Drugs do cause side effects and can even lead to nutritional deficiencies: Some examples are:
1. Antacids:
a. Lowers phosphate levels which leads to bone loss
b. Inhibits Folic Acid absorption which can lead to anemia
c. Increases risk of breast and colon cancer
d. Decreased Folic Acid can cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nervousness
2. Aspirin
a. Depletes Vitamin C and calcium
b. Increases susceptibility to fractures, high blood pressure and tooth decay
c. Causes deficit of B vitamins, Sodium, Potassium, Iron and Folic acid
3. NSAIDS (Bayer, Excedrin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve)
a. Decreases Calcium and Vitamin D, which leads to Potassium loss
b. Loss of Potassium can cause nervousness, dizziness and fluctuating blood levels
c. Reduces Zinc levels, which slows wound healing
d. Causes insulin Resistance
e. Leads to deficiencies of Magnesium, Vitamin C, Iron and Folic Acid
f. Taking NSAIDS to prevent pain, not to treat pain, can result in acute kidney failure
4. Oral Contraceptives
a. Depletes Vitamins C and B complex
b. Depletes Folic Acid, Selenium, Zinc and Magnesium
c. Causes blood clots, muscle contractions and possible pre-cancerous changes
5. Estrogen Replacement
a. Creates B6 deficiencies which lead to insomnia and cardiovascular disease
b. Creates Magnesium deficiencies which lead to arrhythmias
c. Causes High Blood Pressure, PMS, asthma, clot formation and painful muscle cramping
6. Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
a. Can increase the risk of Cardiovascular Disease
b. Can cause damage to the liver
c. Decreases the ability of the body to make hormones, increasing hormonal imbalance.
d. Depletes Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, & Zinc
7. Ulcer Medications
a. Lowers acidity in stomach, which leads to gastric infection,& poor Calcium absorption
b. Encourages growth and reproduction of bacteria – contributes to Leaky Gut Syndrome
8. Laxatives
a. Absorb minerals, interfere with digestion
b. Depletes Vitamins A, D, E, K, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium
c. Results in irregular heartbeat, mental confusion and poor reflexes
