Tag Archives: Product Toxins

Household Cleaning Products Making People Sick

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Over a decade ago I read an article titled, “Is Cancer in Your Tub?” The information within the article came from a Network News Publication that caught my attention. In essence it included how FDA approved chemicals found in household products made people sick – with a connection to illness and disease. At the time, consumer safety activists were outraged by the amount of FDA approved ingredients known to be harmful to health in general and especially through long term use. Advocates worked hard then as they do today, to call on manufacturers to remove unnecessary and harmful chemicals from all consumer products.

Over the last 20 years this movement has generated a whole new culture that prioritizes safe home use cleaning products… however, a plethora of household cleaning brands with toxic chemicals still fill marketplace shelves. Other industries like cosmetics and processed foods are also a concern for advocacy groups.

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Back in 2007, I was interested to learn more about toxic chemicals in consumer products known to cause illness and disease. Then wondered why other safe ingredients couldn’t be used instead… This led me to read a published brochure by author Debra Lynn Dadd, “Please Protect Yourself from Household Toxins.” I would like to share a portion of that information found in her literature, and why its so important for consumer safety education to continue.

She wrote,

“While certain people may be more sensitive than others, and some chemical(s) may bring on reactions only after many years of repeated exposure, I discovered through my research that chemicals may bring on reactions only after many years of repeated exposure, I discovered through my research that chemicals in the home could put anyone at risk.”

“It is just as important today as it was over a decade ago, to educate the public on harmful household use products as it is within our foods marketplace. And how some people are more sensitive to certain chemical exposures than others. Although it appears certain, many harsh chemicals in our household products, like chemically engineered foods have improved throughout the last decade. The household products and foods found within the marketplace require consumer scrutiny to minimize health risk.”

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“Cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, heart disease… Almost any symptom imaginable, both physical and psychological, has been associated with chemicals in common household products. Recently, scientists have discovered that toxic chemicals can lodge in our endocrine system contributing to thyroid problems, diabetes, weight gain, and infertility. At greatest risk are fetuses, children, the elderly, and those who are already ill, but these chemicals are threatening the health of everyone, every day” [Dadd 2007]. [Learn more about Debra Dadd history and books].

Research shows a plethra of chemical toxins are still found in a majority of consumer product ingredients today. What has changed from 2007, is the advancement of green and safe eco-friendly home use and personal hygiene products within the marketplace. The foods markets have also advanced in healthier alternatives. But like household cleaners, the old brands through rebranding and relabeling are alive and well.

As Dodd stated in 2007, “It is just as important today as it was over a decade ago, to educate the public on harmful household use products as it is within our foods marketplace.”

Her statement was valid then and continues to be true today. If safe consumer advocacy and education stopped, how would the next generation identify and change unhealthy consumer habits and behaviors to minimize health risk? What incentives would manufacturers have to change their policies, ingredients and procedures, etc. Without public education – supply and demand don’t change into healthier outcomes. This dynamic if not kept in check cause more people get sick… put unnecessary burdens on families, employers and limited community medical services-resources, etc.

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At the time I originally published this article on 25 June 2008, I also cited a related publication within an AARP Bulletin Today, May 2008, Vol.49 No. 4. I’d like to share a portion of that article – “Hazards at Home,” by Reed Karaim.

“And older people are more likely to have conditions – such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes – that can dramatically reduce their ability to withstand exposure to environmental hazards… The stakes are high. Older people tend to process and eliminate toxicants from their bodies more slowly than younger people. And “as we age, we become less efficient at detoxification – the slowing down of kidneys, liver and immune system functioning all play a role. In this older people are more like infants and children in their ability to fend off toxic assaults, says Sandra Steingraber, the author of Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment.” It is still true today… seniors are at higher health risk when using aerosol air fresheners and disinfectants, and liquid household sprays and detergents with toxic chemical ingredients.”

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CleanersChemicals to avoid in cleaners, says McRandle (Paul McRandle, Deputy Editor at the National Geographic Green Guide), run from ammonia, which is known to trigger asthma, elements in chlorine bleach, which is a lung irritant and will kill you if you swallow it, to things like glycol ethers, which are used to dissolve grime and dirt, and can cause nerve damage.’ … Protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves and your lungs by ventilating your work area or wearing a mask.”

Although this article focused mainly on toxic household cleaners, It was simply amazing to also find within these early publications, glycol ethers and propylene Glycol (ingredient found in anti-freeze), are ingredients still found within many of our personal hygiene products: i.e., shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, toothpaste and pet food.

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This left the question in my head… Why is it necessary to put these carcinogenic solvents in any consumable, or personal hygiene, or household product? Especially when manufacturers know how to make a non-toxic, eco-friendly, safe, or safer version? The answer is very clear. It’s all about the bottom line… has to be.

The worst of the worst home cleaning products harmful to health appear to be spray cleaners and chemical air fresheners…

“Research shows that spray cleaners are the most toxic because they provide the greatest exposure to the chemicals in toxic household cleaners. In fact, a 2018 study found women who used sprays or other cleaning products at least once per week had a steeper decline in lung function than women who didn’t” [nontoxicforhealth 2018].

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The marketplace won’t eliminate all the chemical toxins problems found in household cleaners and personal hygiene products anytime soon. However, there are eight proactive and protective measures you can take now to reduce the risk of increasing health risk when cleaning your home.

Reduce Health Risk During Sanitizing, Disinfecting and Cleaning House

  1. Use non-toxic household cleaning products made from citrus and essential oil, and other natural ingredients. Change to eco green friendly – safe cleaning products.
  2. Don’t use toxic aerosol sprays to clean and freshen air – they attach to wall surfaces and carpet and furniture [Sprayed chemicals linger in your home’s air the longest.].
  3. Run away from heavily concentrated ammonia-based cleaners – especially if you have respiratory or a weakened immune system.
  4. Any ingredient name you can’t pronounce, or have to look up, including chemical fragrances [not natural], are likely toxic to health and may cause eye and respiratory and skin irritation. If bottle label cautions: Harmful to health and may cause death is swallowed – Look for alternative safe product choice.
  5. All consumers, especially seniors should consider throwing away toxic cleaning products and replacing them with bio-degradable and natural and organic products to reduce allergy symptoms, illness and health risk.
  6. If you have any type of unexplained skin, eye irritation, respiratory allergic reaction, etc., after using a cleaning agent, or air freshening product, avoid further use.
  7. If you have an acute, or chronic reaction to any household cleaner, or air freshener product, see your doctor immediately.
  8. Wear eye protection, mask and gloves whenever using household cleaning products and ventilate space well with fresh air.

Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET2021 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.org,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

Fluorination of Public Drinking Water Health Risk for Intolerant

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Last Updated: 22 July 2020 by Marc Woodard

In order to determine whether adding chemical fluoride to our public drinking water is safe, necessary or even beneficial for dental health it is wise to first understand its origins and industrial use history. Yes, I did say chemical, as it is not well known to most that fluoride added to 90% of many public’s drinking water sources is hydrofluoric acid and once used to manufacture uranium and plutonium bomb-grade nuclear weapons. Today it is used within multiple manufacturing firms and known to be one of the most caustic industrial chemicals on planet earth.

Fluoride is also the active toxin in rat and cockroach poisons. What other industries are dependent on fluoride in the marketplace you ask? Semiconductors, refining high octane gas, fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons in refrigerants to cool our foods and to keep us cool; fluorescent light bulbs, herbicides, plastics and of course, it’s added to many toothpaste brands.

… “What other industries are dependent on fluoride in the marketplace you ask? Semiconductors, refining high octane gas, fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons in refrigerants” …

It was the same A-bomb scientist of the day that produced the evidence against fluoride injuries to civilians through litigation; which also happens to be the same person that showed low doses of this chemical consumed by humans to be safe. This fact in itself should cause one to further re-think the benefits of water fluorination within the political and health and educational etc., industrial sectors of special interests.

… “It is not well known to most that the fluoride added to 90% of many public’s drinking water sources is hydrofluoric acid and once used to manufacture uranium and plutonium bomb-grade nuclear weapons.

Fifty years ago the government introduced fluoride into our public water facilities claiming it would reduce cavities in our children’s teeth. Of course in the same breath, one must understand with the dawn of the nuclear age, then came the age of nuclear downsizing and excess chemical reserves. Chemical companies were hungry to continue generating revenues by finding other uses for fluoride. The excess chemical surplus no longer useful for nuclear enrichment found its way into our drinking water; much like Monsanto’s artificial sweetener was first redeveloped for something other than its intended use… “Schlatter had synthesized aspartame as an intermediate step in generating a tetrapeptide of the hormone gastrin, for use in assessing an anti-ulcer drug candidate. He discovered its sweet taste when he licked his finger, which had become contaminated with aspartame, to lift up a piece of paper” [Google 2020].

If you don’t know about Monsanto’s Aspartame, simply type it into a search engine: illness and disease followed by the words: artificial sweetener… greatly responsible for childhood obesity and cancer and other health risks. And why the FDA protects and promotes these chemical products within our consumer marketplaces.

Like non-essential fluoride in our drinking water… Another unnecessary food chemical with a sorted history is Monsanto’s Aspartame… this artificial sweetener is in many of our soda and juice drinks. Including: many types of processed baked foods and other deserts.

Dental organizations, special interests groups, governmental and other advocates sell communities on the ideal, that when fluoride is adjusted and controlled in our drinking water it is safe and good for us. I’ve found much positive data on fluorinated water and children’s dental health care to support this argument. However, I’ve also found just as much data showing when fluoride is added to public drinking water “it is not healthy for the entire population.” And even when looking over our children’s dental benefits – controlling levels of daily fluoride intake for public water facilities personnel is very difficult to sustain, if not impossible. There is also much research data on fluorinated water. Showing no chemical difference between natural occurring fluorides found in nature’s water shed vs. public drinking water with added fluoride. Our bodies do need this trace mineral in minuet amounts…

“may be our governments feel an obligation to ensure we receive this very beneficial trace mineral requirement in greater amounts… and at tax payer’s expense.”

If “receiving a beneficial trace mineral requirement [fluoride]” was so important, then why wouldn’t public health officials also require other nonessential [fluoride is not considered an essential mineral] minerals our bodies need in our public water supply to ensure good teeth and bone health? I.e., why not add calcium, magnesium, phosphorus minerals for good dental and bone health. So what makes fluoride a required non-essential mineral?

Some of the selling points used to sway voters, fluoride in public drinking water is a good ideal… it will promote “among other things,” less sick days, greater productivity and less dental care. So one has to ask, why fluorinate public water at all if you can simply absorb it through the foods, supplements, drinks and proper dental hygiene as opposed to subjugating a populace to a questionable and unnecessary chemical additive in our drinking water?

What do you think motivates government and the dental industry to promote a seemingly unnecessary chemical “proven to cause health risks for some adults?” And if nature provides the trace mineral fluoride in organic and processed foods, and in bottled drinks, why the continued push to add it to our public water supply? Thinking a little further on topic, how could any agency accurately determine the necessary and proper amount of hydrofluoric acid to be added to a water source and make it safe for everyone? Are there any “for sure” good answers?

“If dental prevention is paramount why won’t parents take the responsibility to ensure their children are brushing their teeth with proper dental products if that’s what they need?”

Don’t we as parents, health and dental organizations and our schools have some responsibility to educate on good dental hygiene and promote good eating habits? Or is it our government’s responsibility to use our tax dollars to supplement our dental health? I’ve got a better ideal, why not use those tax dollars to subsidize low income families with a preventative dental care plan? Wouldn’t that be less costly to the tax payer and less health risk for those intolerant of fluoride.

Although proponents of fluorinated public drinking water say they are simply adding and adjusting the fluoride levels in our drinking water “safely” as prevention against childhood cavities, others have questionable arguments and reasonable concerns… what are safe levels for a medically diverse and aging and intolerant population(s)?

Again, if it’s not a water quality issue, then what’s the overriding reason to add this chemical to our public drinking water? Proponents of fluorinating our water further argue, fluoride is a mineral found within our soils and plants and is naturally occurring within our tooth enamel and bone and helps the body to resist disease. Is it reasonable to assume fluorinated water would be healthy for everyone?

As you further study this topic it is easy to make a positive, or negative health benefit and/or risk argument. However, the sum of the whole arguments fall apart rather rapidly once you begin to dissect the entire cause and effect found within case studies connected to fluorinated water intolerances within the body.

In the early stages of childhood development, fluoride additives may hold greater dental benefits vs. health risk for the younger demographic.

Even though municipal water experts tell us they can control the levels of fluoride injection into our drinking water at safe levels, you are beginning to understand this is not the whole picture. This is because public water specialists cannot control the sensitivities for those intolerant of any flouride entering body.

Increased flouride absorption tend to be more problematic as the body ages, and/or in combination with immune or other ill-health problems. Our children are also not immune to over fluorination health risks. They are simply least likely to experience health problems because of their younger metabolisms and stronger immune systems.

Even though numerous professionals within hundreds of organizations speak out against public water fluorination: e.g., biochemists, oral medicine, gemology, physiology, orthopedic, podiatrist, toxicologists, EPA, nutritionists, medical associates, Nobel laureates, oncologists, epidemiologists, etc., it has been stated “Fluoridation is the greatest case of scientific fraud of this century, if not of all time.’ And that more people have died in the last 30 years from cancer connected with fluoridation than all the military deaths in the entire history of the United States” [EPA scientist Dr. Robert Carton (Downey, 2 May 99) and Dean Burk, PhD National Cancer Institute, Fluoridation a Burning Controversy].

“Fluoridation is the greatest case of scientific fraud of this century, if not of all time.’ And that more people have died in the last 30 years from cancer connected with fluoridation than all the military deaths in the entire history of the United States”

Most don’t understand, not only should we be concerned about drinking water and toothpaste, but also environmental pollutants derived from major industries where fluoride is a critical chemical ingredient in the production of aluminum to pesticides.  Within the last 15-20 years a dental revolution against public water fluorination occurred through the discovery of dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a sign of excessive exposure to too much fluoride.

“Although the proponents for public water fluorinations key talking point is tooth decay prevention, there is just as much evidence to support the undeniable health risks to children” (Brunelle 1987; Heller 1997; Khan 2005).

“One of the greatest concerns is the risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and impacts on the thyroid function and lowered IQ’s” (NRC 2006). And the American Dental Association (ADA 2006) recommends if you can’t avoid fluorinated public water consider, use fluoride-free bottled water for infant formulas!

Signs of dental fluorosis include whitish flecks, spots mainly on the front teeth, or dark spots and stripes (most severe case). If you display these signs then it would be wise to remove this chemical from your diet. Your teeth are a sure sign that your protein enzymes have become mutated to a point that causes one to age at an accelerated rate. If enough enzyme proteins change, or become foreign to the body the body begins to die exponentially! Ill-health risks can occur within the immune, respiratory, digestive systems; thyroid, brain, liver and kidney functions and blood circulation. Other autoimmune problems due to over exposure of fluorides: arteriosclerosis, asthma, lupus and arthritis.

The National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends that if children between the ages of 6 months to 16 years of age should need fluoride for dental prevention and it is not supplied within a public drinking water source… parents should seek dental advise and/or fluoride supplement if needed.

Dr. Alesen (Former president of the California Medical Association) cites: “without a shadow of doubt dozens of International studies show us how Fluoride disrupts the bone building process by creating a ‘calcium out of solution’ situation has caused thousands of relational cases of skeletal thinning fractures, ‘rubber bones,’ osteoporosis, anemia, rickets, calcium stones and crystal buildup in organs and joints.”

Although I wanted to find a positive reason to be a proponent of fluorination of public drinking water, I could find no good reason to support a public policy I was not 95% confident was a health benefit to all. If anyone does a little research over the Internet, they’d likely come up to the same conclusions… unless your special interest or livelihood revolves around the chemical flouride or dental, etc., industry, you’d likely not be in favor of cholorinating a public water source once fully informed.

Although flournation proponents claim there is a dental prevention, cost and good bone health benefit, including less time lost from school and work and may be true for a minority… . In my opinion are dwarfed by the negative health risk and costs on the older population and those allergic and/or intolerant to dietary flourides. I think one could make a better argument there’s a greater than 50% chance a majority of a population’s health is harmed [short and long term] by public water flourination policies.

Consider when you hear a pro-rally cry for public water fluorination. Recall that almost every form of processed foods and drinks consumed has been most assuredly manufactured with fluorinated water. There is no way to know exactly how much fluoride each one of us is receiving daily and more so if it’s added to our public water supply [“the summation of the whole chemicals injested appears to equate to increased health risk”].

“Some sample label ingredients read: Active ingredient Sodium Fluoride ‘Warning’ Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. The reason this label warning is on the toothpaste is because if a 20lb child happened to swallow a tube of this toothpaste it could kill that child!”

Other Consumer Safety Knowledge: Also check your toothpaste labels. Some sample label ingredients read: Active ingredient Sodium Fluoride “ Warning“ Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. The reason this label warning is on the toothpaste is because if a 20lb child happened to swallow a tube of this toothpaste it could kill that child! Another reason why an overwhelming portion of the populace is concerned about a chemical in their public water source… so poisonous that the FDA requires a product warning label to consumers.

My Opinion: Parents should work with their dental specialists to provide supplement fluoride for children that need it. And our government should only ensure they provide quality drinking water to the public without unnecessary chemical fluorination. Why? because this chemical additive does not benefit the sum of the whole population. If anything, it appears to increase health risk to a majority of the population… moreso, than it provides a dental prevention benefit for youth and the adult population.

References,

Acu-Cell Nutrition.  Fluoride, Fluorine and Chloride, Chlorine.

Delta Dental. Vitamins and Minerals Play Important Roles in Bone Health.

Environmental Working Group. Fluoride and Dental Health. 

Glaros, William P., D.D.S., INC. Better Health through Fine Dentistry. Is Fluoride Really Good for Your Teeth? 1 September 2011.

Google search, 2020.

Healthvermont.gov. Department of Health, Agency of Human Services. Fluoride.

Murray, Rich. How Aspartame Became Legal. The Timeline. 24 December 2002.

NIDCR.gov. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Prevent Disease.Com. How dangerous is Fluoride to your Health?

Author: Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET. 2014-20 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org, Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

Incompatible Food and Pharmaceutical Mixes

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Last Update: 3 June 2020 by Marc Woodard.

Many don’t realize some foods can interact badly with prescription drugs when consumed together. Those that fail to read the dietary warning’s listed on specific pharmaceutical labels, or disregard the prescription use instructions can cause increased health risk.

Listed below are 7 common prescription drugs and foods that when consumed together can increase health risk and/or cause severe ill-health side effects. There are many chemical reactions that occur within the body to keep the metabolism and overall physiology balanced. And when using pharmaceuticals it is important to understand, even the most benign appearing foods can cause an unhealthy chemical reaction.

What medications don’t interact well with certain foods?
Which whole foods are incompatible with what pharmaceuticals?

One only needs to understand everything we put into our bodies causes some kind of chemical reaction. Therefore it is important to realize, if you take any pharmaceutical, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist if there is any food that would cause an ill-health affect or risk to overall health when taken together.

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Listed are commonly prescribed medications & foods that don’t interact well.

1. Anti-depressants SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, etc. MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) – Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, etc. Their related generic counterparts are: Marplan, Nardil, (Emsam, Eldepryl, Zelapar) and Parnate.

Drug treatment purpose: Anti-depressants are effective in treating depression, panic and other anxiety disorders. They also require special considerations with regard to diet. MAOI’s are normally used when other anti-depressants fail. When used as prescribed they will boost mood by improving brain cell communication.

Side effects: Diarrhea, dry mouth, sleepiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, low blood pressure, nervousness, muscle aches, insomnia, weight gain, sense of taste, hampered sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, difficult urinating, tingling, or prickling sensation on skin. If removed from anti-depressants too fast the following withdrawal effects are likely: insomnia, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, irritability and anxiety may follow.

Non-compatible foods: Aged cheeses, pickled, or fermented sausages (pepperoni, salami), luncheon meats, beef liver, chicken liver, yeast-containing foods and beverages that have the compound tyramine [protein containing foods] in them. This compound has an effect on blood pressure. If the bodies MAO (Monoamine Oxidase) enzyme is inhibited by MAOI medication, it is necessary to avoid the foods that contain this compound. If this diet restriction is not followed, then blood pressure can increase towards critically unhealthy levels.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken together: High levels of tyramine in the body can lead to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia and brain hemorrhage.

2. Anti-anxiety – Benzodiazepines are the most common anti-anxiety drugs, e.g., Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax, etc., and Generic: lorazepam, clonazepam, diazepam and alprazolam are all sedatives and bind with the brains natural sedatives to calm you down.

Drug treatment purpose: To help relax and reduce anxiety. Anti-anxiety drugs are also known as tranquilizers. Anti-anxiety medications work by slowing down the central nervous system [reduced brain activity] and have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. They are also prescribed for sleeping and muscle spasm disorders. Often antidepressants will be prescribed to relieve symptoms of anxiety.

Known side effects: Addiction, inability to focus-learn, uncoordinated, clumsiness, confusion, disorientation, blurred vision, upset stomach, lightheadedness, sleepy, impaired judgment, nausea, memory loss. Long term users of these medications also experience depression. High dosages and long term use will likely increase suicidal thoughts and feelings. Benzodiazepines can also cause the opposite of a calming effect like mania, aggressive behavior, or hostility, rage and even hallucinations.

Non-compatible foods: Alcohol. When these drugs are mixed with alcohol the sedative properties on the brain and body is amplified. Not only do you feel more drunk, but more tired and forgetful. Coffee and drinks with caffeine in them affects anti-anxiety and asthma medications.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken together: Your breathing rate is significantly slowed down and risk of respiratory failure increases.

3. Antibiotics – Monodox, Dynacin, Sumycin, Cipro, Levaquin, etc. Generics: minocycline, tetracycline and doxycycline, etc. This listing represents a few of many antibiotics that could be prescribed.

Drug treatment purpose: Antibiotics are used to kill bacterial infections. They are not effective against fungal (ringworm or vaginal yeast infection), flu, or the common cold.

Side effects – Antibiotics are relatively safe when used appropriately. However, like any medication unwanted side effects do occur. If you experience any skin rash, hives, wheezing, anaphylaxis (shortage of breath), swelling of lips, tongue or face seek medical attention immediately.

Non-compatible foods: Dairy products have calcium in them. Calcium tends to bind with the antibiotics if a dairy product is consumed within a two hour window after taking the medication. Vitamins and Antacids can also decrease the efficiency of antibiotics. For example, ciprofloxacin an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract and abdominal infections among other things; when mixed with antacids becomes less effective when it binds to magnesium and calcium.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken together: This binding prevents the antibiotic from absorbing into the body to fight an infection rendering various antibiotics useless. When this happens the medication stays in the intestine and leaves the body at the next bowel movement. Yet there are other antibiotics used for strep throat and ear infections where dairy products have no impact on those medications.

4. High blood pressure, or anti-hypertension medications – Univasc, Zestril and Monopril can raise your potassium levels. Common generics: Hygroton, Lozol, Mykrox, Diuril, Lasix, Esidrix, etc. There are many specialized medications that are designed to treat both diuretic and high blood pressure cases.

Drug treatment purpose: To lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting risk. Many classes of blood pressure medications include a diuretic treatment component. These medications help to rid the body of excess water and sodium and help to control blood pressure. Diuretics are often used in combination with other medications like anti-clotting prevention treatment that use aspirin and Plavix. When patients are at high risk of stroke or heart attack, doctors often prescribe Plavix as an anti-platelet drug for blood clotting prevention. The first line of attack is aspirin. Both anti-clotting and blood pressure medications may likely be prescribed together, but not always.

Known side effects: Gout, increased blood sugar levels, leg cramps, weakness, impotence may occur.

Non-compatible foods: Limit foods high in potassium like bananas, salt substitutes with potassium, spinach, leafy greens and sweet potatoes. Eating a banana once a day, or leafy green the next should be ok. But you’ll want to confirm diet and frequency of consumption with your prescribing physician.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken together: Too much potassium in the body can cause your heart to beat irregularly and in severe cases can cause cardiac arrest. Also, two foods that can keep blood clotting medications from working are garlic and ginger. They can cause excessive bleeding as they both have high doses of blood thinning agents in them.

5. High cholesterolStatin drugs (blood cholesterol lowering medications) include: Lipex, Mevacor, Zocor, Crestor, Vytorin or Lipitor, to include generics like simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin, etc.

Drug treatment purpose: Lower High Blood Cholesterol.

Known side effects and health risk: As of recent studies, the following health risks are possible; memory loss, diabetes and muscle pain. The food and drug administration has officially linked statin drugs with forgetfulness, confusion and increased blood sugar levels that would be of concern for diabetics. Liver injury is also possible and is rare.

Non-compatible foods: Some cholesterol medications can be affected by grape fruit juice or the fruit. It is the inhibiting properties of this fruit that keeps the intestine and/or liver from breaking down the drug and increases the risk that the drug will accumulate in the body and become toxic. It is the citrus that blocks the enzyme in the intestines and prevents the metabolism of these drugs. The active component in this fruit is not yet known. Check with your prescribing doctor about grapefruit products in the diet. There are some statin medications that are not influenced by this fruit. It is also true some immune drugs and allergy drugs like Allegra are affected by grapefruit.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken together: Grapefruit and its juice should be avoided when using heart medicines and a number of other prescriptive drugs for cardio and immunological health related problems. Be sure to consult with the prescribing physician with foods you should consume when on these medications.

6. Blood thinner – Coumadin (generic: warfarin) Aggrenox, Aspirin, Jantoven, Heparin, Lovenox, Plavix, etc.

Drug treatment purpose: The job of blood thinners is to thin the blood for patients that are high risk of heart attack, or developing blood clots.

Known side effects: Each medication listed can cause a combination of the following side effects; Nausea, irritated stomach, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and indigestion. Coumadin and Heparin can cause serious bleeding inside the eye and intestine, or cause bruising, blood in the urine, nose bleeds. Other problems include kidney function, difficulty breathing and muscle aches.

Non-compatible foods: Since Vitamin K (thickens blood) is found abundantly in leafy greens, they can block the effects of the blood thinners. Leafy greens that can affect of blood thinners are Brussels sprouts, collard greens, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, kale, Swiss chard and Green tea. Other foods that may impact blood thinner medications include: cranberries, as well as the juice, garlic and ginger. They can actually increase the blood thinning properties of the blood thinners that could amplify their effect.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken togetherIncreased risk of stroke and heart attack.

7. Thyroid – Synthroid, Armour thyroid, Levoxyl, Cytomel, etc. Generic: Levothyroxin, thyroid desiccated, levothyroxine, liothyronine, etc.

Drug treatment purpose: Used to regulate the thyroid glands to normalize hormone functions throughout the body when they fail to produce enough thyroid hormone. Effective treatment can increase energy, mood disposition and body weight regulation. To include supports male and female characteristic traits.

Known side effects: Thyroid medications do not cause side effects if taken in the correct dose.

Non-compatible foods: Tofu, soymilk (soy products) and walnuts can prevent your body from absorbing the thyroid medication. It may not be necessary to give up these foods, but let your physician know about your dietary preferences. It is very possible your soy diet preference can be resolved with a modification of dose.

Health risk when prescription and non-compatible foods are taken together: Weight gain, obesity and other ill-health and disease complications.

References,

American Heart Association. Types of Blood Pressure Medications.

Ankrom, Sheryl. Dietary Precautions While Taking MAOIs. Former About.com Guide, updated June 17, 2009. 

Club Red. Some Foods and Medications Just Don’t Mix. January 2012.

Drugs.com. Common Side Effects, Allergies and Reactions to Antibiotics.

Drugs.com. Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) Medications.

Harris, Gardiner. Safety Alerts Cite Cholesterol Drugs Side Effects. The New York Times. February 28, 2012.

Helpguide.org. Anxiety Medication.

Rodgers, Linda. Foods and Medications that Don’t Mix. Grand Parents.com

Mayo Clinic Staff. Depression (major depression). Monomine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

NBCNews.com. Foods to Avoid When You’re Taking Meds. 26 October 2006.

Vega, Jose M.D., Ph.D. Side Effects of Coumadin, Plavix and Other Blood Thinners.  About.com.

WebMD.com. Hypothryroidism.

Woodard, Marc. 41 Drugs to Die For. Mirror Athlete Fitness Secrets. 24 October 2010.

Woodard, Marc. Defeat Anxiety and Panic Attacks. Mirror Athlete Fitness Secrets. 24 November 2010.

Woodard, Marc. How to Deal with Depression. Mirror Athlete Fitness Secrets. 25 August 2008.

Woodard, Marc. The Thyroid is a Powerful Weight Regulating Gland. Mirror Athlete Fitness Secrets. 21 May 2012.

Author: Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET. 2013-20 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org, Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.