I got this list of things I have to remove/reduce from my diet from the surgeon. I googled salicylates but don't understand what is bad about them in surgical situations? Also, why is vit E and fish oil etc bad? I'll follow the instructions of course, I'm just wondering.

This is the part of the list I don't get:

HERBAL / HEALTH supplements (They have to be reduced before surgery)

· Arnica – 2 weeks

· Vitamin E – 2 weeks

· Fish Oil (Omega 3) – 1 week

· Gingko Biloba – 2 weeks

· Garlic – 1 week

· Natural foods high in Salicylates: curry, cayenne pepper, ginger, paprika, thyme, cinnamon, dill, oregano, turmeric, liquorice, peppermint, raisins, cherries, cranberries, oranges, prunes, grapes, strawberries, chewing gum, honey, wine, cider, vinegar.

Salicylates reduce your platelets, meaning you won't clot like you're supposed to and have a higher risk of bleeding more than you should.

Not sure about most of the herbals, but a general rule of thumb is that anything that starts with a G is a natural blood thinner (ginkgo, gensing, etc.).

Also, I'm not just spouting off pseudoscience, I'm a student pharmacist.

Ah, I see, that makes sense then. Anyone got any idea about the Vitamin E and the fish oil?

Ah, I see, that makes sense then. Anyone got any idea about the Vitamin E and the fish oil?

Also possible blood thinners.

Thanks for the answers guys