PRESCRIBED DRUGS

Taking prescribed medications with most vitamins is safe as is taking herbal complexes that are available through health food stores. However, you should always check with your doctor, your pharmacist or your naturopath. They are all trained to know what can go with what.
An example would be Warfarin. Warfarin is used to thin the blood (anticoagulant). This medication should not be taken with any other substance that has anticoagulant properties, for exam­ple, ginkgo, aspirin and high dose vitamin E, without the advice of your medical practitioner.
The contraceptive pill for instance destroys vitamin B6. We know that certain antibiotics can destroy the B group and can also have an effect on the intestinal gut flora, diminishing the bacteria which is very important for processing vitamin B and manufac­turing antibodies. So really, vitamins can be destroyed by medi­cations but usually, the medication is not affected by vitamins.
Some foods should not be taken with medications. Certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclins, if taken with a protein such as milk, can bind to that protein and make itself ineffective. Check with your medical practitioner.
For the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement there are two herbs that can be very helpful.
The herb saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) should be used. Serenoa acts in toning the male reproductive system, particularly the prostate and can reduce prostatic hypertrophy.
Horsetail acts as a strong diuretic and is of benefit when used for urinary and prostatic diseases. Horsetail has been used in the treatment of irritable symptoms of the urinary system. It stimu­lates the bladder and kidneys and helps move any stones. Zinc is also needed as many studies show that a lack of zinc in the diet could be associated with prostatic enlargement.
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General Health