Many people in traditional medicine practices had used Ashwagandha for centuries until recent years when the wellness community began to take a substantial interest in this herb.
Many people use Ashwagandha to reduce stress and boost energy because of its well-known benefits in promoting natural health improvement.
People should recognize that the health advantages of Ashwagandha only apply to certain individuals.
The following article reviews Ashwagandha's safety risks with evidence that should prompt you to avoid using it.
What Is Ashwagandha and Why Is It Popular?
Ashwagandha represents a very powerful adaptogen known as Withania somnifera.
Natural substances, together with herbal adaptogens, help regulate body processes while assisting the system in managing stress during bodily disruption.
Resources in Ayurvedic cultures have valued Ashwagandha for over a thousand years because it addresses multiple health concerns like stress and fatigue together with anxiety symptoms.
Ashwagandha is a widely advertised plant-based tool for increasing energy output and improving mental awareness and sleeping conditions.
Why You Shouldn't Take Ashwagandha: Key Risks to Know
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with ashwagandha before incorporating it into your daily routine.
Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha
Most individuals can use Ashwagandha without major safety concerns, but they should be aware of possible adverse effects.
Several ashwagandha users develop digestive problems leading to stomach discomfort and diarrhea together with occasional nausea symptoms (1).
The unwanted side effects of Ashwagandha use typically remain small yet produce unpleasant sensations in some users.
Large dose consumption of Ashwagandha leads to headaches or dizziness in specific users.
Begin with a small dose of Ashwagandha for people with gastrointestinal problems to track adverse body responses.
Ashwagandha and Hormonal Imbalances
The use of Ashwagandha raises substantial worries about its hormone-modulating effects.
Ashwagandha interacts with thyroid function to the extent that it creates challenges for people suffering from thyroid disorders.
Studies demonstrate that Ashwagandha leads to elevated thyroid hormone amounts in certain cases, thus potentially making hyperthyroidism worse (2).
The use of Ashwagandha requires medical consultation for patients who have hypothyroidism or any other thyroid issue.
The hormone elevation effects of Ashwagandha may influence the development of breast cancer in addition to uterine cancer and prostate cancer.
It becomes essential for people with these conditions to stay away from ashwagandha treatment unless their physician approves its use.
Interactions with Medications
People should exercise caution because Ashwagandha produces interactions with many different types of medication.
People who receive depression or anxiety medication or sleep disorder treatment must use extreme care with ashwagandha supplementation.
Ashwagandha produces sedative properties that may increase medication effects, thus causing strong drowsiness or sedation.
Individuals who take blood pressure medicines need to exercise alertness regarding Ashwagandha because it can reduce their blood pressure levels.
People taking immunosuppressive drugs should not use Ashwagandha because the immune stimulation from Ashwagandha will affect their medications.
You must seek advice from your healthcare provider about starting new supplements, particularly if you are taking prescription medications.
Risks for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Research regarding ashwagandha safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding weakly exists at present.
Most medical practitioners advise that pregnant patients should not take Ashwagandha as a preventive measure.
Research indicates that Ashwagandha induces uterine contractions during pregnancy, thus potentially leading to miscarriages (3).
Due to insufficient research regarding ashwagandha safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it makes more sense to stay away from this supplement.
Potential users of Ashwagandha who have either pregnancy or breastfeeding status should discuss risk evaluation with their healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid Taking Ashwagandha?
Many individuals see benefits from ashwagandha supplements, although the supplement remains unsuitable for particular groups of people.
People with particular medical conditions and patients taking particular treatments need to refrain from using Ashwagandha.
People with Specific Health Conditions
People who have autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis should select alternative options to Ashwagandha (4).
Ashwagandha contains immune-boosting agents, which potentially activate the immune system and intensify symptoms of autoimmune disorders.
Persons with naturally low blood pressure need to exercise medical caution when taking Ashwagandha, as the supplement has blood pressure-lowering effects.
Consulting your healthcare provider about using Ashwagandha is essential for anyone with these health problems.
Individuals on Certain Medications
Ashwagandha might modify the functioning of drugs prescribed for anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders currently in your system.
Patients should take safety measures on medication that affects thyroid function, blood sugar, or blood pressure levels (5).
Getting medical advice from your doctor about ashwagandha usage becomes necessary when you take continuous medications affecting the nervous or immune systems.
People with Sensitive Stomachs
The use of Ashwagandha should be avoided by persons who experience stomach sensitivity or digestive problems.
Ashwagandha shows good tolerance to the body, yet some users report experiencing diarrhea as well as stomach cramps and nausea after intake.
People with stomach sensitivities should start another supplement treatment or consult their doctor about lower dosage amounts to seek reduced side effect relief.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ashwagandha?
Regular users of Ashwagandha who discontinue its usage tend to notice minor modifications in their health status.
Immediate Effects of Discontinuing Ashwagandha
People use Ashwagandha to bring relaxation to their bodies because of its established benefits against stress and anxiety.
When you discontinue using ashwagandha treatment, you may experience increased anxiety levels because your body needs time to adjust.
Sleep difficulties, along with disturbed sleep patterns, can occur for individuals who stop taking Ashwagandha as their sleep support medication.
Your ashwagandha supplement duration and dose level determine the distinctive rapid effects you could experience.
Long-Term Impact of Stopping Ashwagandha
Prolonged use of Ashwagandha for managing stress and boosting energy levels will result in noticeable degradation of your health state after cessation.
Those who stop using Ashwagandha will probably experience increased stress and fatigue because its adaptogenic properties provide protective benefits.
When your system adjusts to operating without supplement use, the temporary symptoms you experience should disappear.
How to Safely Discontinue Ashwagandha
Leaving ashwagandha intake should be accomplished through gradual dose reduction instead of abrupt termination.
A gradual decrease in medication dosage will protect your body from negative outcomes as your system adapts.
Before stopping any supplement consumption, you should talk to your healthcare provider, particularly if the usage has exceeded several months.
Does Ashwagandha Present a Safe Use Condition for People Without Health Issues?
Without existing health issues, most people can consume Ashwagandha safely, although they should control their intake amount.
The benefits come with avoiding over-usage and reviewing personal health requirements.
Potential Benefits for "Normal" People
Healthful people who do not have existing medical issues might find beneficial effects when using Ashwagandha either to manage stress symptoms or gain more energy.
It is necessary to monitor the effects of supplements on your body and prevent overdosing of the supplement.
Moderate therapeutics of Ashwagandha help you gain advantages from this substance while preventing hostile reactions in your body.
The Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Provider
When planning to consume Ashwagandha, you should speak with your healthcare provider even if you currently have no medical issues.
Your healthcare provider needs to check whether this supplement matches your health conditions and any medications you are currently taking.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha is an effective natural supplement that might work well for most individuals yet lacks suitability for everyone.
Ashwagandha has health advantages, including stress relief, enhanced sleep quality, and increased energy, but these benefits are accompanied by dangerous elements doctors must consider.
Before starting Ashwagandha, you should inspect your health condition and all medications and supplements reasons.
Before Ashwagandha is used, it is necessary to get professional medical approval from a healthcare provider.
You can experience the advantages of Ashwagandha after using it with proper caution to avoid adverse reactions.
⚠️ Thinking about ashwagandha? Know the truth behind its risks. Stay informed and stay healthy! 💡
FAQs on Why You Shouldn't Take Ashwagandha
Why don't doctors recommend Ashwagandha?
Doctors may not recommend Ashwagandha due to the lack of long-term studies and its potential interactions with medications. Additionally, its effects on specific health conditions, like thyroid disorders, may make it unsuitable for certain individuals.
Who should avoid taking Ashwagandha?
People with autoimmune diseases, thyroid issues, or digestive sensitivities should avoid Ashwagandha. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also refrain from taking it due to a lack of safety data.
Is it safe for normal people to take Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha can be safe when taken in moderation for healthy individuals without underlying health conditions. However, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good idea.
What happens when you stop taking Ashwagandha?
Discontinuing Ashwagandha may lead to a temporary increase in stress or fatigue as your body adjusts. These effects usually subside after a short period.
How do I know if Ashwagandha is right for me?
To determine if Ashwagandha is right for you, assess your health conditions and medications and consult your healthcare provider. They can help you make an informed decision.
Related Studies
1. Title: Harder, better, faster, stronger? Retrospective chart review of adverse events associated with adaptogens and antidepressant drug interactions
This retrospective review identified side effects linked to Ashwagandha use, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea, as well as headaches and myalgia, especially when combined with antidepressants, highlighting the importance of monitoring for digestive and neurological adverse effects.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37829299/
2. Title: Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that 8 weeks of Ashwagandha root extract (600 mg daily) significantly normalized serum thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, suggesting its potential benefit in thyroid hormone regulation.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28829155/
3. Title: Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Fact Sheet
This authoritative fact sheet states that Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks such as uterine contractions and miscarriage, and it is not recommended for breastfeeding women because of insufficient safety data
Link: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
4. Title: Ashwagandha: MedlinePlus Supplements Information
Ashwagandha may exacerbate autoimmune diseases due to its immune-stimulating effects and can lower blood pressure, posing risks for individuals with autoimmune disorders or hypotension, thus requiring medical consultation before use.
Link: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/953.html
5. Title: Evaluation of the Potential of Ashwagandha Extracts to Produce CYP-Mediated Drug Interactions
This ongoing study investigates how Ashwagandha extracts affect cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for drug metabolism, revealing that Ashwagandha may inhibit or induce these liver enzymes, potentially altering the effectiveness and toxicity of various medications Lincluding sedatives, blood pressure drugs, and immunosuppressants.
Link: https://ocm.auburn.edu/newsroom/news_articles/2021/07/300818-calderon-investigating-safety-of-ashwagandha.php
