She had better go to bed early, for she has to get up to see her doctor tomorrow morning.
She'd better go to bed early, for she has an appointment to see her doctor tomorrow morning.
People taking stimulants from an immune herb will counteract their medication.
Flare-ups could happen without warning, even at modest levels.
According to health care providers, people in these cases are generally best off completely off of ashwagandha to keep their illness stable.
People With Hyperthyroidism or on Thyroid Medication
Some studies show that ashwagandha actually increases levels of thyroid hormones (1).
This might look beneficial to someone with hypothyroidism, but to people with hyperthyroidism or those who are already taking thyroid replacement drugs, it may result in dangerous imbalances.
Thyroid hormones directly affect body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, and energy levels.
Anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, and even more severe cardiac issues can be brought on by an overabundance of thyroid hormone.
So physicians tend not to suggest ashwagandha for anyone who has difficulty regulating thyroid levels or has ever had a sensitive thyroid.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Pregnancy is that special time in life when the body is especially sensitive, and even mild supplements can thus have unforeseen consequences.
Ashwagandha affects hormone levels, as well as processes of emotional stress and the body's immune defenses, and there is not enough quality research to determine its safety during pregnancy or in nursing women (2).
One potential risk attaches to ashwagandha due to a plant pharmacopeia that traditionally regarded it as an emmenagogue.
The data are sparse, however. As a result, most in the medical profession do not take the risk and counsel women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to abstain altogether from using this herb.
Stomach Ulcers or Digestive Sensitivity
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase stomach acid production for some people (3).
It's no problem for most, but those with gastric ulcers, GERD, or chronic digestive inflammation may find that the herb worsens their symptoms.
Some report feeling sick in the stomach, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea with higher dosages.
Some gastroenterologists tell their patients that they cannot take ashwagandha unless the product has been cleared medically.
The resulting discomfort may be minor for some individuals, but it can be seriously punishing for others, depending on what the patient faces.
Preparing for Surgery
Patients preparing for an operation are often told to stop taking anything that might interfere with anesthesia, blood pressure stabilization, or recovery.
Ashwagandha, for instance, could inhibit hormones and decrease stress, all of which would interact strangely with the anesthetics or painkillers given during operations.
Standard medical guidelines recommend that patients stop taking ashwagandha for at least two weeks before surgery.
This allows enough time for the herb to leave a person's body and minimizes the possibility of complications during or immediately following surgical procedures.
Sensitivities to Sedatives or Other Central Nervous System Disorders
Ashwagandha has an effect on the central nervous system, so it can calm individuals and help them drop stress pollution themselves (4).
But for the same reason, people who are particularly subject to sedatives or who have specific kinds of central nervous system illnesses may act inexplicably after doing this.
People who have conditions like severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, or seizure diathesis should not take ashwagandha casually without a doctor's oversight.
It has the ability, depending on the occasion, to either amplify or dampen nervous system responses.
Since there is such a wide variation in brain chemistry from one individual to another, physicians admonish anybody with a pre-existing central nervous system diagnosis to be very cautious.
Matching Drugs: Although it is an herb, ashwagandha can have interactions with drugs.
For example, people taking drugs for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid function, anxiety, or autoimmune diseases must be particularly careful.
Because the pathways used by these drugs may coincide with those activated for ashwagandha to work, giving them together can make the effects even stronger or else make drug efficiency drop off.
Before deciding on supplement use, a doctor will carefully screen the full list of medications a patient is taking.
People taking several medications are often advised not to use ashwagandha because it may not be worthwhile in view of the risk of there sometimes being an interaction that outweighs any possible benefit.
Looking at Your Health History.
Just because ashwagandha is popular doesn't mean it is right for every individual's biology.
Safety depends on diagnosis but also on how your body responds to supplements generally. Some people metabolize herbs faster or more slowly naturally.
Others have as-yet undiagnosed underlying conditions, which nevertheless influence their response.
Listening to your body is essential. If after starting ashwagandha you suddenly notice a rise in anxiety, digestive discomfort, or other unusual symptoms, then stop using it and consult a healthcare provider.
Your body gives out early warning signs that must never be ignored, regardless of the cause.
Applications for Ashwagandha Use That Others Overlook
There are a number of times when ashwagandha is not exactly unsafe but just requires your doctor to give the green light.
For example, someone with a slightly low thyroid could tentatively use ashwagandha in connection with their regular bloodwork monitoring.
If you have fatigue or high levels of stress, then a doctor's guidance might help.
The bottom line is not to cut corners with diagnosis.
Herbs, in fact, play strong roles with the body, and that is why it is necessary to get medical input to make sure use conforms to the body's requirements rather than harms it.
Summary
Ashwagandha is a respected herb that has many potential benefits, but it is not suitable for everyone.
People with an autoimmune condition, thyroid disorder, a conduction barrier in pregnancy or labor, those suffering digestive (gut) illnesses or neurological sensitivities, and people about to undergo surgery should not use it or get individual medical supervision at all times. Get to know your personal health profile, and then go about responsibly taking natural supplements. If in doubt, the safest course of action is always to seek the opinion of a doctor.
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FAQs on The Hidden Risks of Ashwagandha: Who Should Avoid This Popular Herb
Could ashwagandha have side effects?
It can, yes. It might stir your digestion and mess with thyroid levels. Plus, a lack of sleep may occur in certain individuals.
But is ashwagandha safe for long periods of time?
Yet unknown; long-term postmarketing clinical studies are other areas to stand.
Can ashwagandha interact with antidepressants?
This could happen. Please have your medication records reviewed by a healthcare professional.
Am I suitable for ashwagandha?
Consult your doctor about your conditions and treatments, safety.
Does ashwagandha affect hormones?
It is a factor both with cortisol and with thyroid hormones, so it can be unsafe for these groups.
Related Studies
1. Title: Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Thyroid Indices in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients
A randomized placebo-controlled trial found that ashwagandha significantly increased serum T3 and T4 levels in humans, confirming its thyroid-stimulating effect.
DOI: 10.47752/anscb.2024.20.1.5
2. Title: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity Evaluation of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract in Rats
Animal reproductive-toxicity testing showed increased resorption rates and adverse pregnancy outcomes, supporting medical caution for use during pregnancy.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113381
3. Title: Anti-ulcerogenic Activity of Withania somnifera in Stress-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Rats
Research demonstrated that ashwagandha modulates gastric acid secretion and can irritate or influence ulcer formation under stress-induced conditions.
4. Title: Anxiolytic and GABA-Mimetic Activity of Withania somnifera in Experimental Models
This neuropharmacology study found that ashwagandha enhances GABAergic signaling, producing CNS-depressant and sedative effects that may interact with psychiatric conditions or sedatives.
