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Supplements to Avoid
While all supplements should be used carefully, some should not be used at all. Here are nine supplements you should avoid:
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Claim: Relieves aches; an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer
Why you should avoid it: Can cause miscarriages, allergic reactions, paralysis, heart palpitations, death
Aconite
Aconitum napellus
Claim: Eases joint inflammation, gout, RA
Why you should avoid it: Is a fast-acting poison that affects the heart
Adrenal, spleen, thymus extracts
Claim: Helps fatigue, and relives stress and inflammation
Why you should avoid it: Derived from animal organs. FDA warns organs could possibly contaminated.
Autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Claim: Lessens gout attacks and eases general arthritis
Why you should avoid it: Is a potential poison. Taken only as a prescription drug (colchicine) under a doctor’s supervision.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytrytophan
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and depression
Why you should avoid it: Associated with esosinophilia myalgia, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.
GBL
Gamma-butyrolactone
Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep problems, depression, claims to “improve sexual and athletic performance and health”
Why should you avoid it: Has been linked to death, coma and seizures.
L-tryptophan
Claim: Eases sleep disorders and depression
Why you should avoid it: Is illegal in the United States. Associated with esosinophilia myalgia, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.
Chaparral
Claim: Reduces inflammation
Why you should avoid it: Is poisonous. May cause hepatitis and kidney and liver damage.
Kombucha tea
Claim: Helps “rheumatism” and eases pain
Why you should avoid it: Has a high risk of contamination with anthrax and other bacteria.
