As per the Durango Herald's Green Medicine column, nutritional deficiencies can be caused by prescription drugs, which, according to the article, is a lesser-known cause of nutrient depeletion. Prescription drugs can have side effects which in turn decrease mineral absorption and uptake in the body - this is a reason why supplements, and knowing types of supplements available, is important. Retailers can use this as an opportunity for education of both staff and consumers. If you work with a local naturopath, arrange a seminar or discussion with tips for customers.
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Prescription medications can cause nutritional deficiencies
by Nancy Utter
Here in our “land of plenty," we think of vitamin and mineral deficiencies as a common health issue in impoverished countries but not here at home. The bowed legs of rickets or the distended belly of kwashiorkor are things we don't usually see in America. The nutrient deficiencies we do have in the United States are more subtle but just as serious and surprisingly common.
In our culture, these deficiencies are not caused by the scarcity of healthy foods but by the consumption of foods, beverages or drugs that causes vitamin and mineral depletion. One lesser-known cause of nutrient depletion in America is prescription medications.
Many prescription medications have the side effect of decreasing vitamins and minerals in the body. They do this in different ways, including decreasing uptake of nutrients, increasing excretion and increasing overall need for nutrients.
Listed here are some of the drug classes, some of the medicines in them and the nutrient deficiencies that they cause.
Anti-inflammatories: Steroids (Prednisone, Medrol, Decadron) cause deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, selenium and chromium. NSAIDS (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Anaprox, Naprosyn) cause deficiencies in folic acid. Aspirin causes low levels of vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, iron and vitamin B5.
Cardiovascular drugs: Anti-hypertensives (Catapres, Aldomet) cause low levels of CoQ10, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin B1. ACE inhibitors (Capoten, Vasotec, Monopril and others) are associated with decreased zinc, which affects immunity, wound healing, sense of taste and smell, and sexual dysfunction. Beta blockers (Inderal, Corgard, Lopressor and others) decrease levels of CoQ10. Ironically, low levels of CoQ10 are associated with a higher incidence of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke and mitral valve prolapse.
Antacids/ulcer medications (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Prevacid, Prilosec): Because they decrease stomach acid, these medications cause deficiencies in vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc, which all need stomach acid to be absorbed into the blood.
Female hormones (birth control pills, estrogen/hormone replacement): These decrease levels of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
In my practice, I test for nutritional deficiencies and use the results to focus my patient's treatment plans on known deficiencies. Overprescribing supplements also can have harmful side effects. However, most Americans could safely take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement and be better for it. One quick tip is to always take a multivitamin with food so it will be absorbed.
There also are natural medicine options to many pharmaceutical drugs. Be sure you consult a professional who has been trained to understand pharmaceutical drugs and the safe alternatives, and do not abruptly quit any of your medications. Many of them need to be slowly tapered down, and it can be life-threatening to stop taking them “cold turkey."
If you are taking prescription medicines, educate yourself about potential side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about nutrient problems associated with your medications. Information gives you the power to make good decisions, which will allow you to maintain better health.
drnancy@durangonatural medicine.com. Nancy Utter is a naturopathic doctor who completed a five-year training program at Bastyr University in Seattle. She works in Durango with people of all ages and varying illnesses.
Source: Durango Herald
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