ASK DOCTOR MARTY NEWSLETTER
2015
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. It is based on questions that I receive regarding natural health topics. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and will forward any questions you may have as well.
QUESTION: I’d like to start taking natural remedies, like vitamins, minerals, and herbs, but I’m taking several prescriptions. Should I be concerned about mixing the natural with the not-so-natural?
ANSWER: Yes.
That was the shortest newsletter ever, huh? Yes, it would be nice to have definitive yeses and nos in life, but that doesn’t always happen. My clients and students are very accustomed to hearing “It depends.”
Some medications actually cause a shortage or imbalance of nutrients in the body. Some examples are:
- Medications for cholesterol can cause a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 (coQ10), vitamin E, vitamin D, folic acid and vitamin A. The coQ10 deficiency, for example, can often cause a stroke, heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and serious muscle pain and weakness. One in four Americans over the age of 60 takes a prescription for high cholesterol. Thankfully, more and more physicians are recommending coQ10 when they prescribe cholesterol meds.
- Prescriptions for blood sugar imbalances and diabetes can also cause a deficiency of coQ10, vitamin B12 and folic acid. A shortage of B12 can result in irreversible dementia, extreme fatigue, confusion, memory loss, moodiness, and depression.
- Birth control pills can cause deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, tryptophan, tyrosine, magnesium and zinc. Folic acid shortages can cause headaches, insomnia, birth defects, anemia, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, cervical dysplasia, and birth defects.
- Blood pressure/heart meds can result in deficiencies of zinc and coQ10. Poor night vision, mental disturbances, extreme fatigue, a tendency to have frequent infections, and impaired testicular function are all signs of a zinc deficiency. Yes, we all know what that means.The list above by no means covers everything for each medication but it can give you an idea of how extensive side effects can be with common prescriptions. So in cases like these, in which deficiencies often occur as a side effect of medications, it would be wise to use a natural supplement as insurance.I am often asked what interactions exist with certain medications and natural supplements. The number one rule when you are taking prescriptions is to call your pharmacist and determine what precautions should be taken when you are considering supplements. Generally speaking, however, interaction is not as accurate as the term “overkill”. If that sounded a little like a melodramatic pun, it really isn’t either. Taking a prescription to dilate your blood vessels or to lower blood pressure and also taking an herbal remedy that does the same thing can result in disaster. Herbs in particular can be very powerful and must be treated with respect. Herbs for blood pressure, for example tend to normalize blood pressure rather than lower blood pressure. But if you take a prescription to lower blood pressure, you could bring your blood pressure to a dangerously low level. If you are on prescriptions, once again, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHARMACIST. He or she can advise you of foods that interact with your meds as well as any supplements. An experienced herbalist and pharmacist can be very powerful members of your optimal health team. Hot Tip: Carefully read any information from your druggist included with your prescriptions. Next month…Part one of essential oils.*******
- “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
- It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
- Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs and co-authored True Health Series:Energy. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her first book was published. She is also a retired professor, specializing in courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
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