Risks of Natural Health Products

Think echinacea or garlic can only work wonders for your health? Think again.

Did you mention your daily dose of extra-potent vitamins and minerals to your doctor the last time you had to take prescription medication? Be careful about that --- certain combinations of compounds can be hazardous to your health, whether they're completely natural or man-made.

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that natural health products may be effective, but they're harmful when mixed with prescription meds. People don't realize that the combination of something natural and seemingly "harmless" (garlic, St. John's wort) with prescribed drugs could cause reactions such as rashes, headaches, or worse.

Pharmacists report that only 5% of people filling their prescription ask about potential drug interactions.

Rise above the crowd, mate. Find out if your super duper vitamins and minerals could negate your meds, or even combine to be dangerous to your health.