Scientific literature recognizes that prescription medication can alter the way our bodies use nutrients, therefore, we must find a way to reduce the side effects and counter the negative long-term effects of medications through natural means
Scientific literature recognizes that prescription medication can alter the way our bodies use nutrients, therefore, we must find a way to reduce the side effects and counter the negative long-term effects of medications through natural means.
For instance, birth control pills reduce the uptake of folic acid and we know that a folic acid depletion in women of child bearing age can lead to disastrous effects for an unborn child (spina bifida being the most known). To counter this, every woman taking birth control pills should also take a supplement of folic acid. This is now widely accepted.
Another good example is cholesterol lowering drugs. The statins (a class of heart drugs), apart from lowering cholesterol levels, reduce coenzyme Q10 synthesis and coQ10 deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of heart failure. (How strange, to reduce one heart disease risk factor to increase another!) But a supplement of coQ10 could correct this threat.
A last example to prove the point is estrogens, prescribed to relieve menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. But estrogens also affect the uptake of magnesium from the diet! To build strong bones (not to mention relieving nocturnal leg cramps) we need magnesium how many women on hormones do you know that complain of leg cramps? Those cramps could be prevented by a simple addition of magnesium.
There are many other examples of drug-induced nutritional deficiency being connected with dietary supplements.
If you're taking drugs be aware of the side effects and counteract them with essential nutrients in supplement form that will help the body heal!
The scientific data concerning drug-induced nutrient depletion has been collected into a book written by two American pharmacists: Ross Pelton and James B. Lavalle. The Nutritional Cost of Prescription Drugs is published by Morton Publishing Co. It's easy to read and answers all drug and nutrient related questions.
Drug Depletion Chart
Drug Category | Nutrients Depleted | Health Risks |
Blood Pressure | Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 Vitamin C, Zinc Vitamin B1 Potassium* Calcium* Folic acid* | Increased risk of heart disease, lower energy Lowered immunity, slow healing Depression, memory loss |
Antacids, Upset Stomach, Ulcer and Intestinal Cramps | Vitamin D, Calcium Vitamin B12 Iron Folic acid Zinc | Increased risk of osteoporosis Increased risk of heart disease Fatigue, anemia Birth defects, anemia, heart disease Lowered immunity, slow wound healing |
Cholesterol | Coenzyme Q10 | Increased risk of heart disease, low energy, suppressed immune system |
Antidepressants | Coenzyme Q10 Vitamin B2 | Increased risk of heart disease, fatigue, suppressed immune system Disorders of the skin, eye and nerves |
Antibiotics | Vitamin B1, B2, Niacinamide, B6, B12, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum | Vulnerability to physical and emotional stress causing sleep disturbances and skin disorders Poor digestion and nutrient absorption, diarrhea, suppressed immune system |
Arthritis or Pain Relief (including aspirin and ibuprofen) | Vitamin C, Zinc, Potassium | Depressed immune system, slow wound healing |
Birth Control | Magnesium Vitamin B2 Vitamin C, Zinc Folic acid | Increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease Skin, eye and nerve disorders Increased risk of heart disease, fatigue Lower immunity, slow wound healing Birth defects, anemia |
Estrogen | Vitamin B6 Magnesium Zinc | Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, sleep disturbances |
*While some blood pressure prescriptions deplete folic acid, potassium and calcium, it is not advisable to take these nutrients with certain types of blood pressure prescriptions. Therefore, they are not recommended.