“In this era of pursuing "biohacking," many tech enthusiasts and office workers enjoy monitoring their blood pressure, heart rate, and sleep quality through smart wearable devices. However, when data shows elevated blood pressure, many people's first instinct isn't to make a doctor's appointment but to search online for "natural supplements" in an attempt at self-healing. But beware!"Natural" doesn't necessarily mean "harmless." Sometimes what you think is promoting wellness is actually inviting trouble.According to the latest report from Health.com, for individuals with hypertension—often referred to as victims of the "silent killer"—certain dietary supplements are wolves in sheep's clothing. If you regularly take blood pressure medication yet indiscriminately consume supplements, beware: their effectiveness may be compromised, or worse, interactions could lead to serious complications.Below, we've compiled five supplement landmines that hypertension patients must strictly avoid. Don't wait until your body "protests" before regretting it.
1. Licorice Root: More Than Just Candy
Many people think licorice is just a sweet treat or an ingredient in throat lozenges—nothing to worry about. But from a medical perspective, licorice root contains a compound called "glycyrrhizin," which causes the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium. What happens then? Your blood pressure shoots up like a kite that's lost its string, and it can also lead to edema.
- Author's Perspective: In Taiwan, licorice is commonly found in many Chinese herbal formulas or braised food seasoning packets. If you already have high blood pressure, don't assume it's natural and start "eating it casually." Overconsumption can genuinely send your blood pressure skyrocketing to dizzying heights.
2. St. John's Wort: The Roadblock to Medicinal Efficacy
St. John's Wort is commonly used in the West to alleviate mild depression, but in the worlds of technology and medicine, it's notorious as a "drug-interfering king." It induces enzymes in the liver that accelerate drug metabolism. This means your blood pressure medication is flushed down the drain before it even has a chance to take effect.
- Author's View: While this supplement isn't mainstream in Taiwan, it's readily available on cross-border e-commerce platforms. If you're taking diuretics or calcium channel blockers, don't gamble with your cardiovascular health. Otherwise, if your medication becomes ineffective and your blood pressure spikes, it's no laughing matter.
3. Ginseng: A Powerful Tonics or a Serious Drain on Vitality?
Elders often say, "If you lack energy, take ginseng." But in the world of hypertension, ginseng is a highly controversial substance. While some studies suggest it promotes health, for certain individuals it acts like a stimulant, directly raising blood pressure or interfering with antihypertensive medications. Especially red ginseng, beloved by Asians—overindulging can make you feel so "hot-blooded" it becomes unbearable.
- Author's Perspective: Don't assume that ginseng gift boxes from elders are "well-intentioned" and accept them without question. For hypertensive patients, taking them without consulting a doctor is like "pouring oil on the fire."
4. Bitter Orange and Synephrine: The Trap in Weight-Loss Drugs
Many so-called "fat-burning" and "metabolism-boosting" tech-based weight loss products contain bitter orange extract. Its chemical structure closely resembles ephedrine, a substance previously banned for its ability to accelerate heart rate and constrict blood vessels. For individuals already dealing with high blood pressure, this is akin to placing a tightening spell on their heart.
- The author's view: Modern people love beauty and seek shortcuts to weight loss through health supplements. But if slimming down leads to skyrocketing blood pressure or even a stroke, that's truly a case of "losing both the wife and the army"—a losing proposition!
5. High-Dose Caffeine and Ephedra-Like Ingredients (Caffeine/Ephedra): Overload Warning for the Heart
Many energy drinks or pre-workout powders contain shockingly high doses of caffeine. While caffeine can make you feel wide awake, it also causes blood vessels to constrict sharply for a short time. If you're also taking cold medicine containing pseudoephedrine, the combined effect could send your blood pressure skyrocketing—guaranteed to make you jump out of your skin.
- Author's Perspective: The tech industry is high-pressure, and drinking coffee like water is commonplace. But if you already have a history of hypertension, you must exercise extreme caution with these stimulants—don't let your heart burn out like an overclocked CPU.
Health Literacy for Tech Professionals: Beyond Data, Seek Expert Advice
We live in an era of information overload. While tracking health data through apps is convenient, never assume you can become an "underground doctor." Managing hypertension is a highly precise and personalized process. Everyone's constitution is different, and the effects of supplements can vary dramatically from person to person.The smartest approach is this: Before trying any new supplements, grab your prescription list and consult your pharmacist or primary care physician. Don't be stubborn, thinking natural must be better; and definitely don't blindly follow online recommendations. Remember, managing blood pressure is a marathon—stability is key. Don't risk an early exit from life for the sake of short-term "supercharging."In summary: Health management also requires "debugging." If your blood pressure readings persistently remain high, beyond reviewing your diet and routine, take a closer look at your skincare regimen—could it be harboring these "unhelpful ingredients"? Discontinue unsuitable supplements promptly to prevent your wellness plan from having to start over from scratch.”
