Last year, in America, almost 27 billion dollars was spent on vitamins, minerals and supplements, but according to experts, some of them could do serious damage to your wellness and wellbeing.
On a recent American morning television show, a senior health and medical editor talked about which supplements were the most dangerous and damaging. All of the products that were mentioned were both popular and readily available in health stores across the country.
If you are in any doubt about the supplements that you are taking, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. It is probably a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements anyway, as some can have negative effects, or counteract other medications, and some are not suitable for certain age groups or health conditions.
Aconite is one of the biggest offenders, and is generally used for inflammation, joint pain and gout. It can cause nausea, vomiting, problems with the respiratory system and heart rhythm disorders. It can also result in death in extreme cases.
Bitter orange is another one that you should be wary of. It may sound like a harmless fruit, but it can lead to fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, stroke, heart attack and even death. It is used for nasal congestion, weight loss and certain allergies.
Chaparral is often used for colds, weight loss, inflammation, infections, detoxification and cancer but it can lead to serious kidney problems or liver damage. Take extreme care if you are thinking about taking this supplement.
Colloidal Silver is another one to be very wary of. Also known as native silver, it is used to treat fungal infections, rosacea, Lyme disease, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome and food poisoning, as well as sometimes being used to help treat HIV/AIDS. It can cause serious health problems such as mucous membrane discoloration, kidney damage, neurological problems and bluish skin.