Many people turn to supplements to address a number of health concerns, from sleep to gut health to weight loss. However, while there are plenty of supplements on the market boasting a wide array of health benefits, it’s always crucial to be aware of the potential risks at hand. There are many options out there that could take a toll on your heart—and your blood pressure, in particular.
To shed some light on a few potentially dangerous supplements you should avoid if you’re concerned about your blood pressure, we consulted Ramit Singh Sambyal, MD and Registered Nurse Lauren Thayer. They told us that bitter orange, ephedra, and licorice root are among the worst options. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. Bitter orange
Bitter orange is often advertised for its ability to treat heartburn and nasal congestion, as well as its potential benefits for weight loss. As Dr. Sambyal notes, "Bitter orange is often found in weight loss supplements, energy drinks, and herbal remedies." However, he warns, this supplement could do some damage to your blood pressure—and more.
This stimulant "can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmia in people with high blood pressure," he says. "Therefore, people with high blood pressure should avoid bitter oranges and products that contain it."
He goes on to warn that "it can also interact with blood pressure medications and other drugs, such as antidepressants and antihistamines." All in all, it's best to avoid if you're worried about your blood pressure.
2. Ephedra
Like bitter orange, ephedra is a stimulant sometimes used to aid weight loss. According to Sambyal, it poses similar risks to your body. "This stimulant can increase blood pressure and heart rate," he warns. Additionally, he points out that "Ephedra can interact with blood pressure medications and other drugs such as caffeine and decongestants."
It's no wonder that this supplement was banned by the FDA in 2004 after it was linked to severe adverse effects like heart attack, stroke, seizure, and even death—but that doesn't mean it's never used. "Despite this ban, some products may still have ephedra or its derivatives, like ma-huang in traditional Chinese medicine," Dr. Sambyal tells us. Especially if you are concerned about your heart health, you should avoid products containing ephedra at all costs.
3. Licorice Root
Licorice root is an herbal supplement that's often used to aid digestion and even prostate health—but these benefits may not be worth it if you're concerned about your blood pressure or your heart health. Thayer tells us that "licorice root can be dangerous as it can also cause high blood pressure and decrease potassium levels which can lead to life threatening arrhythmias."
If you're seeking a supplement that can aid your digestion without putting your heart at risk, consider a daily probiotic for gut health rather than licorice root.
The bottom line
Supplements can be a great way to keep your health in check—but they can also be detrimental to many areas of your wellbeing. For this reason, it's always important to be cautious and do your research on any supplements you're considering. By prioritizing safety and awareness, you can better protect your heart health and overall well-being.
READ MORE: Combining These Supplements Is Actually So Dangerous, Doctors Say
