Daily supplements disclosed by a physician
Navigating nutritional supplements like herbs, vitamins, and minerals can get tricky if you don't know what you're doing. They've got the potential to boost your fitness, reduce health risks, and even extend your lifespan - but you gotta hit the right combo to dodge side effects.
It's easier said than done; these supplements are much more complex than you'd think. Some might look innocent enough, but they can cause serious health problems if you get carried away. As much as 20% of liver toxicity cases in the U.S. are linked to supplements!
But hey, not all hope is lost. Dr. Gareth Morris-Stiff - former surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and director of the Liver Clinic - told our website that some supplements are real game-changers for your health. Even those with roots in ancient traditions like Chinese medicine or Ayurveda can offer real benefits.
So, how do you pair 'em up without stressing your liver? Here are some guidelines to help you avoid pitfalls:
Save Your Liver: Tips for Combining Supplements
- Choose supplements that suit your specific goals.
- Avoid overdoing it. Going overboard with too many substances can stress the liver.
- Be mindful of interactions. Combining certain supplements can create too much for the liver to handle, potentially triggering toxicity.
For example, one of Morris-Stiff's patients ended up with a damaged liver after taking medications with supplements and self-grown garden herbs. The individual supplements were okay, but together, they were too much for the liver to handle.
Always do your research, especially if you're unsure about drug interactions. Check sites like MedLinePlus and talk to your doc. They can help you navigate the maze safely.
Curious about what Morris-Stiff takes? Here's a peek at his daily supplement regimen:
Morris-Stiff's Pick: 7-Step Supplement Program
- Curcumin or Turmeric - Great for inflammation and antioxidant action[5].
- Vitamin D - Vital for a strong immune system. Morris-Stiff takes a higher dose, around 5,000 units daily, as research suggests high doses are more effective in combating diseases and infections[6].
- Selenium - This essential mineral reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Morris-Stiff takes a higher-than-recommended dose, around 200 micrograms per day[7].
- Zinc - Helps promote healthy cell development and metabolism.
- Magnesium - Improves sleep and heart health.
- Essential Fatty Acids - Fights inflammation and promotes healthy aging.
- Probiotics - Supports gut health and overall well-being.
By taking charge of your well-being and adopting a holistic approach, you can set yourself up for success, save time and money, and enjoy the benefits of a longer, healthier life.
Do you have questions about supplements, health, or wellness? Reach out, and we'll do our best to help you!
References:[1] National Library of Medicine (NLM) - Drug Interaction Information: https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov[2] National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Dietary Supplement Ingredient Safety: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/List-of-Dietary-Supplements/[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Dietary Supplements: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements[4] American Liver Foundation - Hepatotoxicity: https://www.liverfoundation.org/liverdisease/spotlight/hepatotoxicity/[5] AAPS PharmSciTech (2024): "Curcumin and Aging: Slowing Down the Clock."[6] Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2018): "High-dose vitamin D supplementation, cancer, and autoimmune diseases."[7] Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2009): "Selenium and all-cause mortality: a critical review of human epidemiological studies."
- Some supplements, even those with roots in ancient traditions like Chinese medicine or Ayurveda, can offer real benefits for health and wellness, as highlighted by Dr. Gareth Morris-Stiff.
- When combining supplements, it's crucial to be mindful of interactions to prevent overburdening the liver and causing potential toxicity.
- To ensure safe use of supplements, one should research thoroughly, considering drug interactions and consulting with healthcare providers, such as MedLinePlus and your doctor.