Over the last 20 years that I’ve worked in the nutrition field, I’ve spoken with people from all walks of life dealing with a wide range of health issues. And honestly, I can count on one hand the number of people I’ve consulted with who weren’t taking at least one medication.

It doesn’t help that many doctors are left with little more than a prescription pad when it comes to treatment options. Ask about diet or nutrition, and you may be met with a puzzled look—as if you’ve asked something completely unrelated to health.

Now, let me be clear: there are absolutely times when medications are necessary and appropriate. But as a society, we’ve gone far beyond that. We increasingly rely on drugs to create health rather than support the body’s natural ability to heal and function.

Is That Really “Good Health?”

I’ve had people confidently tell me they’re in “good health” because:

• Their blood pressure is controlled with beta blockers

• Their cholesterol is under 200 thanks to statins

• Proton pump inhibitors keep acid reflux at bay

• Sedatives help them sleep

And I can’t help but ask… that’s good health?

This mindset has resulted in widespread, often unnecessary, medication use—and any perceived benefit frequently comes at a steep price, far beyond the list of common side effects.

The Alarming Reality of Adverse Drug Events

According to an analysis by the American Society of Pharmacovigilance (ASP), adverse drug events (ADEs) are now the third leading cause of death in the United States.

These events include:

• Prescribing errors

• Prescription drug overdoses

• Drug misuse

• Drug–drug interactions

• Allergic reactions

• Adverse drug reactions (ADRs)

The most disturbing statistic? ADEs are estimated to cause 250,000–300,000 deaths every year in the U.S.

Yet these deaths are conveniently excluded from official CDC rankings of causes of death, which instead list accidents as the third leading cause at 222,698.

The Medication Cascade

Once you enter the world of prescription drugs, it’s easy to fall into what’s known as a medication cascade.

One drug causes side effects → a second drug is prescribed to manage those effects → that drug causes new side effects → a third drug is added… and on it goes.

As if that weren’t concerning enough, many medications also deplete essential nutrients, quietly undermining your health over time.

The Nutrient-Depleting Effects of Common Medications

Below are seven commonly prescribed drug categories—and the nutrients they are known to deplete.

1. Statins

• Deplete vitamin D

• Inhibit the body’s production of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, heart health, cancer protection, and lung function. CoQ10 is a critical antioxidant that supports heart health.

2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Severely deplete magnesium

• Reduce vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and zinc

Magnesium plays a role in digestion, DNA and RNA synthesis, insulin production, heart rhythm, bone strength, nervous system function, and immunity.

3. Antibiotics

• Deplete vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, and K

• Reduce calcium and iron and impair mineral absorption

4. Type 2 Diabetes Medications

• Drugs like metformin are associated with reduced vitamin B12 levels

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, red and white blood cell formation, nervous system health, brain function, and lowering homocysteine levels.

5. Thyroid Medications

• Synthetic thyroid drugs deplete zinc

Zinc is vital for immune health, gut integrity, heart health, and protection against neurodegenerative conditions.

6. Hypertension Medications

• Diuretics deplete magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and zinc

• Beta blockers reduce CoQ10 levels

Both nutrient losses can significantly impact cardiovascular health.

7. Corticosteroids

• Reduce calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, folate (B9), and vitamin B12

This greatly increases the risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, and weakened immune function.

Wake Up to the Truth

If you saw yourself in any of this, it’s time to wake up—before it’s too late.

Drug companies are driven by profit, not your health. Every major pharmaceutical company has faced criminal penalties for suppressing data, downplaying risks, or hiding dangerous side effects.

Does that sound like an industry that truly has your best interest at heart?

Compounding the problem, pharmaceutical influence has deeply infiltrated medical education, leaving many well-intentioned doctors and nurses trained primarily in drug-based solutions.

It’s Up to You

If you want to experience what real health looks like, you must take responsibility for it.

Here are the most impactful steps you can take to move away from a nutrient-depleted, medication-dependent existence.

Eat for Health

There’s no way around it—real health requires real food.

Focus on:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Quality meats and poultry

• Wild-caught fish

• Eggs

• Healthy fats like butter, avocado, and coconut oil

• Whole grains

Avoid:

• Processed and fast foods

• Vegetable and seed oils

• Refined carbohydrates and sugars (including soda)

Move Your Backside

Exercise most days of the week—even a short walk counts. Stop making excuses and get moving (after getting your doctor’s approval).

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress damages digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Use whatever tools work best for you:

• Regular exercise

• Prayer or meditation

• Acupuncture

• Counseling

• Spending time with animals

You Can Make a Difference

You truly can improve your health—safely and naturally—by making a few simple, consistent changes.

Start now. You won’t regret it.

To your health,
Sherry Brescia