Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do you sometimes list a supplement as both beneficial and something to avoid for the same drug?

When a medication depletes the body of a nutrient, it may be beneficial to take more of that nutrient to compensate; however, it might also be necessary to avoid taking the nutritional supplement at the same time as the drug because taking them together might reduce drug absorption.

For example, calcium is listed as both beneficial and as something to avoid when taking thyroid medication. Taking extra calcium might be necessary to replace the calcium that is depleted by thyroid hormone, but it should not be taken at the same time as thyroid hormone because calcium might reduce absorption of the drug.

How do I know if my drug is causing a depletion or interaction?

Usually a person does not know that a drug is depleting a nutrient until the body shows symptoms of deficiency. In some cases, your healthcare provider might run blood tests to check whether nutrient levels are low. For example, individuals taking the diuretic furosemide should have potassium blood levels monitored regularly to detect depletion.

You might notice a bad interaction if your drug stops working as effectively or if you develop unwanted symptoms when you begin taking a new nutrient or add a new food to your diet. Similarly, you might notice a beneficial interaction if your drug starts working better after adding a new food or nutrient.

As natural substances, are herbs and vitamins safer than drugs?

Herbs and vitamins are not necessarily safer just because they are natural. Though herbs and vitamins are generally safer than drugs, some might produce unwanted side effects when a person takes too much. And if you are taking medications, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking new herbs or nutritional supplements.

When nutrients are depleted, are supplements the only way to replace them?

Though supplements are more commonly used than foods to replace depleted nutrients, certain foods may also work. For example, people who need to replace potassium might choose to eat bananas or other fruit rather than take supplements.

How Do I Pick the Right Vitamins & Herbs?

Even if you eat healthfully, you could probably benefit from taking vitamin supplements. Certain vitamins help protect the body against the damage caused by environmental factors, such as the sun, pollution, and pesticides and other toxins, that can lead to illness, disease, and aging. For more in-depth information on nutritional supplements, see Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy People. Many herbal remedies have been used traditionally to help prevent or treat diseases, and science has supported a wide range of uses.

Where do I begin?

Before making any change in your health protocol, it is a good idea to check in with your healthcare practitioner, especially if you are pregnant or have a health condition. Next, it is important to have clear health goals when looking for supplements. For example: * A healthy 20-year-old might simply be looking for “dietary insurance.” * Someone in his or her 30s might want to manage stress. * Postmenopausal women might be concerned about osteoporosis. * Men over 50 might be thinking about prostate health. Each of these will benefit from a slightly different supplement protocol. Talk with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner, letting your health goals and history guide your research and help you determine the herbs and supplements that will be safest and most effective for you.

Are vitamins and minerals always safe?

Although most supplements have good safety records, each person’s body will react differently depending on his or her unique physiology as well as on any other medications, herbs, and supplements also being taken. In addition, certain combinations of medications, herbs, and nutrients can potentially cause depletions or interactions. For that reason it is important to check with your health practitioner. Also try Rx Answers, which contains depletion and interaction information for drugs, nutritional supplements, herbs, and foods.

With today's on-the-go lifestyle, many of us eat at fast food restaurants or heat up a pre-packaged dinner in the microwave. These foods are often laden with unhealthy oils and fats that cause your cholesterol intake to go through the roof.

Do women need special vitamins or herbs?

Each woman will have different health concerns depending on her age, health history, and genetics. In addition to meeting general nutrient needs, women may have specific concerns such as osteoporosis, PMS, heart disease, iron levels, and pregnancy. For a comprehensive look at women’s health and how supplements might help, see the Women’s Health Center.