Athletes can lose electrolytes during exertion and sweating. But did you also know that you can significantly deplete electrolytes in the body just by taking certain prescription medications?
One of the nutritional issues that is not well known by consumers and the public is that many common prescription medications can induce or cause certain electrolytes and nutrients to become very low or depleted in the body. This can also cause drug-induced nutritional deficiencies where the body has a deficit or negative balance of a particular mineral in the cells and tissues.
Recently I came across a two-part series by Hyla Cass, M.D., a well known expert on medical and nutrition issues.
In her article, which appeared on The Huffington Post, Cass lists all of the common prescription medications and the interactions these medications ARE KNOWN TO HAVE in upsetting the balance of electrolytes in the body.
Below are some of the common medications and their interaction(s):
High-Blood Pressure Medications (Anti-hypertensives): Thiazide-type diuretics can deplete potassium, an essential electrolyte, from the body. Doctors often prescribe potassium to offset K depletion caused by these drugs. BUT these diuretics also rob other minerals and trace elements including magnesium, sodium, potassium, and zinc, which as Cass notes, "are seldom supplemented." One study found that hypokalemia was present in 8.5% of patients treated with thiazide diuretics and hyponatremia (low sodium) in 13.7% of the same patients. Thizide diuretics also decrease magnesium, an essential mineral, in 20% of pateients and decrease serum zinc, a trace element.
Acid-Blockers, Antacids, PPI and H2 Blockers: Commonly prescribed to treat heartburn and Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers, these drugs cause several nutrient deficiencies. OTC antacids are decised to buffer or neutralize stomach acid, but this reduction of stomach acid can also interfere with the breakdown of food in the stomach, and, hence, the breakdown and release of nutrients in food. The lack of stomach acid (achlorhydria) similarly interferes with the absorption of folic acid, iron, and zinc. One study found that people who use proton-pump inhibitors for a year or more are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from hip fracture versus control patients. So Cass recomends taking supplementing with folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, chromium, iron, zinc, and phosphorous.
Oral Contraceptives & Hormon Replacement Therapy: Women, pay attention: you are especially at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Young women who are taking oral contraceptives (the pill) and baby boomers who are using hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, are at risk for depletions of magnesium, B6,B12, and folic acid. For women who are taking HRT, Cass recommends taking supplemental calcium, magnesium, folic acid, B2,B6, vitamin C and zinc.
Antibiotics: Some antibiotics including floxacins deplete calcium and iron; tetracyclines deplete calcium and magnesium. Aminoglycosides cause imbalanced magnesium, calcium and potassium levels. One study found that gentamicin increased calcium excretion by 5% and magnesium by 8.4%. Antibiotics will also upset the balance of natural and "good" bacteria flora in the digestive system such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterum bifidum; therefore, it's a good idea, too, if you're taking an antibiotic to ensure that you replace those friendly bacteria. This can also help reduce some of the side effects (stomach cramps, diarrhea) associated with antibiotics.
It may seem benign that certain medications can affect or even impede the absorption of electrolytes or other minerals and vitamins, but these interactions, especially if some of these medications are taken long-term, can multiply into significant nutritional consequences for individuals.
-Karie Anderson
Source:
Cass, H. (n.d.). Is Your Medication Robbing You of Nutrients Part 2: Getting Specific. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hyla-cass-md/is-your-medication-robbin_1_b_691711.html
No comments:
Post a Comment