Heart

When you are asked to have a certain operation by a doctor, there are many things to prepare for. Most medical procedures require you to fast for a few hours leading up to surgery. Sometimes, the consumption of certain drugs is still permitted at this time with certain requirements from the doctor. But what you need to pay attention to is, don't carelessly take herbal medicines. Because, there are several herbal supplements that you should avoid before surgery which, if taken by mouth, may increase the risk of complications. Anything?

Why can't you take herbal supplements before surgery?

Many people do not know that there are some herbal supplements that should be avoided when approaching surgery. They assume that all herbal supplements are made from natural ingredients, and do not cause bad effects on the body.

However, the fact is that some herbal supplements are actually dangerous for patients who are about to undergo certain medical actions. Each of these plants has side effects on the body and these can interfere with the recovery period after completion of surgery. Therefore the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that supplement use should be stopped 2-3 weeks before medical surgery is performed.

So, don't be fooled by the natural frills that supplements have. Indeed, not all supplements are bad for the body - and vice versa. If you have a certain medical condition and want to take supplements as a companion to your medication so that you recover quickly, then you should talk to your doctor first.

Then, what herbal supplements should be avoided before medical surgery?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are several herbal plant extracts that are quite dangerous when consumed before surgery, because they are feared to increase the risk of postoperative complications that can be dangerous. Here's the list

Supplements that can cause bleeding problems if taken before surgery:

• Gingko biloba
• Ginseng
• Fish oil
• Garlic extract
• Dong quai

Supplements that can increase the risk of impaired heart function if taken before surgery

• Ginseng
• Kava plant extract
• Echinacea flower

What are the effects of taking these herbal supplements before surgery?

Various supplements that have been previously mentioned have been proven to have an adverse effect on the body of surgery patients. The consumption of these herbal medicines near the time of the operation will cause several body function disorders, such as:

• Reducing the body's ability to clot blood. This creates the risk of bleeding, as the patient's blood cannot clot quickly
• Thins blood, which runs the risk of triggering heavy bleeding during and after surgery
• Slows down blood clotting for postoperative recovery
• Increase the risk of heart disease, such as stroke
• Works in contrast to medical drugs that doctors prescribe. This will make your recovery take longer.
• Lowering blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), for example ginseng extract supplements.

What about after the operation is over, should these herbal supplements also be avoided?

Some of the supplements that have been mentioned earlier, should also be avoided while you are still recovering from surgery. Usually, this supplement should be avoided for approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery. If you are confused, what supplements should be avoided after surgery, then you should ask the doctor who treats you.