Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body of Essential Nutrients--and Natural Waysto Restore Them

I am so grateful to have this book. It has helpful information as to what nutrients may need supplementation when we take certain drugs. Natural ways to restore what is missing are also mentioned. I especially appreciate the information as to what forms of a vitamin or mineral are most easily assimilated, as well as what not-so-useful forms are being used by some makers because they are cheaper. There is a very helpful list of Resources, Great supplements: Companies that put their best foot forward" on p. 327 of the paperback version (the one I bought); also a chapter on daily values, with explanations of some abbreviations and "Are megadoses the answer?" (No.) and "Why I pay no attention to the numbers." People anxious to avoid unnecessary or harmful added ingredients will be happy to read, toward the end of the book, about "flavoring, binders, humectants, lubricants, disintegrators, and preservatives." And did you know this? (p. 313 of paperback): "Supplement makers...often list an ingredient even if it appears in a negligible amount or if it's extracted from the wrong portion of a plant. For example, unworthy supplements may state 'gingko extract,' whereas a high-quality supplement is proud to disclose the dosage as '40 mg gingko extract (leaf) standardized to 24 percent heterosides." (OK, I admit that I don't know anything about heterosides, but you get the idea.) Here are just a few of the many, many things I didn't know until I read this book: (1) If you are supplementing zinc and copper, neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood, they need to be taken in the proper ratio. "The ratio of copper to zinc is far more clinically valuable than the concentration of either one." Too much of one, and you end up with a relative deficiency of the other. Sometimes a deficiency of zinc arises due to the use of birth control pills that cause excessive copper, and then the resulting mood changes (for the worse) may end up being treated with psychoactive drugs, whereas the problem is actually being caused by an imbalance. (2) Re vitamin E: the lab-created form, dl-alphatocopherol, is cheaper to produce, but d- (not dl-) alphatocopherol is more biologically active. I had already read that somewhere else, but not this: Vitamin E is the name for a family of 8 molecules, so "the very best brands have all eight in their formulas." The author remarks that vitamins coming in the wrong form are a deal-breaker for her, and would be for me, too. And now, thanks to this book, I know which ones ARE deal-breakers. (3) CoQ10 suspended in rice bran oil or olive oil, rather than a dry powder in a capsule gets into the body's cells more easily and may be more bio-available. The better absorbed form of CoQ10 (i.e., ubiquinol) is sold under the brand name Kaneka QH. (4) The author considers it better to take beta-carotene vitamin A, unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. Buy natural forms because synthetic ones do not offer antioxidant protection, and the author and some other experts actually consider synthetic versions of beta-carotene to be "downright dangerous." The list of things this book has taught me goes on and on. But speaking of lists, here are the titles of a few lists and charts in the book: "Grapefruit interaction chart" "Common drug muggers" (This chart is great, with headings such as "Types" (of drugs) / "Common Drugs" / "Install your security system" [what to take to counteract the depletion of nutrients in each case], and "...or these complications may result.") "Supplements to battle the drug muggers" (what supplement has what important nutrients, and what "drug muggers" it will fight) "Drug muggers of biotin (Vitamin B7)" "Drug muggers of calcium" "Drug muggers of CoQ10" "Drug muggers of glutathione" ("The liver uses glutathione to metabolize all the medications you take and remove them from the body once their purpose has been served." Without it, your couldn't clear drugs and toxins from your blood.) "Drug muggers of magnesium" And many more... I should let it be known here that I have no connection with the author or publisher of this book or any other reason to praise it, other than the fact that I have found it so impressive and useful.

It has been a big job and a big background of knowledge for writing this book with so many facts about so many drugs. I have over more than 30 years bought books concerning what foot, vitamins and minerals to eat, and have seen the changing of statesmen which still are continuing. But I must say that this is the most detailed bog concerning the vital vitamins and minerals to take. It's only a big problem that many good things she tells about I can't get here I Thailand, and then the law don't allow me as a private person to import this kind of things from other countries, even though I there can walk straight in from the street and buy it! As I wrote there in the book are many detail, and that for example concerning which foot not to eat while at the same time taking mentioned drugs, and besides telling how many hours before or after taking the drugs then first to take some drugs. And for some drugs informing us that they works best when taking early in the morning and for other first taking just before going to bead, and why. And also telling about the many different qualities of drugs and which to prefer and explaining why, that is of what they are made, how much contents we get, and how the chemical reaction are different, that is fast or not fast, easy or not so easy. And for example there are many sides concerning Grapefruit, which cached me, among other how it in up to 24 hours can disturb some drugs and result in bad results. Were interesting and for me much new knowledge. But then on side 33 - 34 I discovered even more important new information which I will write and inform a doctor about. Because 5 years ago I had some accidents when driving motorcycle, psychiatric problems resulting in some kind of Epileptic black outs. I before that only one time in 1975 had tried this kind of black out. But then 5 years ago a doctor here I Thailand prescribed me the anticonvulsant drug Depakene, and told me not to drink Beer, which I followed. Bud then again I had a black out and this time resulting in a bigger accident and following in now over soon 4 years having not being able in using my right arm and hand. And then in the book on side 34, after mentioning Beer it's written that eating Rise, Bananas, and other constipating foods, when taking this drug, can worsen the problem! But Rise and Bananas are what we out here each day are getting most of! And after this accident, and then no longer being able to drive a motorcycle, I stopped taking the Depakene and after that then newer again have had any feeling of something disturbing in my brain, like a starting epileptic attack, which I got many times when taking the Depakene! So it's clearly seen that in this book there is much important information! After the problem started 5 years ago I bought 10 books concerning Epilepsy, but not in any of these are mentioned other things than not to drink Beer! So if I in the future have to start on any kind of Drugs then I for sure will go searching in this book to se what I there can find about it.

This is a very informative book. I never thought about how prescription drugs work in the system or knew how most cause nutrient losses in our system. We go to the doctor because of this new symptom, and get another pill for it, when it could be that we are low in a certain nutrient. I've taken a stomach acid reducer for years, and often asked the doctor if it was healthy to be on one for so long. He answered there were no indications that it was not. Recently, I've seen commercials for the drug I took with the disclaimer that it may "cause calcium and magnesium deffiencies." Really? I've read this book cover to cover, and still go back to certain sections that apply to me because of prescriptions I take. I've learned a lot about nutrition and supplements. There are so many supplements out there, and quality is very important, and can be expensive. It is very confusing for a newby. I like the fact that the author lists foods that contain the nutrients, as well as supplement dosages and what to look for in a quality supplement if you feel you need the extra support. In my case I felt like I needed supplements because I had been on this med for over 10 years, and had some of the symptoms of nutrient loss. I've found alternatives for the acid reflux med. I know not everyone can or should do that, but so far it has worked for me. As the author suggests, I talked to my doctor and pharmacist about the changes before I made them in case I needed to taper off the drug gradually. The author does caution people to start low and slow if you decide to use supplements as each person is different and may have sensitivities that others do not have. In some cases, supplements work as well as a prescription drug, and you need to be monitored. She lists drug interactions, too, some of which I wasn't aware. That's why I say read thoroughly. I talked about this book so much with my friends that they are now reading it. They say they feel better informed about nutrition and meds, too.

This book was helpful right away to see some important info about specific prescriptions and their interactios with important vitamins, minerals and natural substances in the body such as Co-Q 10. Anyone on prescription drugs should get 2 copies, one for themselves and one for their doctor. Although it may fall on deaf ears, we've got to try to educate these folks. Thank you to Suzy Cohen, Registered Pharmacist for compiling all this information. This is a pretty easy to read book but with plenty of technical details. The info in this book might save your life or a loved one's or at least prevent terrible side effects from accruing from "drug mugging" by various prescription drugs. It can prevent a life from being ruined to add some key supplements to the diet based on which specific drug a person it taking.

Well well-written book that has very useful information on the subject of prescribed medicine and how it works against healthy substances. I highly recommend it to anyone who is health-conscious. Big pharma gives with one hand and takes it away with the other.

This is one of the best, most informative books I have read in a long, long time. I wish I had it in my 20's. I read it and quickly bought copies for 4 family members. Then I bought her book "The 24 Hour Pharmacist". Clear, concise necessary information for anyone on any medicine. Anyone with allergies. Anyone that takes antacids on a regular basis (one of the most harmful meds, either OTC or by prescription!) NEEDS this book. Anyone who is diabetic, on statin drugs, birth control, HRT meds, thyroid meds, the list goes on & on. Just read this book. I read this book because as I read through reviews on supplements SO many other readers kept bringing up this book as their Bible on supplements. Now I am passing on the favor. Plus Suzy Cohen is on Facebook and is very responsive to questions. Love that! Also, if you have an actual Kindle (not just the iPad app) she has a FREE download book for people with skin/eczema issues which is very helpful. I am not paid to say any of this, not did I receive any compensation for this review. I have always appreciated a good supplement and I believe in their efficacy. But now I have a better idea of WHAT to take, WHEN to take, what to eat or not to eat with what I take, etc. Money well spent.

I have enjoyed this book thus far. I haven't read all of it yet, but plan to. It will also make a great reference and addition to my library. What I have read has been informative and much of it an eye-opener. Suzy has a very readable writing style, is down to earth as well as very knowledgeable in her field. It could make a big difference in how you look at prescription medicine and herbal supplementation, as well as give you insight to a possible illness or nutritional defiency. I would also like to add that the book is organized in such a way that is easy to navigate. In addition, a very pleasant surprise was the quantity of recipes included and what specific deficiency the recipe addresses. When I purchased the book I had no idea there was a cookbook section. I haven't made any of the recipes yet, but they look good! In closing, I would highly recommend purchasing this book.

Life changing book for me! I first saw the name Suzy Cohen while I was waiting in line at Whole Foods and there was a magazine that she was featured in on Thyroid health. I purchased that magazine and couldn't put it down, I later purchased her book "Drug Muggers" and it truly has changed my life. I had a full Hysterectomy 3 years ago and my doctor at the time put me on huge amounts of Estrogen and along with Progesterone and Testosterone to balance my hormones and then after the shock of my body going through everything, my cortisol was high and my thyroid was sick. I gained 10lbs. overnight and was bloated and miserable, I was tired all the time, depressed and had no energy to do my morning runs. I hated the way I looked, I gained most of my weight in my thighs, butt and stomach. I complained to my doctor that I felt the Estrogen was to high because the only time I felt a little bit better and less bloated was the 2 weeks I was using my Progesterone that counter balanced the high Estrogen. I did my blood work again and it showed my Estrogen was low and my doctor said that my body was "craving Estrogen"! I continued listening to her and continued to be depressed and never felt right and I assumed this is what happens when you go into early Menopause and your fat and depressed so just get over it! I decided to go to someone else and they put me on a Estrogen patch that was 1/2 the potency of the Bio-Identical cream I was on and literally overnight I wasn't as bloated and I started to feel a little bit better, well at least my inner thighs weren't rubbing up against each other when I ran. I still wasn't quite right, not the way I use to be and I noticed if I ate broccoli at night I would wake up to be less bloated the next day. I didn't put all of it together until I read Suzy's magazine and book. I have always taken supplements but not the ones my body was being depleted from the HRT. I started taking individual B vitamins along with a B-complex and my mood lifted dramatically and I had energy again that I haven't felt in over 3 years, I also started taking Calcium D-Glucarate to flush out the excess Estrogen I am back to my original weight. I can't thank you enough Suzy for writing this book and opening my eyes, I truly am thankful!

Important reading for everyone

This is a book all doctors who prescribe medicines should be required to study before signing a single script. It shows how medications deplete the body of essential nutrients and where certain foods should be avoided if on medications. The only sad part is that this book has not been updated for the newer medications on prescription, Suzy can you hear me ........... please can you update this incredible book soon

Sehr informativ über welche vitamine und mineralstoff uns die medikamente entziehen - wichtig zu wissen, woher die nebenwirkungen kommen und wie man sie mildern kann.

This book is a must if you want to avoid the numerous side effects of medications you feel you have to take. Medications always have side effects, which can sometimes be worse than the problem you are taking them for. This book tells you which vitamins/minerals are being depleted due to the medications you are taking so that you can take supplements to avoid suffering from the side effects.

It was so practical and easy to understand. Suzy has a wealth of knowledge and it is so good that she has shared it.