Category: Pharmacy & Compounding

Nutrient Depletion: Acid Blockers

October 8th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

One of the most prescribed categories of drugs is acid blockers. These include Pepcid and Prevacid. Used to treat heartburn, gastric (stomach) ulcers, duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these drugs can also have a slew of side effects, many of which are associated with nutritional deficiencies.

Here are some of the nutrients that you may be deficient in if you are taking an acid blocker.

  • Iron – Stomach acid is needed for iron absorption and people with ulcers may be iron deficient due to blood loss.
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Nutrient Depletion: Blood Pressure Drugs

September 25th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Blood pressure drugs such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are important medications for many people, but they can come with many side effects, especially as a result of nutrient depletion.

If you are currently on any of blood pressure drugs, talk to a pharmacist about side effects and nutrient depletions.

The following nutrients are usually depleted with long-term use of blood pressure medications:

Magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc – These important minerals work synergistically to support cardiovascular health.

CoQ10 – This important antioxidant acts as a cofactor in many metabolic pathways, particularly in the production of ATP (energy). It is also is a key nutrient in maintaining a strong heart.

For some people, exercise and diet can eliminate the need for blood pressure medications. Consuming a diet low in sodium and rich in fruits vegetables, and combining that with a daily 30-minute walk, can make a big difference.

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Nutrient Depletion: Oral Contraceptives

August 28th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Many people do not know that prescription medications can deplete your body of important nutrients, leaving you susceptible to other heath problems. Every week, I will post a blog about a commonly prescribed drug and what depletions it may cause.

First off, oral contraceptives. Prescribed to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles and, for some women, provide relief of painful periods. Whatever the reason, these tiny tablets can rob women of critical vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Nutrient Depletion

Folic acid – works closely with vitamin B12 in the metabolism of amino acids, and the synthesis of proteins, vital to healthy cell division and replication and to tissue growth, plays an important role in cervical health and preventing birth defects.

Magnesium – activates hundreds of enzymes, plays a role in healthy bones and teeth, muscle health, mood and sleep, cardiovascular and menstrual health.

Continue reading “Nutrient Depletion: Oral Contraceptives”

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Nutrient Power: Rebalancing Biochemistry to Address Health Issues

June 27th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

In his fascinating new book, Nutrient Power, Dr. William Walsh focuses on brain health and the importance of nutrients to rebalance brain chemistry. The main foundation of the book is focusing on an individual’s unique needs and then formulating a personalized compound, or recommending specific nutrients based on those needs.

Dr. Walsh summarizes his book:

“I’m pleased to announce that my new book Nutrient Power (Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.) has been completed. The book won’t be released to Amazon and bookstores until September, but early copies are now available at Village Green Apothecary (call 1-800-869-9159 to order) and through Walsh Research Institute. The book presents a science-based nutrient therapy system that can help millions of patients throughout the world. The text is aimed at doctors, researchers, and families challenged by depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism, and other brain disorders. This approach recognizes that nutrient imbalances can alter brain levels of key neurotransmitters, disrupt gene expression of proteins and enzymes, and cripple the body’s protection against environmental toxins. The book demonstrates that depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD are umbrella terms that encompass disorders with widely-differing brain chemistries and symptoms. Nutrient therapies tailored for five depression biotypes, three schizophrenia biotypes, and various ADHD conditions are presented along with several case histories. Continue reading “Nutrient Power: Rebalancing Biochemistry to Address Health Issues”

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Popular Medications Recalled

January 19th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Swiss drugmaker Novartis is recalling all lots of Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Excedrin Tension Headache caplets with expiration dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier. The medication is being recalled because of possible chipped or broken tablets and stray pills of other drugs.

The chipped and broken pills could cause consumers to take too much or too little of the medication, and the unwanted pills could cause unexpected drug interactions or other side effects.

The company is also recalling some bottles of Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X because of the same problems. This is a voluntary recall and there haven’t been any reported adverse affects related to the damaged product.

For more information on the recall and what to do if you have any of the above products, please click here.

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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