What are the results of the choices you and I make? In this season of reflection and resetting, we can see how a choice made last year or a few years ago resulted in a specific outcome. Some outcomes lead to regret, other outcomes lead to surprises. It is a unique quality of human life to be able to reflect on the past and to make choices for the future. As you look toward the new year before you, I want to provide some thoughts to help you make wise choices for your health goals.
We have grown up in a society that provides a variety of quick “solutions” to our problems. All the best results are presented, but the side effects are not discussed or rapidly by-passed. Warning labels may be added, but few people have taken the time to read the labels. Remember, the primary objective of marketing is to sell, and not to provide full disclosure. Consider the side effects of these popular options being presented in the current market:
Ozempic: A recent injectable drug designed to help those managing diabetes to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, this medication has become popular for “off-label” use as a medication to promote weight loss. Possible side effects stated on the official website for Ozempic includes – nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and vomiting. More serious side effects can include – inflammation of the pancreas, kidney problems, gallbladder problems, and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Without insurance this medication may cost as much as $1000 per month. The medication does not instruct you on how to eat and how to build a healthy lifestyle for a long healthy life. Do you want to be dependent on this medication?
Omeprazole/Prilosec: A popular medication for providing relief from acid reflux. Common side effects include – body aches, loose stools, dizziness, muscle pain, sneezing, or unusual drowsiness. The medication is meant to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach; however, the medication moves through the entire body and will decrease the amount of energy that cells produce for daily activity, which can result in muscle spasms and tiredness. Additionally, the decreased acid in the stomach allows for increased bacteria and viruses to pass through the stomach into the intestines where imbalances will result in more severe health issues. The short-term relief provided by this medication has negative long-term results.
Statin medication: One of the most popularly promoted medications in the past 20 years for the purpose of lowering total cholesterol. The side effects listed by Mayo Clinic and known to be associated with statin medications include – muscle pain, liver damage, and increased risk of diabetes. Females are at greater risk of side effects, and individuals over eighty years old, as well as those who drink alcohol. Statin medications not only reduce the production of cholesterol, but also reduce the production of CoQ10, an important energy molecule essential for healthy cell activity. When you take a statin medication, you are slowing down the production of cholesterol, and many other activities in your body. As noted in a previous article on “Cholesterol Truths” the benefits of taking statin medication are about 1% improvement compared to not taking statin medication. Changes to what you eat and when you eat make a greater difference to your cholesterol measures.
To be fair, there are side effects associated with certain foods as well. However, these side effects are easily managed and often related to over consumption.
Dairy – overconsumption can lead to constipation
Red Beets – overconsumption can result in red colored stool
Tomatoes – may increase acid reflux. Balance with consuming celery stalks or celery juice.
Vitamin C – overconsumption can result in loose stools
Magnesium – overconsumption can have a laxative effect
Knowing the side effects places you in a better position to manage your life and your health goals. Your body genetics successfully operate on the nutrients provided on a daily basis. Your body is asking for more nutrients. Every health challenge you face in the year ahead has a nutritional answer to it. Your health challenge is not a result of a medication deficiency.
Contact me to discuss your health goals for the coming year. I can help you realize greater health freedom in 2025. You can contact me at nutritionproportion@gmail.com, or check out my website at www.nutritionproportion.net
