Supplements can help treat a variety of health problems, but some treat one while creating another, and others are band-aid solutions for bigger problems. Read on to learn which supplements you should avoid.
Antioxidant Supplements (Beta-Carotine, Selenium, and Vitamin E)
Antioxidant supplements are the most important supplements to avoid because they can give you cancer.
In this study, more antioxidants were actually shown to speed up lung cancer progression in mice.
According to the researcher,
“If we give extra antioxidants in the diet, we’re helping the tumor to reduce radicals that would otherwise block its growth.”
This is especially important for people at an increased risk of cancer, such as smokers. In this study from the New England Journal of Medicine in 1994, male smokers who took beta-carotene supplements were more likely do die of lung cancer than those who did not.
This same effect was also shown with other antioxidant supplements, and an increased risk of other cancers.
This does not mean that you want a diet that does not include antioxidants from fruits and vegetables because they keep oxidative stress within the body at a manageable level, which slows down ageing and prevents major health problems.
More of a good thing is not better.
BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids)
In this study, higher levels of Branch Chain Amino Acids caused insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is the major cause of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes.
Amalaki, or Indian Gooseberry, enhances protein synthesis, supports lean muscle mass, improves nutrient absorption and has a wide range of other health benefits, so take that instead.
Conventional Protein Powders
Conventional protein powders containing any sweetener apart from stevia are definitely supplements to avoid. In this study, Acelsulfame K showed “deleterious effects on cognitive memory-related functions.”
Some of the most popular protein powders on the market (including Optimum Nutrition) contain this.
In another study, Acelsulfame K disturbed mice’s gut microbiome.
Digestive Enzymes
Many claim to feel better after taking digestive enzyme supplements, but when they stop taking them, their digestive problems return.
They just mask the real issues that are caused by processed food, pesticides, pollution and stress because our bodies weren’t meant to deal with so many toxins on a daily basis.
Over time, these toxins can build up and congest the liver, gallbladder, bile, and pancreatic enzyme ducts.
This congestion can weaken digestion and eventually cause food intolerances.
How to increase your body’s digestive strength the right way:
- Eat more bile-movers, such as celery, apples, raw beets, artichokes, and leafy greens.
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Mix and drink every morning or night on an empty stomach for 1 month. This will exercise the liver and gallbladder, while supporting healthy bile flow in the bile and pancreatic ducts.
- Take turmeric.
- Drink a large glass of water 15-20 minutes before your meals. This will super-hydrate your stomach, encouraging it to produce more hydrochloric acid and increasing the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes.
In Conclusion
The supplement business is just that, a business. They’ve done a good job at convincing people they need things they don’t.
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