It’s common for people to rely just on their GP’s advice and medications when they have a health issue. However by combining the correct prescription of both doctor’s medication and natural medicine, your chances are greatly improved to get to the source of your health problem.
The reality is natural medicine is also here to support people who need to be on medication, not just to use instead of medication.
Reducing medication side effects and nutrient depletion are the 2 major reasons to consider natural medicine with you medication.
Health professionals who work together for your greater good will give you the best outcome for your health and quickest way there. It’s about finding professionals such as doctors and nutritionists who are willing to work together. Some do and some don’t, so it’s important to check this out first with your doctor.
Thankfully, more mainstream medical professionals are seeing the importance of holistic health and that the treating symptoms only approach may not work long term. Certainly preventative health is so crucial for us all and luckily it’s becoming more of a focus in modern medicine.
Medications, including over-the-counter drugs deplete the body of specific nutrients and this is concerning since most people are already nutrient deficient.
Some drugs can reduce appetite which in turn decrease intake of nutrients e.g. antidepressants. On the flip side, some drugs can deplete nutritional status by increasing cravings for unhealthy foods such as sugar, bread and pasta e.g. steroid drugs. Or some drugs reduce the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, such such as antibiotics and cholesterol lowering drugs.
Common Nutrient Robbing Drugs:
Anti-Hypertensives deplete potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium.
Cholesterol Lowering drugs deplete COQ10
Acid Blockers to treat e.g. heartburn, deplete B12, folic acid, iron, zinc, vitamin C and D. These last two increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Contraceptive Pill depletes B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc.
Bottom line is to remember that drugs are nutrient robbers. Drug-induced nutrient depletion is far more common than has been acknowledged and we must remember that the illness itself may be due, in part, to nutrient deficiency.
Hope this helps!
P.S. If there’s anyone in your life (friend, family, employee) who feels they want to do better with their health, please share this post. It might be the fresh perspective they need to feel better.