DEAR DR. BLONZ: I read with interest your answers about herbal supplements and drug interactions, in which you encouraged the patient to touch base with his or her physician (March 5, 2024). Well, none of the physicians I've approached with these questions know much about it, so they are not much help. I suggest you not assume that physicians know or care about herbal/pharmaceutical interactions -- my doctors are clueless. Many in my circle of friends take herbal supplements along with long lists of medications. This could be dangerous. -- B.A., Phoenix
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DEAR B.A.: Thank you for your letter, which points out a definite problem. An understanding of herbs, supplements and alternative medicines and how they interact with prescription medications is not necessarily common among physicians. But we are now seeing some improvement. The medical literature has been expanding its coverage of alt-med topics, and schools of medicine and pharmacy are now doing more to expand education in these areas. However, it is incumbent on us to demand answers from the health professionals entrusted with our care.
While I am a trained nutrition-biochemical scientist who reads the research, I am not a medical doctor and cannot provide medical advice. As such, I am legally obligated to advise that medical questions be addressed with doctors, who are charged -- and licensed -- to provide medical guidance.
In my columns, I endeavor to provide information and perspective, and I include links to sites with additional information when possible. My advice to consult one's doctor is essential. Even if I were a licensed physician, diagnosing and recommending treatments based only on what's presented in a typical email question is ill-advised and risky.
We must be prepared to advocate for ourselves. This includes doing our homework and seeking evidence-based information from reliable sources -- be wary of "miracle" treatments promoted on social media. When seeing your health professional, come prepared with information and plan to have an active dialogue. Always inform your doctor and your pharmacist of what supplements you are taking in addition to your prescribed medications. Finally, we must be willing to accept responsibility whenever we choose to act independently.
Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.