Taking supplements can be a great way to treat a number of health concerns, from insomnia to hair loss. They can also be helpful in ensuring you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs to thrive. However, not all supplements are as good for you as others.
As it turns out, many supplements are simply ineffective, while others can be downright dangerous, especially if they’re mixed with other medications. For this reason, it’s important to stay educated on the possible risks of any supplements you’re considering adding to your daily routine.
As it turns out, there’s one natural supplement in particular that can lead to negative health effects when taken with certain blood pressure medications: St. John’s Wort. To learn more how St. John’s Wort may be dangerous for people struggling with hypertension, we spoke to nutritionist Trista Best. Read on for all of her expert insight.
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How St. John's Wort Can Worsen High Blood Pressure
While St. John's wort is an herbal supplement commonly used to improve mood and treat mild to moderate depression, Best says you should be wary of this natural remedy if you take medication for high blood pressure. As it turns out, St John's Wort can interfere with certain medications and ultimately worsen the issue.
Best explains that this supplement is known to have adverse effects when taken alongside calcium blockers. While calcium blockers are typically taken to treat hypertension, taking St. John's Wort with them could make matters even worse. "This is because St. John's Wort can interfere with the way the liver metabolizes these medications, leading to higher levels of the drug in the bloodstream and potentially increasing their effects on blood pressure," Best tells us.
It's also important to keep in mind that St. John's Wort often acts a stimulant, similar to caffeine (which can lead to its own share of negative effects). Stimulants frequent lead to a higher heart rate and increased blood pressure. "This effect may be more pronounced in people who already have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions," she says.
Ultimately, while St. John's Wort is generally safe for most individuals, it's always important to consult a doctor before taking new supplements and stay educated on the possible dangers, especially when it comes to how they may interact with any other medications you're currently taking. If you take calcium blockers or other medications for high blood pressure, it's likely best to stay on the safe side and skip the St. John's Wort.
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