Health

9 White Lies You Need to Stop Telling Your Docs

If you're not telling the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), you could be harming your health

by Erica Smith | 3 COMMENTS

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The lie: "I'm not taking anything." Why you should fess up: As harmless as it seems, that herbal supplement designed to boost energy, improve your memory or make your skin glow may contain ingredients like caffeine or green tea extract, which can conflict with other medications you're taking, says Agarwal. Example? St. John's Wort. This herbal supplement is used to treat depression, anxiety and tiredness, but it also makes other prescriptions like birth control and anti-rejection drugs less effective. If you're leaving this out, you could be setting yourself up for unwanted pregnancies and botched organ donations.

Certain supplements and over the counter meds also interfere with surgical procedures. "Aspirin, ibuprofen and certain vitamins, like fish oil, will make you bruise more easily. Use of Accutane in the last year can even affect how you heal and whether we should wait on performing a procedure or not," warns Doft.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The lie: "I'm just here for a checkup."

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