5 Common Prescription Drugs which Deplete your Nutrients
These common prescription medications are robbing your body of vitamins and minerals without you even realizing it.
While prescription medications and many over the counter drugs can play an important role in the management and control of various ailments, they are not without potential side effects. I am not talking about the side effects listed on the package insert, you know, the commonly lists side effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and so on. I am speaking of nutritional deficiencies. These are rarely listed!
While the USA population accounts for only 5% of the world’s population, we consume 25% of the world’s pharmaceuticals. This is a frightening fact and one we should not be proud of.
We are one of the sickest but most technologically advanced nations in the world and rank 38th when it comes to longevity- we are between Cuba and Lebanon.
Minimizing one’s need for drugs through better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle should be the goal. While more affordable prescriptions is important it obviously is not the solution to live longer.
Few doctors, and patients alike realize that many prescription medications deplete the body of essential nutrients. While the medications prescribed may be needed depending on your health status, care should be undertaken to prevent nutrient depletion. DO NOT STOP TAKING A MEDICATION WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.
Anti-acids medications
A poor diet causes many to develop acid reflux, or indigestion. The sale of anti-acids or acid reducing medications have become a billion dollar market industry. They are frequently used to control heartburn or heal stomach ulcers. However, medicines such as ranitidine(Zantac), Tagamet, famotidine (Pepcid), omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), etc. can decrease absorption of various nutrients.
Stomach acid is produced for a reason. It helps kill germs before they enter our intestines. In addition, acid helps us absorb nutrients from the foods we eat.
Acid also helps the stomach secrete a substance called “intrinsic factor”. This helps the intestines absorb Vitamin B12. Long term use of acid reducers can lead to a deficiencies so if stopping the medication is not possible, supplementation may be an option. Scientific studies show magnesium, calcium, zinc and vitamin D absorption is also decreased when anti-acid medications are taken for more than 12 weeks. Consult with your doctor and see if you can reduce or stop taking your acid medication.
Diabetes medications
A common diabetic drug used to control blood sugar is metformin (Glucophage). While this medication does a good job lowering blood sugar, it may cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Ironically, B12 deficiencies are associated with numbness and tingling in the lower legs. However, it is important to realize that diabetes can also cause similar symptoms. If you are on this medicine, ask your physician to measure your vitamin B12 level. Optimal blood levels are above 500 ng/ml.
Cholesterol medications
Sales of prescription cholesterol lowering drugs such as simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and lovastatin is a billion dollar market. While high cholesterol by itself does not cause heart attacks or strokes, it is a strong risk factor. As a mater of fact, 50% of those people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol. Use of cholesterol medicines among those who have heart disease and diabetes can prevent future heart attacks however.
However, use of cholesterol lowering drugs can also cause your body to produce less Co-enzyme Q10, a nutrient critical for a cell’s mitochondria ( the cell’s power generator).
Low levels of co-enzyme Q10 may lead to the commonly felt muscle aches noticed when some take this class of medicines. Frequently, supplementing with Co-enzyme Q10 is enough to eliminate the aches if stopping the cholesterol medicine is not a good option.
Diuretic blood pressure medications-
Diuretics are frequently used as first line therapy for the treatment of high blood pressure. The medications hydrochlorothiazide , triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide), chlorthalidone or furosemide (Lasix) can result in low potassium and magnesium in addition to mild dehydration.
Low levels of potassium and magnesium can cause muscle cramps and in some cases, abnormal electrolytes can cause irregular heartbeats. If you are taking these medications, routine blood monitoring of electrolytes is advised.
Birth Control Pills
Taken by millions of women worldwide. However, few realize that these medications can deplete the B vitamins and magnesium. If you are prescribed these, consider taking a daily pre-natal vitamin at minimum. Some may need extra magnesium if muscle cramps develop.
If you have any concerns about whether your medication is affecting your nutritional status, please consult with your physician. Always, consult with your physician before stopping or changing any medical therapy. May great health be achieved.
The Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice by your own personal physician.
