It is a known fact that medication assists in the normal functioning of the body when things go amiss but we also need to understand that these medications cause as much harm as the good they do. Vitamins and minerals are essential body nutrients. Frequent use of some of these medications often depletes the body of several vitamins and minerals. Stated below is a list of medications and vitamins, minerals that they deplete from the body.
- Alcohol depletes Vitamin B complex, Magnesium, and Vitamins C, D, E and K
- Antibiotics deplete Vitamin B and K
- Anti-Inflammatories deplete Folic acid, Iron and Vitamin C
- Antihistamines deplete Vitamin C
- Antihypertensives deplete Calcium, Folic acid, Magnesium, Vitamin B and Potassium
- Aspirin depletes Vitamin A and B, Potassium, Calcium, Folic acid and Iron
- Caffeine depletes Potassium, Zinc and Vitamin B
- Diuretics deplete Iodine, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Zinc, Potassium and Calcium
- Estrogen depletes Folic acid and Vitamin B6
- Laxatives deplete Vitamin A, D and K, Potassium
That being said, it is therefore important that we know and take meals/diet that will help in replenishing the lost vitamins and minerals caused by medications. Also listed are food sources of the nutrients being lost.
- Vitamin A: Carrots, tomato, all leafy greens, fish, liver oils, mango, corn, milk and milk products
- Vitamin B complex: All vegetables
- Vitamin C: Orange, fruit juices, sweet potato, cranberry, grapes, red pepper and green chillies, raspberry and all green vegetables
- Vitamin D: Fortified milk and cereals, egg yolk, salmon, tuna and watermelons
- Vitamin E: All leafy greens, vegetable oil, nuts, fish, eggs and chicken liver
- Calcium: Broccoli, milk, cheese, tofu, fish, almonds and all green vegetables
- Magnesium: Almonds, all vegetables, milk and cheese, chicken, cashew nuts, whole grains, beans, apples, yoghurt and tofu
- Potassium: Fish, poultry, milk, beef, all veggies and pork
- Zinc: Milk, eggs, liver, beef, brown rice, oat meal, e.t.c.
- Iron: Spinach, beans, meat, poultry, fish, pumpkin seeds, mango and vegetables
- Iodine: Salt water fishes, onions, sea food and vegetables
- Folic Acid: Fortified foods, vegetables, and spinach
- Vitamin B6: Vegetables, fruits, fortified cereals, meat, poultry and fish.