Supplement sales are on the rise with an 81% increase in the past decade. People are turning to them in droves, hoping to fix health issues or to live a longer, healthier life.
The consumer’s energy report listing off 15 supplement ingredients we should avoid due to cancer, organ damage and cardiac arrest risks is a real wake-up call.
This is not surprising because between 2008 and 2011, the FDA received over 6,000 reports of health problems from dietary supplements.
This includes 92 deaths, hundreds of life-threatening conditions and more than 1,000 serious injuries or illnesses. People need to be educated and use caution when considering supplements.
What other supplements should be avoided?
Other supplements on Consumer Reports that can cause health problems are:
- Green Tea extract, Chaparral and Usnic Acid that’s used for weight loss
- Aconite for inflammation and joint pain
- Coltsfoot for relieving sore throat, cough and asthma
- Germander for arthritis and gout
- Greater Celandine for stomachaches
- Lobelia for respiratory problems
- Pennyroyal Oil of breathing problems
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
If you’re taking any of the supplements on the Consumer’s list, can prescription drugs counteract with them?
The 15 supplements flagged by Consumer Energy can potentially interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications like cholesterol-lowering statins or blood-thinning drugs like aspirin and warfarin. Particularly the “Red Yeast Rice” supplement comes with the risk of magnifying the effect of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.
What prescriptions can you share for living a healthy lifestyle without supplements?
Partha’s RX for a healthy lifestyle without supplements:
1. Eat a Balanced Diet - Food is the best way to get nutrients.
2. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They offer a mix of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that together meet the body’s needs.
3. Choose Nutrient-dense Foods - Avocados, chard, kale, sweet potatoes, seeds, lentils and oats are just some of the numerous options available.
4. Move for Good Health - Aerobic activity can help increase your stamina, manage chronic conditions, strengthen your heart, boost your mood and help you live longer. Start off slowly and aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
