Smoothy Slim
Photo by Karolina Grabowska Pexels Logo Photo: Karolina Grabowska

Can I take zinc if I'm on blood pressure medication?

Do not take zinc supplements if you take amiloride. Blood pressure medications, ACE Inhibitors -- A class of medications called ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may decrease the levels of zinc in your blood. ACE inhibitors include: Captopril (Capoten)

What is better than cold-pressed juice?
What is better than cold-pressed juice?

Benefits of Centrifugal Juicer While not as beneficial as cold-pressed juices, centrifugal juicers also carry some advantages to them. Regardless...

Read More »
Why do doctors recommend eating sprouts?
Why do doctors recommend eating sprouts?

Eating sprouts may improve your digestive health. According to many studies, sprouting a seed significantly increases the amount of fiber it...

Read More »
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Zinc

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use zinc without first talking to your health care provider. Amiloride (Midamor) -- Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that may increase the levels of zinc in your blood. Do not take zinc supplements if you take amiloride. Blood pressure medications, ACE Inhibitors -- A class of medications called ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may decrease the levels of zinc in your blood. ACE inhibitors include:

Captopril (Capoten)

Benazepril (Lotensin)

Enalapril (Vasotec)

Lisinopril (Zestril)

Fosinopril (Monopril)

Ramipril (Altace)

Perindopril (Aceon)

Quinapril (Accupril)

Moexipril (Univasc)

Trandolapril (Mavik)

Antibiotics -- Zinc may decrease your body's absorption of two kinds of antibiotics, quinolones and tetracyclines. These include:

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Ofloxacin (Floxin)

Moxifloxacin (Avelox)

Norfloxacin (Noroxin)

Gatifloxacin (Tequin)

Tetracycline

Minocycline (Minocin)

Demeclocycline (Declomycin)

However, doxycycline (Vibramycin) does not seem to interact with zinc.

Cisplatin (Platinol-AQ) -- This drug, used for chemotherapy to treat some types of cancers, may cause more zinc to be excreted in your urine. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not take zinc or any other supplement without talking to your oncologist. Deferoxamine (Desferal) -- This medication, used to remove excess iron from the blood, also increases the amount of zinc that is lost in urine. Immunosuppressant medications -- Since zinc may make the immune system stronger, it should not be taken with corticosteroids (such a prednisone), cyclosporine, or other medications intended to suppress the immune system. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Zinc interacts with NSAIDs and could reduce the absorption and effectiveness of these medications. Examples of NSAIDs, which help to reduce pain and inflammation, include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naprosyn (Aleve), piroxicam (Feldene), and indomethacin (Indocin). Penicillamine -- This medication, used to treat Wilson's disease (where excess copper builds up in the brain, liver, kidney, and eyes) and rheumatoid arthritis, decreases the levels of zinc in your blood. Thiazide diuretics (water pills) -- This class of medications lowers the amount of zinc in your blood by increasing the amount of zinc that is passed in your urine. If you take thiazide diuretics, your doctor will monitor levels of zinc and other important minerals in your blood:

Does quitting sugar improve eyesight?
Does quitting sugar improve eyesight?

Additionally, research has linked high consumption of refined sugar to the eye disease AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Along with routine...

Read More »
What fruits can be stored together on the counter?
What fruits can be stored together on the counter?

Fruits That Should Not Be Stored in the Refrigerator Apricots, Asian pears, avocado, bananas, guava, kiwis, mangoes, melons, nectarines, papayas,...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

What is the first stage of high blood pressure?

In stage 1 hypertension, also known as prehypertension, the systolic (top number) reading is 120 mmHg-139 mmHg, or the diastolic (bottom number) reading is 80 mmHg-89 mmHg. Prehypertension is a warning sign that you may get high blood pressure in the future.

Who Is at Risk for Prehypertension? Nearly half of all adults older than age 18 have prehypertension or hypertension, as measured by average of two or more readings at two or more doctor's visits. According to the American Heart Association, 59 million people in the U.S. have prehypertension. People with prehypertension may have a greater risk for other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. These risk factors -- such as high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes -- are seen more in people with prehypertension than in those with normal blood pressure. Is Prehypertension a Result of Aging? You may wonder if high blood pressure happens with aging, but experts say no. Some populations across the globe have minimal rise in blood pressure with aging. In some parts of Mexico, the South Pacific, and other parts of the world, people have very low salt intake. In these areas, the age-related rise in blood pressure is small compared with the U.S.

What are the three foods that lower blood sugar?
What are the three foods that lower blood sugar?

The 17 Best Foods to Lower (or Regulate) Your Blood Sugar Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood-...

Read More »
What time of day is blood pressure most accurate?
What time of day is blood pressure most accurate?

Blood pressure varies throughout the day. Readings are often a little higher in the morning. Also, your blood pressure might be slightly lower at...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Are lemons hard on your liver?
Are lemons hard on your liver?

“In addition, animal studies have found that the citrus flavonoids in lemon may protect the liver against toxins and reduce fat in the liver,...

Read More »
Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?
Purple mojito “devours” 57lbs of flab?

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Why not to drink water after eating?
Why not to drink water after eating?

There's no concern that water thins down or weakens down (dilute) the digestive juices or interfere with digestion. In fact, drinking water during...

Read More »