Taking supplements can be a great way to ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients your body needs to thrive, or to naturally combat a range of health issues. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all supplements are a good choice for everyone. Being aware of how certain options may impact your body and interact with other medications is crucial to your overall health. As it turns out, if you take medication for high blood pressure, there are a few supplements health experts say you should avoid.
To discover some of the natural supplements you shouldn’t take if you’re already on blood pressure medication, we spoke to health experts Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, and Trista Best, dietitian for Balance One Supplements. They told us that Ginkgo biloba and St. John’s Wort are two you should be wary of, as they can cause adverse effects when combined with certain medications. Learn more below!
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1. Ginkgo biloba
Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's a good option for everyone. According to Richards, such is the case with Ginkgo biloba, an herbal supplement that may have cognitive benefits. She notes that this supplement can interact with certain medications and negatively impact blood pressure.
"Ginkgo biloba can cause blood vessels to dilate or widen, which can increase blood flow and potentially lower blood pressure," Richards explains. While lowering blood pressure doesn't sound inherently bad for anyone struggling with high blood pressure, the issue is the fact that this supplement can "interfere with medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, as these medications work by narrowing blood vessels to lower blood pressure."
In addition to posing a risk for anyone on blood pressure medication, Ginkgo biloba may also be a bad option for people who take blood thinners or having bleeding disorders, as it can also increase the risk of bleeding.
"If someone is taking medications for high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder, taking ginkgo biloba can interfere with the effectiveness of their medications and worsen their condition," Richards concludes.
2. St. John's Wort
Another supplement that could potentially interfere with certain medications and impact blood pressure is St. John's Wort, which Best describes as "an herbal supplement that is commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression."
She tells us that this supplement is known to interact with calcium channel blockers, ultimately causing an increase in blood pressure. "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 explains.
Another potential issue people with high blood pressure should be aware of is the fact that St. John's Wort may also act as a stimulant, which Best notes leads to higher heart rate and blood pressure. "This effect may be more pronounced in people who already have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions," she warns.
The bottom line
Ultimately, it's important to be aware of how any supplements you take—including herbal ones that may seem harmless—can interfere with your medications. If you struggle with high blood pressure and take medication for it, be sure to speak to your doctor before starting any additional supplements.
