:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/health-best-vitamins-for-hair-growth-according-to-experts-tout-0fddf781cd1e47d2a8ddd720c314b2f6.jpg "The scientist takes these three supplements daily to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.")
- Bill Gurley has spent decades researching the safety of medicinal plants.
- She takes three supplements a day: turmeric, tea tree oil and a multivitamin.
- Gurley says it's important to consult your doctor before trying any supplements.
Bill Gurley has spent decades researching a variety of nutritional supplements such as St. John's wort, milk thistle, and ginkgo biloba.
Part of his work as chief scientist at the National Natural Products Research Center at the University of Mississippi involves studying the safety of herbal supplements and their interactions with new medications.
However, the medicine chest is very thin.
"I take supplements, but not too many," Gurley told Insider.
Gurley shared the three supplements he thinks should be taken and says he takes them every day.
Turmeric
Turmeric has gained popularity as a remedy for indigestion and helps treat other illnesses by reducing inflammation .
“I take turmeric every day,” Gurley said.
Gurley, 63, says that thanks to curcumin, turmeric has “general anti-inflammatory properties.” One study found that curcumin reduced joint inflammation, pain, and morning stiffness in arthritis patients.
However, it is important to be careful about where you purchase turmeric supplements. Some dietary supplement manufacturers may not monitor the composition of their products , which can lead to the addition of ingredients that increase the risk of serious illnesses, such as liver damage.
Gurley takes Thorne brand turmeric and particularly likes the phytosomal curcumin supplement. This unique formulation allows the product to be "absorbed quickly and less widely," he said.
Tea tree oil
Gourley uses tea tree oil daily to keep her skin healthy.
Tea tree oil is made from the Australian tea tree and can help treat many skin conditions including acne, dandruff, wound healing, nail fungus, nail infections. Candida and skin allergies.
“Tea tree oil is great,” Gurley said. “I make a tea tree oil product and put it on my feet every day.”
For those interested in trying tea tree oil, Gurley says some companies will substitute tea tree oil with cheaper alternatives, such as eucalyptus, without the consumer knowing.
“Not all tea tree oils are equal,” Gurley said. “Eucalyptus oil is very inexpensive and smells the same.”
Vitamins
Better yet, Gurley says, she takes a good old multivitamin every day.
Multivitamins contain various vitamins and minerals and can help with general vitamin deficiency .
Gurley said the multivitamins come from a brand called Pure Encapsulation.
However, not everyone needs a multivitamin. The best way to know if you have a deficiency is to consult your doctor.
Be careful when purchasing nutritional supplements and consult your doctor first.
Gurley says it's important to do your research before purchasing a supplement. Some dietary supplements end up being contaminated with ingredients not listed on the package, including prescription medications. Sometimes this can lead to serious health problems, such as liver or heart damage .
To avoid this, Gurley recommends purchasing products approved by a USP or NSF certified athletic program .
Gurley says to consult your doctor before trying a new supplement. Some dietary supplements may interact dangerously with prescription medications or other dietary supplements .