Did you know that medications often deplete your body of vital nutrients because they block your body's ability to absorb them? This can lead to other health problems because if side effects are not recognised as nutrient deficiencies, you may end up on more medications causing even more deficiencies and side effects. This problem, described as "drug mugging" by Suzy Cohen RPh in her book "Drug Muggers", may also be a factor if you are struggling to lose weight.
If you are taking any medications I highly recommend you read this book. Even if you are not, this book is very informative and worth reading. If I could have seen myself while reading this book there were surely many times my eyes nearly popped out of my head and my jaw dropped! The section on the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy is certainly something every woman should read.
This book explains what nutrients are depleted by specific drugs, and lists many, and details symptoms that can be side effects of the nutrient deficiencies created by those medications. There is a handy quick reference section listing medications, deficiencies and suggested supplementation, and then a more in depth look at essential nutrients one by one, why our bodies need them, what can rob our bodies of them, food sources and suggested supplements, if needed. With this information you can have an informed conversation with your doctor about your prescriptions.
There is also a chapter on lifestyle nutrient muggers which discusses things like consumption of tea and coffee, soft drinks, red wine, junk food, fad diets, the use of laxatives, smoking, food allergies, and vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies.
The information in this book highlighted to me all the more the need to be eating a nutrient-rich diet to ensure that I am getting an adequate supply of all essential nutrients to give my body the "tools" needed to function the way it was designed to. I'd rather do it this way than rely on man-made supplements. Our bodies are amazing and can compensate for quite a while but like a car engine that does not have regular maintenance, eventually something is going to give. A very good reason to take every opportunity to put the good stuff in!
About the Author
Suzy Cohen, RPh, is an author, syndicated columnist and speaker. She is also a member of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, the Institute for Functional Medicine, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the American Pharmacists Association. Other books she has written: "The 24-Hour Pharmacist" and "Diabetes without Drugs".
"Drug Muggers" is available electronically from the iTunes store or Amazon. A hard copy can be ordered through Amazon or the QBD online bookshop, or ask your favourite bookstore if they can get it.
About the Author
Suzy Cohen, RPh, is an author, syndicated columnist and speaker. She is also a member of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, the Institute for Functional Medicine, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the American Pharmacists Association. Other books she has written: "The 24-Hour Pharmacist" and "Diabetes without Drugs".
"Drug Muggers" is available electronically from the iTunes store or Amazon. A hard copy can be ordered through Amazon or the QBD online bookshop, or ask your favourite bookstore if they can get it.
~ take every opportunity to put the good stuff in ~
This blog is about me, what I'm doing, what's working for me, and what's not. It includes my experiences and opinions. It is for general information only and is in no way intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.
