Women are a group of drug consumers who should be especially concerned with Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion. Few women know that oral contraceptives lower levels of vital nutrients such as Vitamin B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Magnesium and Zinc.

To put importance of vitamins and minerals in perspective, think about construction of a new building. Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat and Water are comparable to building materials. Vitamins and minerals are comparable to architect, contractors and construction workers. Without architect, contractor and construction workers, it does not matter how many building materials you have, it will never be built. At same token, without vitamins and minerals, our bodies cannot synthesize new cells, build new tissues and produce energy we need regardless of how much carbohydrate, protein, fat and water we ingest every day.

Drugs can alter ability of body to digest, absorb, synthesize, transport, store, metabolize or eliminate nutrients. This situation potentially can cause Nutrient Depletion. Quite often, a patient is then placed on additional medication to combat a new set of symptoms. The cascading effect of such an approach to disease management often leads to a reduction in patient's quality of life.

Folic Acid is a nutrient that is often depleted by drugs. Ross Pelton and James B LaValle claim that it can be depleted by some 30 different types of drugs, from Aspirin and magnesium containing antacids to stronger medications such as anticonvulsants,cardiovascular drugs and oral contraceptives. Some of possible effects of Folic Acid deficiency can include Megaloblastic anemia, birth defects, elevated homocysteine levels, fatigue and even increased rates of colon and colorectal cancer.

What Does Your Drug Deplete?

Health Castle offers "Ten signs of a fad diet":

1. It promises massive weight loss (1 - 2 lbs per week)

Dr. Barry Sears is careful when he declares a standard weight loss on Zone diet. He considers that anything between 1 to 1,5 lbs per week is satisfactory. "It will be impossible to lose more than one to one point five pounds of fat per week. Anything over that is loss of retained water", says Sears himself on his daily "Ask Dr. Sears" column at DrSears.com. FAD. 2. It does not suggest you that you consult with a registered dietician or nutritionist

"Any change in diet (for better or worse) will affect metabolism of drug(s) you are taking. Always consult with a physician before starting Zone Diet or any other dietary plan", says Dr. Sears in various interviews and discussion lists. Not FAD. 3. It encourages you to eliminate certain food groups (e.g. "low carb diets", "low fat diets")

This is untrue for Zone diet. Dr. Sears says: "No food is forbidden in Zone." Zone diet considers "unfavourable" mostly high glycemic foods and foods high in saturated fats. Not FAD. 4. It offers rigid menus

Difficult-to-prepare meals, plenty of measuring and counting, rules that are easy to misinterpret, Zone subscribes to that. FAD 5. It neglects active living or lifestyle changes

The Zone diet has impressive instrumentary and regulation for dining out or for fast food. On other hand, there's no problem if you step out of Zone now and then. Here are some soothing phrases from Dr. Sears himself: "The Zone diet is free of guilt" or "The Zone is just one meal away". I'm quite UNDECIDED about this one. It is clear man has taken some time to think about it. 6. It harshly limitates daily calorie intake