Herbals and supplements

Herbals and supplements Homeopathic products Adults Seniors
Tejocote root: An ineffective weight-loss supplement with toxic effects
Tejocote root is a supplement marketed for weight loss. It contains pectin, which could reduce appetite by promoting early satiety, although no research has demonstrated this. It also contains compounds that mimic digoxin, an older medicine used to treat irregular heart rates. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, and low serum potassium. Many tejocote products are contaminated with yellow oleander, which poisons the heart and is potentially lethal. Toxicity includes vomiting, serious arrhythmias, lethargy, coma, and seizures.
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Herbals and supplements Homeopathic products Seniors Adults Teens
Can you overdose on magnesium?
Magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function, bone health, heart rhythm, and other body processes. It is in food, laxatives, antacids, and supplements. Overdoses can occur from repeated use of too high a dose or a single large dose. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, stomachache, vomiting, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, lethargy, coma, and stopped breathing or heartbeat.
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Herbals and supplements Caffeine and stimulants Food and drink Preteens Seniors Adults Teens
Boosting your strength with creatine: Is it safe?
Creatine is used to improve athletic performance and increase muscle mass. It is safe for healthy people but is not recommended if you have liver or kidney disease or uncontrolled hypertension. It is also not recommended in teens until there are further studies. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and mild weight gain.
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Herbals and supplements Adults Seniors Teens
Burn fat. Burn your liver? The risks of Albutarex V2
Albutarex V2 is a thermogenic dietary supplement. There is no evidence that it promotes weight loss. It is not safe. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, headache, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, fainting, seizures, and elevated pulse and blood pressure. Severe liver and cardiac toxicity can also occur.
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Herbals and supplements Homeopathic products Caffeine and stimulants Seniors Adults Teens
Can nootropics maximize your cognitive performance?
A nootropic is a substance that improves cognitive function or delays cognitive decline. Among the many substances sold as nootropics, we only have scientific evidence for prescription medication, caffeine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Side effects vary but may involve gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems.
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Herbals and supplements Medication safety Teens Seniors Adults
Phenibut: A recreational drug with abuse potential
Phenibut is used for anxiety and cognitive enhancement. It is not FDA-approved but is sold online. Common side effects include confusion, lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and balance problems. Tolerance and physical dependence can develop within a relatively short time of use. Abruptly stopping can cause life-threatening withdrawal.
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Medication safety Medicine Herbals and supplements Adults Seniors Teens
What are myostatin inhibitors?
Myostatin inhibitors block the activity of myostatin in the body, resulting in increased muscle mass. Clinical trials are investigating if they will benefit people with muscle-wasting illnesses. It is unclear if they work, and they are not FDA-approved. Potential risks include weakened tendons, reduced bone density, muscle spasms, bleeding disorders, and both vascular and cardiac damage.
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Herbals and supplements Teens Adults
Are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) safe?
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are used for their anabolic effects and have fewer side effects than traditional androgens. They are illegal but can be bought online. Athletes use high doses for extended periods for body building and performance enhancement. Serious harmful effects include liver injury, cardiac toxicity, hormone suppression, psychological effects, and increased risk of tendon rupture.
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Herbals and supplements Homeopathic products Teens Adults
What you need to know about the honey eye drop trend
Honey eye drops have recently gained popularity and have been touted to treat a variety of eye conditions, such as floaters, inflammation, cataracts, and glaucoma. Application of honey eye drops can not only be painful, but may cause damage to the eye.
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Herbals and supplements Pregnant and nursing
Safe treatments for morning sickness?
Morning sickness is common during pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for some women. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available, including both prescription and non-prescription medications.
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