How Blood Pressure medicines can deplete nutrients from the body (and what to do about it)
High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Even though quite common, if left untreated, the condition can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Along with diet and exercise, medication too, is prescribed to keep BP under check, and it is usually a lifelong process that cannot be discontinued without consulting a doctor. However, the medicine, which is usually a blood thinner (to prevent clots from high BP) can also have side effects, the most prominent being loss of key nutrients from our body. Here's how...
Which BP medicines cause nutrient loss
The most common types of blood pressure medicines that can affect nutrient levels are:
Diuretics: These help your body get rid of excess salt and water through urine to lower blood pressure.
Beta-blockers and other medicines: Some may affect nutrient absorption or metabolism indirectly.
Among these, diuretics cause maximum nutrient depletion because they increase the excretion of minerals through the kidneys.
Let's take a closer look at the nutrient loss through BP medicines
1. Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, including the heartbeat.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
It , along with sodium, maintains healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
How it is affected: Diuretics cause your kidneys to excrete more potassium in urine, which can lead to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Low potassium can cause muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and chronic fatigue.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in your body. It helps muscles relax after contraction, supports nerve function, protects brain health, and contributes to strong bones by regulating calcium and vitamin D.
How it is affected: Diuretics can result in magnesium loss through urine. Low magnesium may cause muscle cramps, anxiety, and bone weakness.
3. Calcium
As we all know, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
How it is affected: Some blood pressure medicines, especially corticosteroids can reduce calcium absorption and bone cell function. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
4. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, nerve function, DNA synthesis, and energy production.
How it is affected: Certain blood pressure medicines and related drugs like metformin (for diabetes) can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption, leading to deficiency. This can cause fatigue, nerve problems, and anemia.
5. Zinc
Zinc supports immune function, skin health, cell growth, and wound healing.
It also plays a role in taste and smell.
How it is affected: Long-term use of some medications that reduce stomach acid (which can be prescribed alongside blood pressure medicines) may reduce zinc absorption, leading to deficiency.
6. Sodium
Sodium helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. However, too much sodium can raise blood pressure.
How it is affected: Diuretics increase sodium loss through urine, which helps lower blood pressure but can sometimes lead to imbalances affecting energy and muscle function.
Other side effects
When blood pressure medicines cause loss of these nutrients, it can also lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, bone pain, and poor immune response. Over time, these deficiencies can increase the risk of complications like osteoporosis, anemia, and nerve damage.
How to manage nutrient loss
Regular check-ups:
Your doctor can monitor your nutrient levels with blood tests.
Diet:
Eating foods rich in potassium (bananas, spinach), magnesium (nuts, whole grains), calcium (dairy, leafy greens), vitamin B12 (meat, eggs), and zinc (meat, seeds) helps replenish these nutrients.
Supplements:
Sometimes, your doctor may recommend supplements if diet alone is not enough.
Sources
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2010/8/drug-induced-nutrient-depletion
https://familychironutrition.com/blood-pressure-medications-and-nutrient-deficiencies/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5874849/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26806246/
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Can cataracts happen in young adults?
Short answer: Yes. And it's more common than you'd think. When we hear the word cataract, we usually picture someone over 60, maybe with salt-and-pepper hair and reading glasses, squinting at the world through a cloudy fog. But here's the thing—cataracts aren't just an "old people problem" anymore. More and more young adults (yes, even folks in their 20s and 30s) are being diagnosed with this eye condition that blurs vision, dulls colors, and makes driving at night feel like navigating through a steamy bathroom mirror. So what exactly is a cataract? In simple terms, it's when the lens of your eye—the clear part that helps you focus—starts to get cloudy. For older adults, this is usually due to natural aging. But for younger people? The reasons range from genetics and trauma to lifestyle issues like smoking, overexposure to UV light, or even diabetes. And in today's screen-happy, stress-packed world, our eyes are doing overtime—so it's not all that shocking anymore. The tricky part is that most young people don't see it coming (literally) Blurry vision? We blame it on too much screen time. Sensitivity to light? Maybe it's just the new ring light. But if you're constantly squinting, noticing halos around lights, or feeling like your glasses aren't doing their job anymore—it might be time to look beyond the basics. Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospitals, Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic, New Delhi says, "cataract is usually an aging sign — a natural process by which the eye lens slowly gets cloudy and hard, leading to blurred vision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Cataracts, however, are not exclusive to older people, as in popular portrayal. Young adults and children can develop cataracts in certain circumstances." "One of the most frequent causes of early-onset cataract is trauma to the eye. Any type of eye injury — blunt, penetrating, or foreign body — will damage the lens and lead to cataract formation. The second leading causative factor is steroid use. The prolonged use of steroids in the form of eye drops, oral tablets, or even inhalation for asthma increases the risk factor for cataracts in youth. Diabetes is a firmly established risk factor. Uncontrolled blood glucose subjects the diabetic to the development of cataract at a younger age than the non-diabetic. Smoking is another lifestyle aspect that is well known to speed up ageing in the eye, making cataract development more likely even for people under the age of 40. Another less frequent but significant etiology is uveitis, or inflammation of the eye. Chronic or recurrent uveitis can lead to secondary cataracts, especially with steroid therapy as well," he explains. Can it be treated? Dr. Sonika Gupta, Associate Director – Senior Eye Surgeon (Cataract, LASIK & Cornea), Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park says, "treatment in early stages is change in prescription glasses, eventually will require surgery - cataract surgery with intraocular lenses. Important consideration is early detection especially where there is family history and other risk factors, regular eye check-ups particularly for people with diabetes, adopting healthy habits like wearing sunglasses with UV protection and antioxidants rich diet. " "Early-onset cataracts progress more rapidly and can have a significant impact on quality of life — interfering with daily activities, work, and driving. Fortunately, contemporary cataract surgery is safe, effective, and can restore vision with minimal downtime. In short, while cataracts are largely age-related, they do and can occur in younger people due to trauma, medications, disease, or lifestyle. Early detection and treatment are essential," advises Dr Pawan Gupta. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Top neurosurgeon shares tips to boost memory and improve focus naturally
Dr. Arun L. Naik highlights the importance of acetylcholine for memory and focus. He suggests boosting it naturally through adequate sleep, mental stimulation, and mindfulness practices. Dietary changes, including consuming eggs, nuts, fatty fish, and leafy greens, can also help maintain healthy acetylcholine levels, enhancing cognitive performance and mental clarity. Keeping the brain in the best shape is crucial for overall health and wellness. In today's time, where many are overwhelmed with work and personal responsibilities, being forgetful and losing focus has become increasingly common. Dr. Arun L. Naik, a leading neurosurgeon trained at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has now shared some science-backed tips to stay sharp and focused. The neurosurgeon says that the key to sharper memory and improved focus lies in one powerful neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. What is acetylcholine Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a communication bridge between neurons. It acts as a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells and from nerves to muscles. From voluntary muscle movement to complex brain functions such as memory and attention, this neurotransmitter influences nearly every part of the nervous system. Low acetylcholine levels can lead to forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and even muscle weakness. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease are linked to acetylcholine deficits. 'As we age, acetylcholine levels can decline, particularly in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, where the cholinergic system is one of the first to deteriorate. This has led to the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (like donepezil) in treatment, aimed at increasing available acetylcholine in the brain,' the surgeon wrote in a post shared on Instagram. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The key is to boost acetylcholine to enhance cognitive performance and mental clarity. The neurosurgeon has shared some tips on how simple lifestyle changes and dietary choices can help you maintain healthy levels without medication. Let's take a look. How to naturally boost acetylcholine Certain lifestyle changes can help boost acetylcholine. Dr. Naik has suggested making the following changes. Adequate sleep: It is important to prioritize sleep. A good night's rest can help the brain produce acetylcholine. Aim for at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night. Mental stimulation: To keep the brain sharp, it is important to challenge it. Engage the brain with activities like puzzles, chess, or reading, which strengthen neural connections and support acetylcholine activity. Learning a new skill, like playing an instrument, can also help Mindfulness: Managing stress is important to keep the brain healthy, as chronic stress depletes acetylcholine. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Such practices can lower stress hormones and protect the brain's neurotransmitter balance. What are acetylcholine-rich foods Diet plays a pivotal role in acetylcholine production. Choline, a nutrient found in certain foods, is the building block for this neurotransmitter. The neurosurgeon has recommended adding these acetylcholine-friendly foods into your diet. Eggs: Egg yolks are great source of choline. A single egg provides about 169 mg of choline. This means eating just 2 eggs per day covers 61% of the DV. Nuts and seeds: Eating almonds and flaxseeds can help. Have a small handful of these nuts regularly Fatty fish: Good news for pescatarians. Salmon and other fatty fish are good for the brain. These fish provide omega-3 fatty acids, which enhance acetylcholine function and reduce brain inflammation. Aim for two servings per week. Leafy greens: Eat your greens. Spinach and kale are loaded with nutrients that support the production of the neurotransmitter. These greens also provide antioxidants that protect brain cells. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
7 benefits of drinking lemon, ginger, and turmeric water every morning
Morning sets the tone for the whole day. The simple ritual of a warm morning drink – a combination of lemon, ginger, and turmeric in water – has been embraced across cultures for centuries. It's a vibrant beverage that awakens the senses and nurtures the body deeply. While the ingredients are humble, their synergy creates a potent blend of vitamins, antioxidants, anti‑inflammatory compounds, and healing power. Here are seven transformative benefits you can gain by making this elixir part of your daily routine. Sit back, stir up, and read on! Immunity supercharger Lemon is a bright source of vitamin C, a vital antioxidant that supports white blood cell function. Turmeric, rich in curcumin, brings antibacterial and antiviral effects. Ginger, loaded with gingerols, adds antimicrobial strength. Together, this trio forms a formidable shield, helping ward off colds, flu, and seasonal infections. Starting your day with this drink primes your immune defenses and sets you up for resilience. Reduces inflammation, eases joint discomfort Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many health issues, from joint pain and arthritis to metabolic disorders. Here's how each ingredient fights inflammation: Curcumin in turmeric blocks inflammatory pathways and supports healthy joints. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Diadema (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Gingerol in ginger offers powerful anti‑inflammatory action, easing muscle soreness and stiffness. Lemon adds its own antioxidant effects to protect cells from inflammatory stress Regular consumption of this liquid elixir may reduce inflammation-associated discomfort and help maintain mobility and ease throughout the day. Supports healthy digestion and gut function Drinking this morning beverage supports your digestive system in multiple ways. While warm water stimulates digestion by waking up your gastrointestinal tract, lemon encourages bile production and helps balance stomach acidity. Meanwhile, turmeric soothes the digestive lining and reduces bloating, and ginger aids in reducing nausea, enhancing nutrient absorption, and accelerating digestion. For individuals prone to bloating, acidity, or irregular digestion, a warm cup of this blend can bring calm and balance to digestive processes. Promotes detoxification and supports liver health The liver is the body's primary detox organ, and this warm, golden drink supports its function beautifully. Lemon is naturally diuretic and flushes toxins via increased urine production, while turmeric stimulates bile flow and enhances liver enzyme activity, playing a key role in detoxification. Together, they support kidney function and gently cleanse the system every morning. This internal cleansing can lead to increased energy, improved mental clarity, and refreshed vitality. Enhances skin glow and delays signs of aging If you dream of radiant, youthful skin, this morning drink can help you a great deal! While vitamin C in lemon boosts collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles, turmeric's antioxidants combat free radicals, minimize acne, and enhance complexion. On the other hand, ginger's antibacterial and antioxidant qualities soothe skin irritations and add to the glow. The result? Skin that appears clearer, firmer, and naturally luminous – from the inside out. Aids weight management and metabolism This golden-hued drink is not only a great ally to your liver and kidney health, but several mechanisms of the ingredients also assist in keeping your weight in check. Lemon pectin helps control appetite by inducing fullness, while ginger boosts metabolism and increases calorie burning through thermogenesis. Meanwhile, turmeric encourages fat metabolism and may reduce fat cell growth. Combined with hydration, this morning beverage can support sustainable weight goals and healthy metabolic rhythms. Stabilizes blood sugar and manages cravings For those dealing with energy crashes or sugar cravings, this warm elixir is your wingperson! While turmeric may aid in regulating glucose metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity, ginger supports balanced blood sugar through digestive efficiency, and lemon helps control sugar spikes thanks to its fiber and acid. Sipping this in the morning promotes stable energy and balanced appetite throughout your day. How to brew and when to drink Creating this elixir is a simple and quick daily ritual that you can squeeze between your regular chores. For 250 ml warm water, you'll need the juice of ½ fresh lemon, fresh ginger (~1 cm, grated or sliced), and ¼ tsp turmeric powder (or ½ tsp fresh juice). You can add a pinch of black pepper to boost curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. Steep ginger and turmeric in warm (not boiling) water for 5–10 minutes, then stir in lemon juice and black pepper. Enjoy while warm – ideally 20–30 minutes before breakfast. For extra rizz, drizzle of honey or a tsp of coconut oil for taste and added nutrient absorption! "Warm Drinks to Boost Health and Energy This Winter" One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
