditional European medicine. However, Dr. Belardo cautions that this supplement can interact adversely with many medications, including two common heart drugs: digoxin and ivabradine. The interaction of this supplement with the two drugs mentioned can reduce the effectiveness of these medications.
4. Bitter Orange
Bitter orange, native to Asia, is also known as Citrus aurantium. It has gained popularity as an ingredient in bodybuilding and weight-loss products. However, its effectiveness is still uncertain, per NIH.
Dr Belardo warns that bitter orange can adversely affect healthy individuals, particularly by triggering irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Also, according to NIH, it is linked to increased blood pressure and heart rate, so there are more concerns about its safety, especially for those with pre-existing heart issues.
Dr Danielle Belardo warns that these seemingly safe remedies can be risky, especially when taken with common heart medications, so consulting a healthcare professional is crucial./TISG