6 Medications That Deplete Your Nutrients
The Mayo Clinic reports that nearly 7 in 10 Americans take prescription drugs – antibiotics, antidepressants and painkiller opioids were reported as the most common prescriptions given. A whopping 20 percent of U.S. patients were also found to be on five or more prescription medications.
1. Statins: Commonly taken to lower cholesterol. Studies show that statins cause nerve damage, increase risk for diabetes, and cognitive impairment including memory problems.
2. Antibiotics: Commonly used to fight against bacterial infections, certain fungal infections and some kinds of parasites; Think bladder infections, sinus and ear infections, and strep throat. Antibiotics deplete the healthy bacteria in your gut which can cause digestion issues, nutritional absorption problems, yeast overgrowth, and leaky gut.
3. Antidepressants: The New York Times reported that 1 in 10 Americans now takes an antidepressant medication. Antidepressant drugs deplete B vitamins, especially B12, selenium (needed for proper thryroid function), zinc, and L-glutathione, a powerful anti-oxidant that decreases free radicals and may protect your liver.
4. Oral Contraceptives: The pill increases your risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, blood clots, high blood pressure, and arterial plaquing. It also depletes your body of B vitamins, expecially B12, magnesium and vitamin C.
5. Diabetes drugs (ie: metformin): Among adults with diagnosed diabetes, 58% take oral medication, reported the American Diabetes Association. These drugs deplete the body of chromium, magnesium, vitamin C, and B vitamins. In fact, taking metformin can lead to peripheral neuropathy because it causes B12 malabsorption causing B12 deficiency.
6. Antacids: Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. This neutralization decreases the absorption of iron, B vitamins, and zinc. As we age, our bodies slow the production of stomach acid which can lead to many malabsorption conditions. Symptoms of low stomach acid include heartburn, indigestion and bloating.
Why are these nutrients important? Because upsetting the precarious balance of these micronutrients that keep your body functioning could be the difference between a healthy you, or incurring chronic diseases and conditions, like hypothyroidism and anemia, among many others.
