Health
Costco Alert: Pharmacist Reveals 4 Health Items That Could Harm Your Microbiome
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on health and wellness has surged dramatically. According to a 2025 Future of Wellness survey by McKinsey & Company, Americans invest a staggering $500 billion annually on wellness-related products and services, with this figure rising by four to five percent each year.
In this crowded market, discerning which products are genuinely beneficial can be challenging. Pharmacist Phil Cowley, known on TikTok as @philsmypharmacist, is leveraging his platform to steer his followers away from certain “toxic” health products.
One such item Cowley advises against purchasing from Costco is red yeast rice. In a viral TikTok video, he points out that red yeast rice functions similarly to the statin drug Lovastatin, which he describes as “the worst of all the statins.”
The Mayo Clinic corroborates that red yeast rice contains a compound with the same chemical structure as Lovastatin. Cowley argues that red yeast rice “hardly works at all” and can negatively impact the liver and mitochondria.
He suggests that if you’re considering cholesterol-lowering treatments, “you might as well go get a statin for a quarter of the price.”
However, before starting any medication, it’s crucial to discuss health concerns with a doctor who can evaluate your personal and family medical history.
The Mayo Clinic also notes that the contents of red yeast rice supplements can vary, with some products containing minimal amounts of monacolin K, thus having little effect on cholesterol. Furthermore, these supplements can have serious side effects similar to Lovastatin, underscoring the importance of consulting a healthcare provider.
Another product Cowley critiques is One A Day’s brain supplements. Despite claims of enhancing cognitive function with 11 essential vitamins and minerals, Cowley dismisses them as a “money grab.”
“It’s got Phosphatidylserine in it, which does almost nothing. Instead, go find yourself CDP choline,” he advises.
Research suggests that CDP choline, also known as citicoline, may improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention span, as well as reduce oxidative stress.
Cowley also criticizes Airborne supplements, stating, “Everyone needs to get over this brand. Airborne does nothing for you—look what’s inside the ingredients.”
While these supplements offer a significant dose of vitamin C, Cowley notes that you can obtain this nutrient from natural sources like oranges. He also points out that the proprietary herb blend in Airborne is insufficient for immune support.
Airborne faced a class action lawsuit in 2007 over unproven claims of fighting the common cold, leading to a $23.5 million settlement. Although the supplement no longer makes such claims, many still use it for cold prevention. Cowley recommends a daily probiotic for better immunity support, asserting, “I guarantee a probiotic, with the way it passively adds [to the] immune system, it’s going to work way better.”
Lastly, Cowley warns against Kirkland’s LaxaClear, a generic version of Miralax used for constipation relief. While effective, Cowley states, “It’s the worst thing in the world for your gut because, first, it makes you healthy poop, but then it kills all the bacteria that are really supposed to be there.”
He emphasizes, “This stuff is toxic to your microbiome,” suggesting that while it provides immediate relief, it can worsen gut health over time. Instead, he recommends chicory root and a good probiotic, as chicory root has been shown to promote healthy bowel movements and soften stool.
In a world where wellness products abound, Cowley’s insights provide a valuable perspective on making informed choices for better health.
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