Herbs, botanicals, and dietary supplements can contain potent chemicals, and should be taken with the same care as you would a prescription from your doctor.

We at XsportsNutrition.com encourage you to speak to your health care provider about each dietary supplement you are taking (including simple vitamins!) Many herbs and botanicals, as well as natural dietary supplements, can interfere with prescription medicines, or cause negative reactions. Certain medical conditions and allergies can also cause negative reactions with dietary supplement use.

Many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Taking a combination of supplements, using these products together with medicine, or substituting them in place of prescribed medicines could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results.

Also, some supplements can have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. It is important to let your doctor and other health professionals know about the vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other products you are taking, especially before surgery.