Some herbal supplements such as acai berry, Cumin, Herbal Tea, Turmeric, Garlic is believed to be beneficial to health. But if you’re chemotherapy should keep the first herbal drink as herbal supplements can weaken the effects of chemotherapy.

“Many people do not realize that vitamins and supplements are not able to ward off medical therapy if not consumed properly,” said M. June McKoy, MD, a geriatrician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital was quoted as saying esciencenews.

Researchers say there is evidence that these popular supplements may weaken the effects of chemotherapy and can cause reactions in some cases, even deadly.

McKoy said that more research is needed to understand the interaction of supplements with chemotherapy drugs and the extent of such interactions.

“Patients should tell doctors what drugs they are taking including vitamins and supplements to avoid potential interactions,” McKoy said the oncologist who is also director of geriatrics at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Herbal supplements are defined as plants used for therapeutic purposes (therapeutic) and may interact with chemotherapy drugs through different mechanisms.

Unfortunately, some herbs can actually interfere with drug metabolism, making it less effective, while other herbs can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.Consumption of many during the long periods of time may have negative effects on the body when going through chemotherapy.

Recent research shows that 50 percent of patients who undergo chemotherapy do not tell doctors that they are doing alternative therapies. ”Some patients think it was not important, while others feel uncomfortable if admitted to the doctor that they do alternative therapies,” said McKoy.

McKoy asked patients to stop taking herbal supplements while receiving chemotherapy to known interactions with medications. He encourages patients interested in alternative approaches to talk to your doctor about other approaches that may be useful.

“Integrative medicine therapies such as massage, acupuncture and meditation can meet the needs of patients by reducing stress and cope with pain,” said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director of Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.