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The Unlisted Side Effect of Prescription Drugs -Reduced Nutrients
Pharmaceutical Drugs Deplete Nutrients
Americans are using more legal drugs than ever - both prescription and OTC (over the counter). What hasn't been revealed about this heavy drug use is that many of these drugs are wiping out the most vital nutrients in our body.
How many prescription medications are used?
More than half of all Americans are taking prescription medications. This means more than 150 million people use these synthetic drugs according to a recent article in the Energy Times. Further, with more than 960 million visits to a doctor's office each year, 70 percent of those visits include the doctor writing a prescription.
Surely, all side effects are listed?
There is no doubt that Americans are heavy users of prescription drugs despite side effects that often lead to an impaired quality of life and even death. While side effects are supposed to be listed on all drugs now, one more serious side effect is not listed at all. And that is the ability of these synthetic drugs to wipe out the necessary nutrients our body needs for survival.
Can we make up the difference with our diet?
Our Western food supply is industrialized. Most Americans are eating a diet filled with processed foods. Our fruits and vegetables are often GM (genetically modified) meaning that we cannot tell if the food is fresh since it is designed to last. Additionally, soil is often nutrient-depleted. Add to that our own poor eating habits. In the American diet we are getting very few nutrients to begin with.
Can you give some examples?
- Pain Killers - the very commonly used OTC pain-killer, ibuprofen, depletes Vitamin C, iron, zinc and folic acid.
- Birth Control Pills - including Ortho Novum Pyridoxine, depletes Vitamins C, B-6, B-9, and magnesium and zinc.
- Both Antidepressants and Beta Blockers - deplete the very vital CoEnzyme Q-10. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, CoQ10 has antioxidant properties and is vital for counteracting damage caused by free radicals. It is also beneficial for preventing neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and atherosclerosis.
- HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and Estrogen Replacement Drugs - both deplete Vitamin B-6.
- Antibiotics - while we have long known that antibiotics like penicillin, can deplete necessary bowel flora, it is now known that it also depletes Vitamin B-6, B-12, Vitamin C and folic acid.
There are many articles on the internet about the depletion of nutrients due to pharmaceuticals. More prescription drugs are regularly put on the market. It is up to the patient to ask the doctor about these side effects and do your own research.
Is it all hopeless?
No, it seems many Americans are demanding change and the medical profession is responding - with treatments that are not invasive, and may not include the constant use of prescription drugs. Even the Mayo Clinic has introduced CAM - Complementary and Alternative Medical practices - as part of their conventional practices. You can also find additional information at the Nutritional Health Alliance: nha2010.com
Further, Americans are taking control of their health and seeking alternatives before starting on prescription medications. For some CAM suggestions and healthy eating ideas, please see the links below. As always, prevention is best.
Some Alternative Therapies
- A List of Uncommon Alternative Medical Practices
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Some Healthy Eating Tips
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