12 Supplements to Avoid and What to Take Instead

In the past, Consumer Reports has run articles about the most dangerous nutritional supplements. I've got my own list of the “bottom 12” supplements. But I like to pair those unsuitable supplements with the natural solutions you can use instead. In each case below, the "Avoid" supplement has undesirable side effects, and the "Take" supplement will give you the same benefits without the side effects.

Avoid: American scullcap      Take: St. John's wort or ginkgo

Avoid: Androstenedione         Take: Glutamine or tyrosine

Avoid: Bitter orange                 Take: Digestive enzyme supplements

Avoid: Chapparal                     Take: Beta glucan

Avoid: Comfrey                         Take: Digestive enzymes

Avoid: Danshen                       Take: Niacin

Avoid: Germander                   Take: Chitosan

Avoid: Gugulipid                      Take: Niacin

Avoid: Kava                               Take: Passion flower

Avoid: Lobelia                           Take: Fish oil, magnesium, and quercetin

Avoid: Pennyroyal oil               Take: Digestive enzymes

Avoid: Yohimbe                         Take: Muira puama or L-arginine

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