You are likely familiar with Russian roulette, a very dangerous and potentially fatal betting game. Yet many Americans play a dangerous game with use of over the counter herbs and supplements. Many people consider these supplements safe because they are available without a prescription and are "natural." What you need to know is that the FDA does not regulate these supplements because they are considered foods, not drugs. Unfortunately, this means that some unscrupulous manufacturers have sold supplements that are adulterated with other products.
In addition, many herbal supplements can interact adversely with prescription medications or have adverse effects on other medical conditions. Countless charlatans hawk their products for financial gain, and the herb and supplement industry has morphed into a multibillion dollar industry.
Many adverse interactions have been reported between supplements and prescription medications. In fact, a significant risk of post-surgical complications has been attributed to taking supplements that caused bleeding, heart rhythm disturbances, or other adverse events. Stopping supplements at least one week prior to surgical or diagnostic procedures is recommended. An editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine last year entitled "American Roulette" pointed out just how dangerous unsupervised use of herbs and supplements can be.
My advice: NEVER put anything into your body unless your doctor knows about it.
Best wishes for an Optimum Life
Dr. K