Goji Juice - Healthy for All?

@urbangirl (1456)
Australia
July 8, 2007 2:09am CST
It always amazes me how because some foods are touted health foods, they are considered a cure all for everything. I read in today's paper about how a leukaemia patient complaining he was told goji juice would cure his cancer but instead it interfered with his cancer medication...and something called his CK enzyme levels climbed to over 10 000 (they are 180 in a normal healthy person), which affected his kidneys. I know this is an extreme case but what are your thoughts and have you ever had strange side effects from something which was touted to be a health food?
4 people like this
7 responses
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
12 Jul 07
I think with any new product, if a person is taking certain medications, the doctor should be consulted first to make sure that everything is compatible. I myself have never had any of the side effects that sometimes go with different products. As a matter of fact, I just started taking the Goji juice myself, with no problems. I think it all just depends on the person, and any existing medical conditions as to whether it is even safe to try something new like that.
1 person likes this
@urbangirl (1456)
• Australia
12 Jul 07
Hi Katlady2 - I don't see anything wrong with drinking Goji juice in itself but I definitely wouldn't if I had a treminal illness and taking other medication.
1 person likes this
@vonne28th (1494)
• Philippines
10 Jul 07
Oh really?! that was terribly a bad news. My friend introduced me before to Goji juice and planning to buy 1 bottle of it coz my sister was suffering from a blood-related disease. He said it was really good to our health and can treat a lot of diseases including cancers and any other autoimmune diseases, but since it was too expensive here, my family can't managed to buy it and my sister just rely on the medications the doctor prescribed her. I just can't imagine how these are happening. Thanks for the information.
1 person likes this
@Lydia1901 (16351)
• United States
13 Jul 07
The way I look at it is if it is healthy food then it will work for me and if it isn't than it won't. I think some healthy food don't work for everyone.
@Darkwing (21583)
8 Jul 07
All I can say to you, if you believe these things are "cures" for all ills, is, you should read right through the benefits. You would then see the disclaimer that tells you that they will not cure those who already have these diseases. They will reduce the free radicals and slow the process down, but should ALWAYS be discussed with your doctor before taking them with any other medication. I take a three part juice, which includes Goji, Acai and Mangosteen and I feel a lot healthier for it. It certainly helps in the areas where I need it to, and it gives me more energy. However, it only professes to help in the reducing of free radicals, blood sugar level and heart problems... it does not profess to "cure". It professes to be a "health supplement", not a medicine. As for your friend... did he discuss the fact that he was taking Goji Juice with his normal medication? Did he go into it thoroughly instead of listening to somebody who just wanted to sell it? It always pays to be thorough in these cases. Brightest Blessings... interesting discussion +.
@leechamp (186)
• Philippines
9 Jul 07
..Gogi juice is herbal juice and it is a food supplement, and being so, you really cant replace it with what medicines can do for a certain ailment. It's placebo...
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I have never had strange side effects as you mention, but this is a very good discussion topic. It is definitely something for us all to think about and consider.
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
8 Jul 07
It pays to be aware since we are all individuals. What works for someone might not work for one of us. Or even a few of us it would be a waste. It is another case of wanting a pill or single thing to be the cure all when all we need to do is be responsible on a daily basis for our health. I know that goes in my body whether herbal of from a doctor. I ask questions and research. I am not normally ill however this is my procedure. Be an informed buyer and user of such things.