Are Your Drugs Interfering with Proper Nutrition?

You have regular visits with your doctor, you’re faithful with the medications prescribed to you, but still don’t feel great. So what gives? Doing all the medical community says may not be enough as each individual reacts uniquely to different drugs. Also there are some drugs that could be affecting the absorption of nutrients your body needs, leaving you feeling tired and weak? Below is a brief list of drugs known to cause some degree of nutrient deficiency.

Anticonvulsants: These may interfere with Vitamin D metabolism, decreasing calcium availability.

Antacids containing Aluminum: Such antacids disrupt calcium absorption leading to weakened bones as well as a host of other problems such as lowered metabolism and slowed recovery from illness.

Birth Control: Some of these prescriptions lead to lowered bone mineral levels due to decreasing the body’s natural estrogen levels.

Cancer Treatments: Certain cancer treatments can lead to bone loss, especially in breast and prostate cancers due to lowered sex hormone levels.

Fat Chelating Agents: Used in the treatment of obesity, this type of drug affects the levels of healthy fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 as well as fat soluble vitamins A, E and K.

Heartburn and Ulcer medications: This group is believed to affect calcium absorption due to the reduction in stomach acids they result in.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): These are a popular variety of anti-depressants which can lead to lowered bone density when used daily for extended periods.

The best advice is to always consult with your doctor before making changes to your diet or medication program. Finding balance within your body is the key to feeling well. If drugs are affecting your nutrition, it can create a series of related ailments or conditions.

Likewise, nutrition can be affecting your use of medications. Regardless of where the problem started, restoring balance is the goal to help you regain your health. Below are some herbs and supplements that may interfere with your medication, thus requiring a higher dosage.

Echinacea: Can cause liver inflammation when used with certain drugs such as steroids and arthritic medications. Echinacea is generally used for immune support and prevention.

Feverfew: Increases bleeding and interferes with anti-clotting drugs. Feverfew is used in the treatment of allergies, migraines and arthritis.

Garlic: Increases bleeding and interferes with anti-clotting drugs. Garlic has been used to treat high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol.

Ginseng: May increase heart rate and blood pressure; interferes with anti-clotting drugs. Ginseng is used to boost energy and mental alertness.

Gingko: Increases bleeding and interferes with anti-clotting drugs. Gingko is used to enhance memory and/or alertness.

Goldenseal: Can increase swelling, and aggravate preexisting high blood pressure. Goldenseal is generally used to fight inflammation.

St Johns Wort: Extends the effects of some anesthetics, leading to reduced recovery. St. John’s Wort is often used to treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

As you can see many nutritive sources can affect the uptake of prescription drugs and those same medications can interfere with proper nutrition. The best place to start when embarking on a new medication or supplement path is a discussion with your doctor or nutritionist.