Don't inadvertantly double-dose with meds and supplements
Categories: HealthWatch, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
When it comes to health and wellness products, everything seems to fall into one of three categories: 1 - Pharmaceuticals; 2 - Nutritional Supplements; and 3 - Snake Oils. Granted, an argument can be made that these three groups can, at least in some instances, overlap. But, for the most part, a demarcation does exist.
Still, it is not entirely uncommon for someone to simultaneously take products that fall into these different categories. While this may not cause any immediate harm in some cases, in others it may. A good example can be found in aspirin and the popular supplement Ginko Biloba.
Because many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- such as aspirin -- have blood-thinning properties, taking them along with Ginko can potentially lead to intestinal bleeding. Why? Because Ginko Biloba also produces a similar blood-thinning effect. When taken together, serious health ramifications may arise.
This is why it's very important to always check with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements. As for snake oils, I think avoiding them altogether is probably your best bet.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
HylaCassMD 4-01-2008 @ 6:08PM
As a physician and expert in integrative medicine, I appreciate that your post emphasizes the ongoing importance of an active, informed patient/doctor dialogue. As we’ve seen in recent headlines, mixing prescription medications can result in fatal drug interactions with prescription drugs killing more than 100,000 Americans each year. I encourage all of my patients to become smarter health advocates for themselves which begins with an ongoing patient/doctor dialogue. More than 50% of all Americans take prescription drugs, yet most are unaware of all the serious side effects associated with medications. Consumers need to take more of a role in managing their health and awareness – starting with keeping an accurate list of prescription and OTC medications taken and providing this information to their health care providers. This simple task can not only improve overall health, but it may save your life.
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