Years matters when it comes to taking certain medications and supplements. According to the US Food and Drug Administration “As you age, changes in your body can affect how medications are absorbed and used. For example, changes in your digestive system can affect how quickly medications enter your bloodstream. Changes in weight body can influence how much medicine you need to take and how long it stays in your body The circulatory system can slow down, which can affect how quickly medicines reach the liver and kidneys The liver and kidneys can also work more slowly, which affects how a drug is broken down and eliminated from the body.” Knowing which medications and supplements to avoid as you age could make a big difference in terms of your health, and experts reveal which ones to avoid and why. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Dr. Jeff Gladd, MD, Medical Director of full script, and the integrative medicine doctor tells Eat This, Not That! Health, “Iron is a mineral found in many multivitamins formulated for women of reproductive age; however, iron supplements are generally not necessary for postmenopausal women and women over the age of 50. Once a woman reaches by age 50 and no longer menstruating, your iron needs decrease by nearly 45% Although iron plays an essential role in the formation of red blood cells, excessive iron intake can impair zinc absorption and contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms unpleasant conditions such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Having said all that, I believe that it is necessary to assess the total body iron levels of all patients to assess optimal status. While the likelihood of deficiency is lower in men and women over the age of 50, dietary intake and the health of the digestive tract for absorption may still play a role in deficiency.”
Dr. Gladd explains: “High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly half of adults, and the risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age. Adults with high blood pressure should avoid taking licorice root, a popular herbal supplement often used to help adrenal gland function.
Research shows that licorice root can raise blood pressure and interact with blood pressure medications. Licorice root can also lower potassium levels, an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.
Licorice is also used for digestive health as it provides support for minor irritation of the digestive lining. This should always be in the form of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Glycyrrhizin removal ensures that the part of the root that affects blood pressure is removed and is often safe for most. It’s best to work with an integrative medicine provider who can make personal recommendations and help guide the risks and benefits of therapies, as well as monitor their impact on health.”
Dr. David Culpepper, MD and Clinical Director of lifeMD shares: “After 50, I’d be careful taking B vitamins. Vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B9 (folate) in particular can build up and put pressure on your liver as it tries to remove the excess from your bloodstream.” As many people are primarily concerned with getting enough B12 due to its benefits for the brain and blood cells, I would suggest taking B12 alone and omitting the B complex.”
Dr. Culpepper says: “As for medications, I would advise people over the age of 50 not to use the decongestant pseudoephedrine. This over-the-counter medication is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. This can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people over 50, especially anyone at risk for heart disease.
Dr. Culpepper explains: “I would offer similar precautions against many herbal stimulants for people over 50 years of age. Many of these also cause vasoconstriction and the associated hypertension (high blood pressure). There are many herbal supplements on the market.” this category, but some of the more common ones are ginkgo biloba, ginseng, siberian ginseng, guarana, and gotu kola. Many of these are found in energy drinks and other products marketed to increase energy. Always read the ingredients of such products and be aware Keep in mind that a product promoted for its energy-boosting properties is likely to cause an increase in blood pressure as well.”
karina ashley, An integrative women’s health nurse practitioner explains: “Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate, also known as vitamin B9. Folic acid, along with other vitamins, is added to various foods to make them stronger. Supplementing folic acid also of the fortified foods can cause an imbalance in metabolism, leading to a deficiency of vitamin B12 To begin with, older adults are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency due to the natural decrease in stomach acid, which is necessary to absorb nutrients from food. can be reduced by eating fewer foods (mainly breads and cereals) that have ‘enriched flour’ on the ingredient list.”
Ashley emphasizes, “It’s really important for consumers, especially older adults, to read nutritional supplement labels… It’s true that older adults may need protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral supplements, but they need to be selective about to the source.Many supplement shakes have added artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame K and aspartame, which have been associated with an increased risk of stroke and dementia, two things that older adults are at higher risk for.These sweeteners are also added to beverages and foods labeled ‘diet’ and ‘low sugar,’ so check those labels!” And to protect your life and that of others, do not visit any of these 35 places where you are most likely to get COVID.
heather newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently works as a freelancer for various publications. read more
