Herb Weisbaum: Natural Supplements Not Always Safe
Herbal treatments are really growing in popularity (if you'll excuse the pun) as Americans looks for alternatives to traditional medicine.
It's estimated that about half of all adults in this country now take herbs, vitamins or some other dietary supplement.
A lot of people don't realize this, but some herbs can interfere with the prescription medications you are already taking. So it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning to use a supplement.
But according to a survey done by the University of Pennsylvania, three out of four people who take an herbal product don't tell their doctor about it. That can be dangerous.
For instance, if you're using an herb that thins your blood you'd want your surgeon to know that before operating on you.
According to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter these "self treatments may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation and affect the cancer process."
The editors give this example: Black cohosh may increase the potency of some chemo drugs. Recent research has also shown that high doses of antioxidants may actually increase tumor growth by helping the cancer cells repair themselves.
The editors of the Wellness Letter have this advice: "If you take any dietary supplements tell your doctor, especially if you have cancer."
For More Information:
Herb and drug interactions: 'Natural' products not always safe
Drug interactions between prescription medication and herbal supplements can be extremely dangerous
Use Caution When Taking Herbal Remedies Prior to Surgery
Herbal Remedies: Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions
It's estimated that about half of all adults in this country now take herbs, vitamins or some other dietary supplement.
A lot of people don't realize this, but some herbs can interfere with the prescription medications you are already taking. So it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning to use a supplement.
But according to a survey done by the University of Pennsylvania, three out of four people who take an herbal product don't tell their doctor about it. That can be dangerous.
For instance, if you're using an herb that thins your blood you'd want your surgeon to know that before operating on you.
According to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter these "self treatments may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation and affect the cancer process."
The editors give this example: Black cohosh may increase the potency of some chemo drugs. Recent research has also shown that high doses of antioxidants may actually increase tumor growth by helping the cancer cells repair themselves.
The editors of the Wellness Letter have this advice: "If you take any dietary supplements tell your doctor, especially if you have cancer."
For More Information:
Herb and drug interactions: 'Natural' products not always safe
Drug interactions between prescription medication and herbal supplements can be extremely dangerous
Use Caution When Taking Herbal Remedies Prior to Surgery
Herbal Remedies: Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions
