3 Over-the-Counter Drugs: Not as Safe as You Think

Over-the-counter drugs deplete the body of nutrients. They are thought of as safe since they are purchased without prescriptions. Additionally, most prescribed drugs rob B vitamins, especially folic acid.

Over-the-counter drugs such as antacids, anti-fungal drugs and anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids), deplete Calcium and potassium. This causes nutritional imbalances which affect digestive and metabolic function. It's time to consider these side effects from medical and over-the-counter drugs.

3 Over-the-Counter Drugs

1) Aspirin: the side effects of aspirin, the most common over-the-counter drug, decreases absorption of vitamin C and folic acid. It is prescribed for pain and to thin blood to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Recently, the FDA announced a recall on products with acetaminophen. People are over-medicating with acetaminophen which, according to ABC News, resulted in 458 deaths in 2008. On June 30, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration endorsed lowering the maximum dose of acetaminophen found in Tylenol, Excedrin and other over-the-counter drugs. This is to protect from liver damage.

Side Effects of Aspirin

If taking more than eight, extra-strength pills in two days and having more than seven drinks a week, it might cause liver damage. Caution: Keep in mind if taking two or more medicines with acetaminophen such as, Tylenol Plus, NyQuil, or Benadryl, and prescriptions like Vicodin or Percocet, it's easy to overdose. Recommended Supplements: Folic acid, vitamins C and D

2) Antacids: another popular over-the-counter drug,relieve acid indigestion, upset stomach, sour stomach, and heartburn. They also lower protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron levels. Loss of calcium makes women, in particular, susceptible to osteoporosis and tooth decay.

Antacids also decrease absorption of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D. If taking antacids for a year or more, ask the doctor to check vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels. Recommended Supplements: Calcium, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

3) Diuretics: treat excess fluid in the body but they cause potassium excretion. Take supplemental potassium. Magnesium is also depleted which leads to fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies and PMS.

Some diuretics decrease zinc levels which lead to thinning hair, loss of taste, smell and lower immunity. Diuretics can increase excretion of vitamin B6, ascorbic acid, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride. Recommended Supplements: Vitamin B6 and vitamin C, Calcium and magnesium.

Supplements for Over-the-Counter Drugs

To prevent depletion from any medical drug, take a good, natural, multivitamin/mineral supplement. Good natural brands don't use artificial chemical colors but do contain tablet fillers to hold the pill together.

This is where quality counts and additives must be checked by consumers. This is especially true if taking synthetic products which double side effects of medicine. After finding a good multivitamin, then add specific nutrients for over-the-counter drugs.

Related articles:
Recommended Multivitamins with Astonishing Vitamin Information
Top 10 Prescription Drugs That Leech Nutrients

Source:
Meletis, C.D., ND, and N. Zabriskie, ND. "Common Nutrient Depletions caused by Pharmaceuticals," February 2007

Disclaimer: Author receives no compensation for recommendations.
Information only: Article is for information purposes only and isn't intended as replacement for medical attention.

Over-the-Counter Drugs: Not as Safe as You Think copyright 2009