Combining weight loss medications with certain supplements can lead to negative interactions or more dangerous side effects than when used individually. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the seven supplements that should be avoided while taking the weight loss drugs mentioned in the following article.
1. St. John’s Wort Supplement
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John’s Wort, can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. This supplement is often used to treat mild depression. However, St. John’s Wort may cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to sunlight, and interactions with many other medications.
In particular, when used in conjunction with weight loss drugs, it can reduce the concentration of the medication in the body, leading to decreased effectiveness of many weight loss drugs.
St. John’s Wort Supplement
2. Green Tea Extract
Although green tea is known for its numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and aiding weight loss, combining it with certain weight loss drugs can lead to dangerous side effects.
The high caffeine content in green tea can interact with stimulant weight loss drugs, increasing side effects such as restlessness, sleep disturbances, and elevated blood pressure.
Therefore, caution is advised when consuming green tea with any weight loss medication, especially stimulants.
Green Tea Extract
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the body, offering a range of health benefits such as boosting immunity and improving bone, joint, and blood vessel health… However, simultaneous use of vitamin C with certain peptide weight loss drugs can lead to unwanted interactions.
Vitamin C can increase acid levels in the stomach, leading to acid reflux, a common side effect associated with peptide weight loss medications.
Vitamin C
4. Bitter Orange
Bitter orange supplements, commonly found in over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss products, can lead to dangerous interactions when combined with certain prescription weight loss drugs, especially those containing stimulants.
Some serious cardiovascular side effects include: High blood pressure, increased heart rate, arrhythmias, and heart attacks…
Bitter Orange
5. Turmeric
While turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the use of turmeric or curcumin supplements alongside weight loss drugs can lead to dangerous interactions.
Similar to vitamin C, turmeric can increase acid levels in the stomach, causing acid reflux, a common side effect of weight loss medications.
Turmeric may inhibit the enzyme DPP-4, which enhances GLP-1 breakdown. This can make the weight loss drug stronger or longer-lasting, leading to more side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Turmeric
6. Activated Charcoal and Clay Supplements
Activated charcoal and clay are known for their digestive benefits, helping with gas and bloating. Some people use them to remove toxins from the body, although the effectiveness of this approach is controversial.
However, combining activated charcoal, clay, or other detox binders with weight loss drugs can lead to dangerous interactions such as drawing water out of the intestines, resulting in constipation.
Activated Charcoal and Clay Supplements
7. Butyrate
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced in the body when gut bacteria break down soluble fiber. Natural food sources rich in butyrate include butter, parmesan cheese, and yogurt. However, some people opt to take butyrate supplements.
It is important to note that butyrate may interact with certain weight loss drugs, particularly those in the group known as GLP-1 agonists, such as ozempic or wegovy.
Butyrate
Using dietary supplements to support health and weight loss can offer benefits, but it is crucial to be mindful of potential interactions with weight loss drugs. Some supplements may reduce the effectiveness of medications or exacerbate their side effects.
Source: Health and Life Newspaper
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