Years ago, when I first started writing about alternative healthcare, I was stunned to learn that synthetic drugs can deplete your body of vitamins and minerals.

I think it's safe to say, most people are completely unaware that while you're taking a drug to treat a condition, you're at least partially draining your body of certain nutrients it needs to stay well.

Hmmm...what's wrong with THAT picture?

Of course, this doesn't seem to faze the medical mainstream one bit. A little depletion? Relax! Take your drugs. You'll be fine!

So imagine how dire the situation must be for the FDA to actually step up and alert doctors and consumers about a very popular drug that depletes a very important mineral.

But what the FDA did next is the REAL shocker!

Backhanded recommendation

Recently, FDA officials warned that prescription strength proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) may deplete your magnesium levels.

Well over 20 million people in the U.S. alone use PPIs to relieve heartburn and acid reflux. You know this class of drugs by the familiar brand names: Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, etc.

In most of the cases reviewed by the FDA, magnesium deficiency occurred after one year of starting the drug, but some people were deficient within just three months.

And here's the real kicker to the FDA warning: "In approximately one-quarter of the cases reviewed, magnesium supplementation alone did not improve low serum magnesium levels and the PPI had to be discontinued."

That's how severe the magnesium deficiency can become!

But look at the amazing thing the FDA is also saying in that sentence -- without really coming right out and saying it: In approximately three out of every four cases reviewed, magnesium supplementation improved low serum magnesium levels.

Those are pretty good results! Of course, the FDA doesn't come right out and recommend magnesium supplements to either treat or prevent low magnesium levels. But in their own, adorable passive-aggressive way, yeah, that's exactly what they're doing.

Why it matters...

Unfortunately, patients can't count on their doctors to stay current with every FDA announcement, so this warning could easily go unheeded -- with dire consequences.

Here's how the FDA tells it: "Low serum magnesium levels can result in serious adverse events including muscle spasm (tetany), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), and convulsions (seizures)."

Think that sounds bad? That's just getting started! But still, that's as far as the official warning goes. The agency doesn't mention that when your magnesium level is sufficient it helps reduce risk of cognitive decline and plays a key role in DNA production.

Magnesium is also essential for keeping your blood sugar in check.

Last year I told you about nine different diabetes studies, and each one showed a clear link between high magnesium levels and significantly reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Healthy bones rely on magnesium too. So I'm sure it's no coincidence that last year, the FDA issued a PPI warning about "possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with high doses or long-term use."

Gee, FDA...are you starting to get the idea that this drug is maybe not good for people to take every day?

Of course, if you suffer from regular heartburn or acid reflux, you're looking for immediate relief and hoping it won't come back to haunt you. Now you don't have to choose. You can find details about a safe, effective, and inexpensive alternative treatment here.

Related articles of interest:

Why is it so hard to get off your heartburn drug?

Dangerous Drug Mugging Effect by Acid Blockers

Prescription for Death?

The hidden dangers of stomach-acid reducers

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