Are you taking too much medications?

Prescription medications-herbs-vitamins-minerals-etc....

Have any of these questions ever crossed your mind?
  • Am I taking too much medications?
  • Have I been on this medication (or herb or supplement) for too long?
  • Are there any interactions that are occurring between all these that I am not aware of?
  • Am I symptomatic because of potential interactions?
  • I feel like my doctors aren't listening and is just giving me a pill for each of my symptoms?
  • I am seeing multiple doctors and each of them is prescribing me something?
  • I've been doing my own research online and came across a really great article and want to take this supplement. Is it safe for me? Is it safe to take long term? Is it going to be okay for one of my health conditions but possibly make my other health condition worst?

If you've found yourself asking these questions then know that you are not alone! These are very common questions. Let us help you understand your medications, herbs and supplements more clearly. Book an appointment with us so that we can discuss about your concerns (828-999-4800).
Here's an example:

Lisa is taking medications to
  • decrease her blood pressure
  • decrease her cholesterol
  • and to prevent blood clots.
  • She's also heard that there's this really great adrenal support supplement that contains licorice and other herbs that could help with her energy.
  • She also researched and found that fish oil is anti inflammatory, gingko could help with her circulatory system and that niacin can help lower her cholesterol.. Wow! This is awesome! Wait....

Question:
Is it safe for Lisa to add these herbal supplements to her treatment protocol while she's still taking the medications that her doctor has prescribed for her?

Let's briefly review the kinds of things she has to take into consideration before just using the herbs or supplements.


​​Did you know:
  • Did you know that depending on the form of licorice that's used, your blood pressure can be increased?
  • Did you know that depending on the dosage, fish oil can thin your blood?
  • Did you know that depending on the dosage, gingko can thin your blood?
  • Did you know that there are different forms of niacin, one form is better for lowering cholesterol?
  • Did you know that you can get flushing with certain forms of niacin?
  • Did you know that niacin can affect blood sugar metabolism?
  • Did you know that there are therapeutic dosages for these herbs/supplements?

Now, if Lisa didn't know this she may just have self prescribed these supplements. She may not know that her blood is thinning too much based on the interactions between her prescribed medication, fish oil and gingko. She may not know the correct dosage and type of niacin or licorice to take and they may end up adversely affecting her health rather than making her better. 

It's best to be evaluated by a health professional who is trained in both medications and herbs. Book an appointment with us if you have been asking yourself: Am I taking too much medications?