The dangers of supplementation.

So many people wish to make a positive change in their lives, but have no clue how to go about making that shift. So many fall prey to drugs and alcohol, which obviously has the opposite effect. Some however choose to utilize other methods in hopes of building themselves both mentally and physically. For a great deal of individuals, becoming a bodybuilder is the answer to bring about that positive change.

Choosing the life of a bodybuilder is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It requires an extreme amount of dedication and savvy in order to build muscle and do so safely. But in a world where everyone wants the fastest results, people will find ways to fast track their success, usually through supplementation. While taking supplements is by no means unheard of, the reality is that there are certain items that are perceived as being pure and safe that could actually be irreversibly harmful to the human body. It’s a sad truth that Matthew Dana had to learn.

The 27 year old Matthew Dana recently passed away under mysterious circumstances. Immediate answers weren’t available until an autopsy was conducted. In the process the coroner discovered something peculiar. Dana suffered a hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, meaning that blood and other fluids filled the lungs. This led to the discovery that Dana was taking the supplement kratom made of a leaf of a Southeast Asian plant and used as an energy enhancer and pain reliever.

The unfortunate thing about dietary supplements like kratom is that since it isn’t a drug, it doesn’t undergo clinical testing. Yet, the FDA found that the supplement had some pretty severe side effects including respiratory depression, vomiting, nervousness, weight loss, and constipation. Withdrawal symptoms have also been noted which include hostility and aggression. Due to these side effects, as well as 15 cases of fatalities in relation to the supplement, kratom has been banned in six states.

This is truly an unfortunate tragedy and just reminds us all that we must be careful about what we put into our bodies.

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