Answers to Am I taking too many supplements?

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Am I taking too many supplements?

I am a 20 year old female and I would like to know if the amount of herbal supplements I am taking daily is safe.

2700mg of Fennel

1740mg of Saw Palmetto Berries

1800mg of Fenugreek

220mg of Wild Yam

If it is not safe to take all of these daily, which ones should I stick with, and which ones should I discontinue taking?

Female | 20 years old
Medications: Birth Control

July 23, 01:26 AM

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Featured Answer

1 UpVoted this answer

Jon Buratti, ND, PhD, Naturopathic Doctor, Burbank

Actually I take a lot more than that but the question here is why are you taking the specific supplements?

If this is what you need it can do no harm because they are food but if you don't need them then there is no purpose.

Inge Wetzel, ND, CNHP

Naturopathic Doctor in Independence, MO

Level: Key Opinion Leader (182)

Website: HealthStudio

July 23, 08:36 PM

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What is your underlying reason to take all that you currently do? As a naturopthic doctor I'd use muscle testing on you to determine your appropriate levels. By recommending blends that have a 50+ year history of supporting health, I hardly ever recommend single herbs for long term care. When taking high amounts of herbs your body may adapt to them and the herbs will not be as effective as when you started them. Most herbs are safe to take but over time the body may not prefer them. My first recommendation for you would be to get muscle tested (or telephone consultation) for any underlying infections and to check out some of my Chinese Systemic formulas to help balance your 5 elements. Best to seek some professional advice over free advice from doctors that aren't familiar with your particulars. Stay well, Dr. Jon

Jon Buratti, ND, PhD,

Naturopathic Doctor in Burbank, CA

Level: Contributor (13)

Website: Paramount Herbs

September 30, 08:33 PM

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Discontinue all of them; and see your Naturopathic Physician to ascertain the problem, so that he/she can recommended the appropriate/proper nutirent suppliments to remedy your situation and/or problem...GOD Bless & Amen!!

George B. Cooper, BSAE, MBA, NMD, CDN, PhD, DD & NDPhys.

Naturopathic Doctor in Ormond Beach, FL

Level: Master Contributor (70)

Website: Family Health Education Center(FHEC)

August 15, 08:09 PM

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you should discontinue all of them. you are taking too much of them individually and counteractive in combination.

you should have a blood test/saliva test and or urine test to see what is body fluids deficiencies and or excesses.

a 20 year old should not be taking palmetto or wild yam.

Ali Meschi, PhD, BCIM

Naturopathic Practitioner in Laguna Hills, CA

Level: Master Contributor (71)

August 07, 10:55 PM

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The safety of the supplements you're taking depends on many things, including your personal medical history, your current symptom picture, and the quality of the products. With the doses/herbs you listed, you're likely effecting some hormone levels, but the question is whether it's suitable to do so. I recommend meeting with a licensed naturopathic doctor who is well-trained in herbal medicine to help provide you with education about each herb and its effect in your body. There may be more suitable treatments, including dietary modification, to help you meet your health goals.

Chrissie Cirovic, ND, ND

Naturopathic Doctor in Seattle, WA

Level: Contributor (5)

July 26, 02:27 AM

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It depends on what the purpose of the supplements as well as the quality of the supplements. Saw Palmetto and Wild Yam in particular can have hormonal effects in the body. A naturopathic doctor can help you determine the correct supplements and herbal support for your specific needs.

Julia Mortlock, ND, LAc

Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist in Vancouver, WA

Level: Contributor (7)

Website: Dr. Julia Mortlock LLC

July 24, 03:54 AM

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Dear young lady,

Life is not as complicated as you seem to make it. We get so many fresh fruits every season all over the country which are packed with so many nutrients to take care of all the needs of our body. Taking supplements is like trying to touch our own nose by taking your hand behind the face and trying to reach it. There are equal or more number of vegetables which are also available for meeting the needs of different processes of making enzymes, digestive juices and making a special sets of vitamins which are not directly available from any food. The vitamins and enzymes which our body makes for our body cannot be matched by even the best supplements sold in the market. The greatest feature is that there is no risk of taking an overdose of any nutrients even if you take a little more of a certain fruits or vegetables. Whereas, you can be assured that there will be dangerous side effects for taking more of the supplements. I have said just the right things for you if you care for the truth. If you feel more attracted to the artificial things while the real foods are available, I do not think any one can help.

Arun Sharma, ND

Naturopathic Doctor in Gilbert, AZ

Level: Top Contributor (36)

July 24, 03:27 AM

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It really depends why you are taking these supplements. The dosage of supplements are based on age, weight, health condition and gender. It is my opinion the dosages you are taking are very high. Wild Yam has no RDA, therefore you should not take it for more than two weeks at a time. Fennel , Saw Palmetto and Fenugreek dosages should be considerably lower.

Margaret Bailey, ND

Naturopathic Practitioner in Jericho, NY

Level: Key Opinion Leader (121)

Website: Nature Well

July 24, 01:28 AM

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These doses should be safe to take. I am curious-why Saw Palmetto? I always recommend using the highest quality herbal supplements. There are a lot on the market, but not all are prepared properly to be potent enough.