EDUCATE YOURSELF Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletions By Conrad Esser, CEO and Nicholas Wyatt, CPO, Harbor Health and Apothecary
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ore Americans than ever are taking prescription medications. In 2019, pharmacies across the United States filled approximately 3 billion prescriptions, and more than 131 million people, 66 percent of adults in the United States, use prescription medications. Doctors and pharmacists often discuss the common side effects of prescription medications such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and constipation. However, drug-induced nutrient depletions caused by the medication being prescribed are rarely discussed. Because drug-induced nutrient depletions are not part of the patient education, it is up to you to educate yourself on the nutrients that your medications deplete. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Do you know that acetaminophen is the number one cause of nonalcoholic liver failure in the United States? Acetaminophen is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Tylenol, and it depletes the liver of glutathione.
Glutathione is an antioxidant our livers depend on to detoxify ingredients like acetaminophen. When there is a deficiency in glutathione, our livers are not able to process toxins, like acetaminophen, and free-radical production and free-radical damage increases. A cascade of damage to the liver begins, and the end result could be liver failure. Glutathione is available as an over-the-counter supplement that can be used to reduce the likelihood of deficiencies induced by acetaminophen or other toxins. Harbor Health and Apothecary carries a liposomal glutathione that is formulated for enhanced absorption. Antibiotics We have all likely taken an antibiotic at some point in our lives. Antibiotics can deplete our stores of vitamin K, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, biotin, magnesium, calcium, folic acid, and wreak havoc on our gut's microbiome. Antibiotics that deplete our vitamin K stores can impact our liver's ability to produce blood-clotting factors. These factors are important when we
H E A LT H Y T I P
THINK RED! February marks the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the season of love by incorporating rich red foods into your Valentine’s Day. From the Valentine staple of strawberries, to cherries, red bell peppers, red onions and tomatoes, not only do these foods pack great flavor but are filled with vitamins and antioxidants. And don’t forget that glass of red wine, which helps to keep the heart healthy.
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