When Supplements and Medications Don’t Go Well Together.

Every now and then we all need some sort of prescription over-the-counter medication. But do you also take your vitamins and minerals when you take medication?

Have you ever considered there could be a danger in mixing certain supplements and medications?

There might be. Some supplements increase the effect of medications, while others decrease it.

What’s more, certain supplements change metabolism, absorption, and even excretion of medications, which means you could be getting too much or too little of what you need.

To add to that, some supplements aren’t effective when mixed together, Rootine answers whether are liquid vitamins better than pills.

1. Calcium and Magnesium

This is a common one. Many of us, especially those who train hard and want to prevent stiff muscles and keep our bones strong, take calcium and magnesium supplements. But when you take them at the same time, they might not be as effective.

Taking large amounts of minerals, say, researchers, with other minerals, actually reduces absorption. What happens is the minerals compete with each other and they both lose.

To avoid this, take your minerals two hours apart.

2. Blood Thinners

Did you know that there are quite a few supplements that interact negatively with blood thinners? These include fish oils, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, vitamin E and K, feverfew, and pau d’arco. Rather than intensifying the effects of blood thinners, the supplements counteract and could result in excessive bleeding.

3. Green Tea and Iron

Iron helps distribute oxygen to cells. You need it for energy. But mix it with green tea, curcumin supplements or even black tea and your body can struggle to absorb the iron. Drink green teas, just not at the same time as taking your iron supplements.

4. Antidepressants

There are quite a few supplements you shouldn’t take with antidepressants. When you take antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxtine with supplements like St. John’s Wort or melatonin, there’s a risk of serious adverse interactions. What’s more, if you take antidepressants within 14 days of some dietary supplements, there’s a risk of confusion, anxiety, and even excessive sedation.

5. Melatonin

Believe it or not, you can overdo supplements with sedative effects, like melatonin, kava, St. John’s Wort, ashwagandha, and valerian. Taken together, they can make you too sleepy. Read the labels so you know what to expect and how to dose accordingly.

6. Diuretics

Medications that reduce fluid in your body through urination are called diuretics. Potassium-sparing varieties, that you find in certain medications, should never be taken with certain supplements because there’s a risk of too much potassium in the blood (called hyperkalemia) and other problems. If you need to take diuretics, avoid taking supplements like potassium, phosphorus, and white willow bark at the same time.

Loop diuretics should also not be mixed with certain supplements as there’s the risk or increasing or decreasing its effect.

Thiazide diuretics shouldn’t be used with supplements like calcium, aloe vera, and licorice as it can cause serious side effects and increase or decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

7. Calcium and Potassium

This is the same as taking calcium and magnesium at the same time – they just don’t work when taken together. If you exercise in the heat or suffer from digestive issues, you can fall short on potassium. If you must take both potassium and calcium, space them out a few hours apart.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Before you mix supplements and medications, here are a few things to think about:

• If you want to add a new dietary supplement to your lifestyle, ask your health care professional first and let them know what medications and other supplements you’re already taking.
• Each time you visit your health care professional, take along a list of the medications and supplements you currently take. Include dosages and how often you take each product.
• Always let your health care professional know if there have been any changes to your health, especially if you’ve recently had surgery or suffered from an illness.

There are many supplements and medications that don’t go well together. Make sure you have all the facts before mixing and matching!

 

Sources – Mayo Clinic

AHA Journals

Medical News Today

More health tips and lifestyle  at marksalinas.com

 

 

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Testosterone boosters for men are one of the most popular items that gymgoers across the world consume to regain muscle and prevent the onset of cravings. The best boost testosterone is the one that can best help you maximize performance. Ensure you consume enough of the right type of testosterone to help your brain and body stay sharp and engaged. The average man’s testosterone levels drop at a rate of 1% each year after age 30. While the effects may go unnoticed at first, long-term low testosterone or “T” levels impact almost every area of a man’s life, from results in the gym to endurance in the bedroom and mental acuity at work. Healthy testosterone levels fuel adequate muscle growth, libido, and cognition to keep you functioning at maximum capacity. If you believe low T-levels are inevitable, think again. You can take control of your body, increase muscle mass, and reclaim your mental and physical prowess with the help of testosterone-boosting supplements.

TestoPrime is the best overall testosterone booster for men. Known for improving energy and increasing muscle mass, TestoPrime proves itself popular with men who want to focus on their activity levels, fitness goals, and mental and physical capacity but struggle to do so due to low testosterone levels. TestoGen is the best natural testosterone booster for building muscle. Gym-goers worldwide recognize TestoGen as one of the five best testosterone booster supplements on the market and with good reason. This supplement targets gym lovers with low testosterone levels who wish to reclaim their athletic abilities and physical form without using a steroid, hormone replacement, or other potentially dangerous fat-burning, weight loss products. TestoGen is the best natural testosterone booster for building muscle.

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Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Testosterone has two primary functions. Its primary function is to assist in developing male sexual characteristics and drive, and another primary function is to help maintain body and mind health. Both primary functions are governed by the hypothalamus. TSH levels dictate the metabolic activity and metabolic processes of the body. Your own body’s production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and TSH concentration within your own body are important indicators of overall thyroid health. When your TSH level is too high, it will inhibit both the production and secretion of TSH. By inhibiting the production of TSH, the production of T4, T3, and thyroid hormone will be reduced and increased cortisol and parathyroid hormone will be produced, all of which can negatively impact muscle growth, libido, and overall health. If your TSH level is too low, the production of TSH will be increased and this can interfere with your immune system and thyroid function. Optimal TSH levels will vary from individual to individual, but the general rule of thumb is that a TSH level between 4 and 7 mIUL is optimal.

Your individual TSH level will be subject to age and hormonal factors, including illness, stress, weight, diet, and exercise. Additionally, TSH regulation is dependent on the presence of pituitary TSH-receptor antibodies. When there is an absence of TSH-receptor antibodies, a hormonal cycle that is more favorable for TSH secretion and blood sugar control will take place. The value of a test for measuring TSH is an individual measurement. You may be less likely to need a test, but it is still wise to test your serum TSH level periodically and in any case, you shouldn’t use serum TSH to replace other measures of thyroid function. Remember, all TSH tests are highly specific and extremely sensitive and accurate. It is important to recognize that when your TSH level is elevated, it indicates that your body is responding to some degree of external stimulus that is outside of the control of your thyroid hormone system. When your TSH level is normal, it is a reflection of your thyroid system. In most cases, your TSH level will be normal when your TSH antibody level is normal. These immune system-driven tests can identify you at-risk for thyroid disease.

Have we had our fill of quinoa and kale? Is it time we tried out something new like superfoods. Luckily, trends change every year and that means there are a few new superfoods to add to your grocery cupboard and refrigerator this year.

Here’s a spotlight on  superfoods for 2019… so far.

Anything fermented

Fermented foods are truly taking center stage. They taste unique and they’re incredible for gut health. During fermentation, good bacteria grow, helping to strengthen your digestive system, reduce symptoms of depression, and promote a healthy heart.

From kombucha to kefir yogurt, the probiotic qualities of these superfoods come with a whole bunch of other benefits, like B vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Since fermentation is a natural process, it’s become a great way to meet our expectations for “clean” ingredients.

Hemp

Hemp is no longer seen as just a cannabis thing. In fact, we’re appreciating the hemp plant more as a sensational protein source. Look out for hemp hearts the next time you go shopping. These are the shelled seeds of hemp plants. They give you the perfect ratio of 3:1 omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, both of which are famed for fighting inflammation and helping you build stronger muscles and bones.

Hemp hearts also give you around 9 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein per serving. The best way to make use of this crunchy and nutty superfood is to add it to oatmeal, stir-fries, and salads. You can keep it fresh in the refrigerator.

Seaweed

Seaweed packs a seriously powerful punch of zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s also packed full of iodine, which we need for a healthy thyroid and to regulate weight, energy levels, and mood.  If weight loss is your goal, you can combine your diet with appropriate supplements, read this Resurge review to find the right one.

According to dieticians, you should start adding seaweed to your trail mixes, soups, grain bowls, roasted veg, and even your popcorn to get a super healthy hit!

Super Oils

We’re all becoming a little more conscious of just how much oil we cook with. It’s certainly true that hydrogenated oils, like canola and sunflower oil, may have potentially harmful effects, but superfood oils are completely natural.

Extra virgin olive oil, for example, offers incredible anti-inflammatory properties along with powerful antioxidants. While olive oil is still a popular pantry staple, we’re also seeing a rise in popularity of avocado oil, most notably for its skin-enriching properties.

Also, nut oils like almond and macadamia also boast some amazing benefits, such as high levels of vitamin E, omega 3, and monounsaturated fats.

Trout

Trout is one fish that is packed with omega-3s. The essential fat is known to promote heart health and support and regulate your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. This delicious oily fish is also incredibly high in protein and a great source of vitamin D – everything you need for healthy eyes, heart, and brain!

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been a trendy superfood for some time and they’re not going anywhere just yet. Chia seeds are famed for high levels of omega 3 fatty acids (they contain more than salmon) and have been a long-time favorite among athletes for rehydration during workouts.

The seeds can absorb as much as 27 times their weight in water, making them a very filling source of natural, plant-based protein that’s low on calories.

Add a teaspoon of seeds to your smoothies or drinks and notice how you feel fuller for longer.

Blueberries

Blueberries are very in for 2019! The berries are packed full of phytochemicals, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and resveratrol – all of which help your body fight off inflammation the natural way.

Research also shows that blueberries may lower your risk of cancer and heart disease and can even aid memory loss.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a probiotic superfood of note. In fact, for me, 2019 is all about sauerkraut! The cabbage-based fermented food is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, making it an excellent source of good bacteria and antioxidants.

I keep some in my diet by making my own batches and then stored in the refrigerator for a daily snack or to add to meals.

While quinoa and kale are out and it seems that berries, oils, trout, and fermented foods are in, I bet you still have a few favorite superfoods you’re not willing to give up, right?

Let me know what your best superfoods are!

Check out nutrition tips today at marksalinas.com.

 

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Gym memberships and HIIT workouts seem like a solid health and fitness choice. There is something we can all do every day that provides a boost to both your health and your overall wellbeing. Walking!

1. Walks give you energy 

When you take morning walks, you activate your body’ system. You get your heart rate up, you sweat, and you feel alert. Once you start walking in the morning, your mood and energy levels are lifted for the rest of the day. Morning walks can take you from levels of lethargy to high energy. Hormonal balance and circulation improve, and you just feel mentally sharp. The whole idea is that by using energy to exercise, we get more energy.

2. Avoid stress eating

Walking is one of the best ways to kick stress eating to the curb. But it doesn’t work on its own. The best way to beat comfort eating is to get good sleep, meditate, and walk those 10,000 steps a day. Experts say that stress eating is usually an emotional or psychological problem. By walking every day, you release endorphins and reverse cortisol levels, helping you curb the emotional or psychological problems.

3. Keep dementia at bay

As we age, our brains actually shrink. It might sound scary, but you can use walking to slow down the process. The magic number here is 30 minutes. Just three half-hour walks each week can cause the areas of the brain that deal with processing and memory to increase in size. These areas, called the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, grew as much as 3% in test subjects, slowing down the natural process of aging.

4. Walking keeps your blood pressure in line

A brisk walk can help lower blood pressure. In a study carried out at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it was found that moderate walking is as effective as jogging when it comes to lowering high blood pressure. If you can’t quite fit in that 30-minute walk, try spreading it out over the course of the day. Just 10 minutes here and there adds up if you’re consistent. In fact, they say that breaking up your workout into shorter bursts is just as effective as one long workout. And it’s just easier to fit into the day, anyway.

5. Walking is great for old age

Further studies show that walking from an early age can help keep you independent and mobile in your later years. In one experiment, people between the ages of 70 and 89 were monitored over a 2.5-year period. Those who regularly walked were 28% less likely to become disabled and as much as 18% less likely to have some sort of physical disability later in life.

6. Boost creativity when you walk

Many businesses embrace walking as a way of generating creative ideas. From just walking from one meeting to the next to walk-and-talk sessions between colleagues, more people are benefitting from creative insight and brainstorming sessions when they think on foot. Even walking indoors on a treadmill can help you produce more creative responses than if you’re sitting still at your desk. So, the next time you need a little innovation, go for a stroll.

7. Walking helps you sleep better

Walking can even boost the effects of your sleep hormones, and that makes for faster and more peaceful slumber. Exercise is even beneficial if you suffer from chronic insomnia.

Again, walking in the morning is the way to go. You get to soak up the early sunlight which helps set the circadian rhythm to improve your sleep cycles.

Do be careful of walking too close to bedtime. For many people, exercise right before bed can make them energetic, making it harder to fall asleep. Get the steps when you can, though, just aim for as early as possible.

With so many amazing benefits that come from daily walks, isn’t it time you go up and took a stroll?

 

Find more health and wellbeing tips today at marksalinas.com.

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