Basketball is my favorite sport. I like all levels of basketball: college, professional, Olympic, even high school. Here in New York City, high school basketball is big, and as a result, we praise any high school kid who is really good at the sport and follow their career.

One such player is Lamar Odom, who was a high school phenomenon at Christ the King high school in Queens, New York during the late ‘90s. He went on to have respectable a 10-year career on the NBA, although he may be better known to the masses as Khloe Kardashian’s ex-husband. Three days ago, he was found unconscious with white material oozing out of his mouth at a brothel near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Today, October 15, 2015 he is on life support at a hospital in Nevada.

Lamar Odom’s story is perplexing, tragic and simply sad. He has had a long history of addiction and substance abuse. What happened on October 13, 2015 that sent him to (what might possibly be) his death bed?

What we know:

Odom was snorting cocaine before a near fatal fall. He also took 10 tablets of “natural” sexual energy pills called Reload.

What’s scary about Reload is that the FDA issued a warning that this unnatural supplement contains sildenafil (Viagra) hidden in the ingredients list on the label:

FDA Warning on Reload

Cocaine is a stimulant, causes the heart to beat faster and increases blood pressure. That level of stress to cardiovascular system can lead to a heart attack. Combining Viagra with cocaine can tear the body’s main artery, the aorta, which reduces blood to the brain. The overall outcome is often a stroke.

How big of a problem is the sexual supplement industry?

A very big problem. Virtually 25% or about 300 supplement formulas of sexual enhancement supplements are tainted with either Viagra, Cialis or Levitra.

This is a very big problem for two main reasons:

  • Taking ED pharmaceuticals unknowingly can be deadly as they cause widening of the arteries. This can be harmless and even beneficial in moderation, but too much can lead to low blood pressure. Excessively low blood pressure stresses the heart.
  • The bad publicity also stains the good players in the supplement industry, those who make legitimate and safe sexual health supplements.

Effective (truly natural) dietary supplements are not event driven; instead, their benefits accrue over time. Clinically, I notice that it takes about a week or so of daily use before experiencing satisfactory blood flow to sexual organs. A responsible sexual health formula gradually builds stamina, nourishes blood vessels, and improves your production of nitric oxide, which improves blood flow.

How to spot drug-tainted sexual performance supplements:

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
  • Avoid supplements that claim to make your penis bigger. No dietary supplement does that.
  • Avoid anything sold in small packets of 2 to 10 pills.
  • Avoid anything with an FDA warning similar to those found on ED drugs. For example, “do not use with nitrates” or “do not use if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.”
  • Avoid supplements that promise fast results. No natural agent or combination of agents work that fast.

What should you do?

Buy supplements from trustworthy manufacturers, and do not expect immediate “home runs” when consuming them. Be suspicious of "magic in a bottle" claims. Understand that there is no short cut for improving your sexual health and vitality.

Only by eating nourishing foods, exercising vigorously, making smart lifestyle choices, and consuming high-quality dietary supplements will you earn your results, defy your age, and reclaim the sexual vigor that you once enjoyed.

Here is an FDA list of sexual supplements shown to contain ED drugs:

FDA List of "Spiked" Male Enhancement Supplements

Lamar Odom’s grim condition will require a miracle to overcome, I suspect. I wish our hometown basketball star, his two teenage kids and the rest of his family strength during this difficult period.

Sincerely,

Dr. Geo