NAN-HG-11
Supplements
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) A medical practitioner in Ilorin, Dr Darasimi Bello, has advised the people to be cautious with food supplements as it could cause more harm than good.
Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Thursday that though the products should be harmless, certain medical conditions did not go well with them.
He advised the people to consult their doctors before taking supplements, especially when nursing a particular medical condition.
“Truly, these supplements are made of herbs, but some may not be safe, especially if you have certain medical conditions or take some medications.
“The best thing is to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements because you cannot be so sure of yourself, “Bello said.
He noted that some common supplements should be taken cautiously.
“The common ginger that people take to ease nausea brought on by surgery, chemotherapy, motion sickness or arthritis should not be taken by someone that has gallstones or take blood thinners.
“This is because ginger can cause problems with blood clotting, heart rhythms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
“The same thing goes for garlic because it thins the blood; though it helps with high blood pressure, treat cold symptoms and lower your cholesterol.
“But it can increase your risk of bleeding if you take blood-thinning medications for heart problems.
“Even the popular aloe vera that is rubbed on a burn or wound to heal it or feel better and some people also take it can cause an abnormal heart rhythm.
“It also may lower your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
“So, it is not enough to use supplements without knowing your health condition so that you won’t end up compounding problems for yourself,” Bello said. (NAN)
BAY/KOLE/MVO
(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Mbadiwe Okwor)