Unsupervised supplements and self-medication risk heart, body, mind, doctor warns
It's also important to check the medicine's credibility
In today's fast-paced world, we often choose quick fixes that seem to offer immediate relief and convenience.
However, relying on online misinformation and overusing popular supplements can pose health risks, especially in places like India where self-treatment is common and oversight is minimal.
As the popularity of these products grows, what seems like a harmless shortcut can quickly become a significant health issue, making professional medical advice very important.
"Dietary supplements have become a go-to for enhancing health quickly, promising benefits like rapid fat loss, muscle growth, a natural boost to immunity, increased energy, and overall well-being. Using supplements without supervision could harm both the body and mind," explains Dr. Simon Thomas, expert in Robotic Joint Replacements & Orthopaedics at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, while speaking with Health Shots.
As per a recent study in StatPearls, young Indians frequently taking unsupervised supplements for zinc deficiency, hair issues, or body pain reported problems like nausea, rashes, liver enzyme imbalance, kidney stones, and stomach upset.
A study in Drugs in Context noted a post-pandemic trend among Indians in their 30s to turn to multivitamins and gummies for virus symptoms.
Dr. Thomas observes, "These unsupervised supplements can become silent health hazards, causing issues like organ damage and kidney stones."
In India's healthcare sector, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used.
The prevalent use of seemingly self-prescribed medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, aceclofenac, and diclofenac poses serious risks, especially to the vulnerable.
While these rapid relief drugs temporarily ease common ailments like headaches and body pain, overuse can lead to hidden health threats.
Dr. Thomas notes, “Frequent use of NSAIDs and combination drugs has silently damaged vital organs of numerous patients. These quick solutions strain the immune and digestive systems, leading to kidney and liver issues and gastrointestinal bleeding. Doctors warn that self-medicating could conceal underlying conditions and result in preventable serious organ damage.”
Additionally, long-term use of supplements can affect heart health by increasing blood pressure and raising the risk of strokes, underscoring the dangers of prioritising short-term relief over lasting health.
Therefore, it is recommended to take these medicines only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
It's also important to check the medicine's credibility, as not all popular supplements are safe or effective. Understanding these risks and consulting with medical experts before starting any supplement is crucial for safe usage.