Americans now have increased knowledge on why and how they should care for their health, and it keeps getting better daily and more people are beginning to take their health seriously. However, taking dietary supplements has also become a part of taking care of health, as these supplements help to provide nutrients that may not be consumed in the required amounts in the body.
A recent study shows that 68% percent of Americans take vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements and 20% of them do it to improve the health of their heart. While supplements may be a great way to keep up with the healthy life, they can be harmful to the health and also pose some other risk factors. Below are four supplements that you should avoid taking, especially if you have a heart condition.
1. Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid in the body that helps to improve blood flow in the arteries of the heart and also improve symptoms of clogged arteries, angina and coronary heart disease. While this seems like great news already, there are side effects to it. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found out that it could be deadly, especially in children when it is consumed in excess.
2. Licorice root
Licorice root is a herb known to improve prostate health and is also used for various digestive system complaints such as stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic and ongoing inflammation of the lining of the stomach (chronic gastritis). It can also be used to ease menopausal symptoms and inflammation, including viral and bacterial infections. However, it can also cause high blood pressure and reduced potassium levels.
3. Bitter orange
Bitter orange peel is used to control appetite, aid weight loss, control stomach upset and relieve nasal congestion. Although beneficial, it contains a caffeine-like compound that may be risky for those sensitive to cocaine or those people with a heart condition.
4. Ephedra
Ephedra is commonly known for its weight loss properties and it comes in different forms. The form that contains ephedrine was banned in the United States in 2004 due to the adverse effects and deaths caused by it. However, other forms of this supplement are still being sold, and they are not still safe. It can lead to irregular heartbeat or a heart attack and should be avoided by those who have even a mild heart disease.
If these supplements should be taken at all, they shouldn’t be taken by those with a heart condition, and should be taken in small quantities for the others.
image courtesy of: paleoforwomen.com, rd.com.
