Additional Coverage:
- A doctor shares the 7 supplements he takes a day to reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease, and support metabolism (businessinsider.com)
Supplements: Helpful or Harmful? A Liver Doctor’s Perspective
Supplements are often touted for their potential health benefits, from boosting fitness to promoting longevity. However, using them incorrectly can lead to serious health issues, especially liver damage.
One expert, Dr. Gareth Morris-Stiff, a former surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, stresses the importance of choosing the right combination of supplements to avoid adverse effects.
While many believe natural supplements like herbs are inherently safe, research suggests they contribute to a significant portion of liver toxicity cases in the US. Dr. Morris-Stiff acknowledges the potential risks but also emphasizes the valuable benefits of supplements, including those rooted in traditional practices like Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
The key, according to Dr. Morris-Stiff, lies in selecting the right supplements for individual needs and avoiding excessive intake or dangerous combinations with medications.
He recounts a case where a patient developed liver complications due to mixing various medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. Even individually beneficial substances can overwhelm the liver’s detoxification system when combined.
He recommends checking resources like the National Library of Medicine for safety information and consulting a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
Dr. Morris-Stiff shares his personal supplement routine as an example:
- Curcumin/Turmeric: A staple in his routine for over a decade, curcumin boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. He uses a supplement blend containing turmeric and other beneficial ingredients.
- Vitamin D: Taking a multivitamin with 5,000 units of vitamin D daily, Dr.
Morris-Stiff highlights the role of vitamin D in immune function. He advises consulting a doctor to determine appropriate dosage based on individual needs.
- Selenium: This antioxidant mineral helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Dr. Morris-Stiff supplements with 200 micrograms daily.
- Zinc: Included in his daily multivitamin, zinc plays a crucial role in metabolic health and cell development.
- Magnesium: Dr. Morris-Stiff takes 1,000 milligrams of magnesium daily for sleep and heart health.
- Fatty Acids: He regularly includes omega-3s and C15:0, fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory effects and potential to reduce the risk of various health issues.
- Probiotics: Consuming kefir and kombucha daily, Dr. Morris-Stiff emphasizes the importance of gut health for overall well-being.
Dr. Morris-Stiff advocates for a holistic approach to health, suggesting that addressing overall well-being can be more effective than treating individual ailments.