Last updated on April 3rd, 2023 at 02:53 pm
People generally assume that if you prefer a more holistic approach to health and wellness. You are entirely against modern medicine. This is only the case for some. I prefer a more holistic health, wellness, and disease prevention approach. Still, I am very grateful for doctors in case of trauma or emergency. When needing some of the more common medications on the market, it is vital to be aware of the associated nutrient depletions that can occur.
We are all bio-individuals. Therefore, my goal as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner is to educate and support my clients in living a healthy and symptom-free life. So, for some individuals, this means they can eventually come off their medication (with the help of their primary physician). Still, for others, this means they will continue taking a small medication dosage. In either case, a symptom-free life is the end goal. Furthermore, avoiding beating yourself up if you fall into the second category is important.
The importance of discussing nutrient depletions with your healthcare provider
To clarify, it is crucial to understand different kinds of common medications rob the body of essential nutrients and can, therefore, cause-specific nutrient deficiencies. In short, if you are on any common medications, check out this site. In brief, you enter the name of the medication and see what nutrient depletions you might experience from taking that drug. Once you have gathered this information, please consult your primary physician and formulate a better health care plan. However, always remember that your doctor works for you. Basically, if your doctor isn’t supportive, willing to listen, or mocking you for desiring change, walk away and find a new supportive physician.
To emphasize the whole point of this post, is to encourage you to take ownership of your health. In particular, showing you how some common medications can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, how can you supplement the nutrient depletions caused by the drug?
For this reason, I thought it would be helpful to list a few of the more common medications. For this reason, you will find the name of the drug, a couple of name brands, and the nutrient depletions associated with the drug.
Common medications that can cause nutrient deficiencies
*Most important, the information below is from Drug-Induced Depletion Handbook, 2nd Edition.
Antacids
Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Prevacid, and Prilosec.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc.
Antibiotics
General aminoglycosides (gentamycin, neomycin, streptomycin), cephalosporin, penicillin.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: B vitamins, vitamin K, probiotics.
Tetracyclines.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6.
Anti-Diabetic Drugs
Micronase, Tolinase.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: coenzyme Q10.
Glucophage.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: coenzyme Q10, vitamin B12, folate.
Antidepressants
Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Tofranil, Pamelor, Sinequan, Norpramin.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: coenzyme Q10, vitamin B12.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Asprin & Salicylates
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium.
Advil, Aleve, Anaprox, Dolobid, Feldene, Lodine, Motrin, Naprosyn, Orudis, Relafen.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: folate.
-Betamethasone, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisone.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc.
Cardiovascular Drugs
Apresoline.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B6, coenzyme Q10.
Catapres, Aldomet.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: coenzyme Q10.
Corgard, Inderal, Lopressor, Betapace, Tenormin, Sectral, Blocadren.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: coenzyme Q10, melatonin.
Diuretics
Lasix, Bumex, Edecrin.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and sodium.
Enduron, Diuril, Lozol, Zaroxolyn, Hygroton.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: magnesium, potassium, zinc, coenzyme Q10, sodium.
Cholesterol-Lowering Agents (Statins)
Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Crestor.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: coenzyme Q10.
Colestid, Questran.
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, beta-carotene, folate, and iron.
Ulcer Medications
Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, zinc, and protein.
Prevacid, Prilosec
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B12, protein.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Evista, Prempro, Premarin, Estratab
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and zinc.
Oral Contraceptives
Norinyl, Ortho-Novum, Triphasil
Nutrient deficiencies to consider: vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.
Finally, I hope you find this information helpful and understand better how to support your health and body when taking common medications. Summing up, you are in charge of your health and well-being, and doctors are helpful and sometimes necessary. Nevertheless, it would help if you found a respectful doctor who will be on board with your health goals.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for educational purposes only.
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