Supplements and Surgery Don't Mix

Some nutritional supplements can affect bleeding and recovery after surgery.
Stop taking these supplements two days before surgery...

• Echinacea, an immunity-boosting supplement, may interfere with certain drugs and slow wound healing.
• Ginkgo regulates blood flow and enhances memory, but it may cause excessive bleeding.
• Kava calms nerves and encourages sleep -- but it may intensify the sedative effects of anesthesia.

Stop taking these supplements seven days before surgery...

• Fish oil contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it can cause excessive bleeding.
• Garlic reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol, but it also may cause excessive bleeding.
• Ginseng stimulates the immune system and improves energy, but it can cause rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, excessive bleeding and low blood sugar levels.
• St. John's wort helps ease depression, but it also may increase or decrease the strength of certain drugs.

Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD University of Chicago