Cardiologists divide three supplements that harm the heart and why.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Label on supplement promises big things like weight loss, great skin, shiny hair, and other good health overall. However, some supplements can actually end up harming the body.
To maintain a healthy heart, several things are needed, such as: diet balance, exercise, not smoking, and managing stress. However, choosing to take dietary supplements can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Some supplements are still minimal research on the ingredients contained in them. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) technically regulates the safety of dietary supplements, but that only applies after supplement companies conduct their own safety testing.
Reported Eat This Not That, non-invasive cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital, Dr Ryan Barry, shares three supplements that can cause damage to the heart and a few reasons:
1. Caffeine
Although caffeine is naturally found in coffee and tea, many other products such as energy drinks and pills contain large amounts of caffeine. It is a stimulant used to increase energy, alertness, and possibly promote weight loss.
“Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure which can put more stress on the heart. If there is congenital or undiagnosed heart disease, it can trigger a heart attack. The FDA recommends less than 400 mg of caffeine per day,” says Dr. Barry.
2. Citrus oranges
Citrus aurantium is used as a weight loss supplement. Contains synephrine, which is believed to help with weight loss. Synephrine is similar to ephedrine, found in ephedra, which is now banned in the US.
“It can cause an increase in blood pressure and cause coronary artery spasm, which can lead to a heart attack. Although not currently banned, the FDA found that most Citrus aurantium supplement labeling does not pay attention to the amount of synephrine,” he said.
3. L-arginine
L-arginine is used as a supplement for erectile dysfunction. L-arginine is an amino acid, a building block for protein and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, causing lower blood pressure, increased circulation, and possibly improved erections.
“It can interact with other heart medications, causing an increase or decrease in effectiveness, which may be harmful to heart health. For people who have experienced heart attack in the past, this could lead to complications and possibly other heart attacks,” said Dr Barry.
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