Heart disease is a prevalent concern among Americans, prompting a desire to take extra steps to protect heart health. While supplements might appear to be an easy solution, certain ones can actually be counterproductive. For instance, although nutrients like vitamin E are generally beneficial, the excessive amounts found in supplements can be harmful to the heart.
If you have a preexisting heart condition or are at a high risk of cardiovascular disease, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements. Nutrition experts advise caution with supplements that could jeopardize heart health. Below, we delve into some of these supplements and the reasons for their potential risks.
Vitamin E: Although it acts as an antioxidant, high doses can increase the risk of heart failure and hemorrhagic stroke, prompting the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to advise against its supplementation. Opt for foods rich in vitamin E, like nuts and green veggies.
Calcium: While it’s essential for bone health, supplements may raise heart disease risk in postmenopausal women due to potential arterial calcification. Consider natural sources such as dairy and leafy greens instead.
Energy or Weight Loss Supplements: Often containing stimulants, these supplements can strain the cardiovascular system, raising blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-Carotene: Useful in small dietary amounts, high-dose supplements increase cardiovascular risks, particularly for smokers.
Licorice Supplements: Containing glycyrrhizin, these can lead to sodium retention and high blood pressure, especially dangerous for those already hypertensive.
Red Yeast Rice: Marketed for lowering cholesterol, it can cause damage to muscles, kidneys, and liver due to its active ingredient, monacolin K, akin to the drug lovastatin.
Fostering heart health is achievable through more holistic approaches: staying active, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. Before starting any supplement, engage in a conversation with a healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Vocabulary List:
- Cardiovascular /ˌkɑːr.di.oʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/ (adjective): Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
- Antioxidant /ˌæn.tiˈɑː.ɪk.sɪ.dənt/ (noun): A substance that inhibits oxidation and can help protect cells from damage.
- Hemorrhagic /ˌhɛm.əˈrædʒ.ɪk/ (adjective): Relating to or resulting from a hemorrhage or excessive bleeding.
- Hypertensive /ˌhaɪ.pərˈtɛn.sɪv/ (adjective): Relating to or suffering from high blood pressure.
- Calcification /ˌkæl.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The accumulation of calcium salts in body tissue which can lead to hardening and loss of function.
- Supplementation /ˌsʌp.lɪ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The process of adding an extra element or amount to something particularly to enhance its value or effectiveness.
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