In today’s hustle and bustle life, everyone is looking for an easy way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That’s why people often choose to consume supplements to balance their nutrients.

However, consuming too many supplements or mixing different types of supplements can be harmful to your health, and it may increase the chances of getting a stroke. Although supplements are considered to be beneficial for health, and they have become very popular worldwide over the years, mixing supplements can have significant side effects on the body.

What Are Supplements?

Supplements are natural or synthetic products that add to your diet to make up for any deficiencies in your body.

People take supplements for various reasons, such as to maintain good health, to enhance athletic performance, to build muscle, or to improve their immune system. Some of the commonly used supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs, protein powders, and amino acids.

Why Do People Mix Supplements?

People often mix different supplements to get a better result. They believe that taking a combination of supplements can be more beneficial as compared to taking only one supplement.

For example, people often take vitamin D and calcium together to improve their bone density. Others take a combination of herbs to fight against stress and fatigue. Mixing supplements is a common practice, but it can be harmful.

How Mixing Supplements Can Be Harmful?

Mixing supplements can cause a high concentration of vitamins and minerals in the body, which can pose health risks.

Excess intake of vitamins and minerals can lead to various health problems such as headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. Also, excess intake of supplements increases the chances of toxicity in the body, which can lead to kidney and liver damage. This damage may cause a blockage of blood vessels, leading to a stroke.

Which Supplements Increase the Risk of Stroke?

Some supplements increase the risk of stroke, especially when mixed with other supplements or if taken regularly in high doses. Some supplements that are potentially harmful and increase the risk of stroke include:.

1. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is an Asian tree that has been used for centuries to improve memory and cognitive function. It is often used to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, taking ginkgo biloba in high doses can lead to increased bleeding, which can cause a stroke. Taking ginkgo biloba with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin can also increase the risk of bleeding.

2. Ephedra

Ephedra is a herb that is used for weight loss and to improve athletic performance. However, it has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Ephedra has been banned by the FDA since 2004, but some illegal products still contain ephedra.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. However, taking too much vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding and stroke.

Vitamin E has blood-thinning properties, which can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.

4. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a herb that is used to treat depression and anxiety. However, it can interact with other medications and increase the risk of stroke. St.

John’s Wort can increase the effect of blood-thinning medications, which can lead to bleeding and stroke.

5. Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is a highly concentrated form of green tea that is used for weight loss and to improve athletic performance. However, it has been associated with liver damage, kidney damage, and an increased risk of stroke.

Green tea extract contains caffeine, which can increase blood pressure and cause heart palpitations.

Conclusion

Supplements are beneficial for maintaining good health, but they can be harmful when taken in excess or mixed with other supplements.

Mixing supplements increases the risk of stroke, especially if the supplements contain ingredients that can increase bleeding or affect blood pressure. If you are taking supplements, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to prevent any complications.