- A woman suffered from lead poisoning after consuming infertility pills from a popular form of alternative medicine.
- Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional practice with a lengthy history in India, is generally considered safe.
- However, the lack of regulation in the supplement industry allows for the presence of dangerous contaminants.
A woman from Canada received a lead poisoning diagnosis after repeatedly visiting the emergency room for symptoms like pain and nausea. These symptoms were caused by pills she had taken as an alternative medicine for infertility treatment.
Over a span of six weeks, the 39-year-old patient visited the hospital three times, and initially, doctors couldn’t identify the source of her symptoms. However, during follow-up appointments, she mentioned experiencing shortness of breath, headaches, and tinnitus.
Further tests revealed that the level of lead in her blood was more than 25 times the normal amount, which explained her symptoms. Initially, it was unclear where the lead came from since the patient hadn’t been exposed to common sources such as paint, pipes, or scrap metal at home or work.
The woman eventually revealed that she had been using Ayurvedic medicine to treat her infertility, consuming up to twelve pills daily for a year. Her symptoms improved after she ceased taking the pills and completed treatment for lead poisoning.
The ancient healing system of Ayurveda and its modern implications
Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional practice dating back 5,000 years in India, aims to restore the body’s natural balance through strategies like herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle habits.
While Ayurveda has influenced many trendy practices in the wellness industry, it’s important to consider these practices within their original context. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian have endorsed Ayurvedic-inspired cleanses, diets, supplements, and tools. Despite some misconceptions about Ayurveda as a type of “folk medicine,” it can be beneficial when used appropriately, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
However, in this case study, the Ayurvedic pills consumed by the woman were strongly implicated in her lead poisoning.
Subsequent investigations by a local public health agency revealed detectable levels of lead and mercury in the Ayurvedic products provided by the clinic. The products also contained substances, such as birth control pills and corticosteroids, that typically require a prescription.
Exercise caution when using supplements — unknown ingredients and doses pose risks
Ayurvedic medicines are not subject to the same regulatory standards as prescription medications and are part of the poorly-regulated supplement industry. Some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain potentially hazardous heavy metals, either due to contamination or their intended therapeutic effects.
Supplements outside of Ayurvedic medicine can also be risky due to the lack of oversight, making it challenging to determine the ingredients and dosages accurately.
Previous warnings from doctors have highlighted the risk of liver damage from excessive supplement consumption. Additionally, combining supplements with prescription medications can lead to severe health issues.
Lead poisoning, in particular, poses significant health risks, including pain, high blood pressure, reproductive problems, and neurological issues. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure, which can cause developmental delays and hearing loss.
Typically, environmental exposure to lead occurs through everyday objects like paint, pipes, water, and contaminated food. The health effects worsen as lead accumulates in the body over time.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
