Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria in the body. However, there are many groups of bacteria that are actually helpful to the body. Since antibiotics can't often distinguish between the good bacteria and harmful bacteria, all groups of bacteria are targeted. The destruction of good bacteria may open the body to an overgrowth of yeast or fungal infections. Antibiotics are also believed to interfere with the absorption of folic acid and B vitamins.
Diuretics are a group of medications often used to treat high blood pressure.
The drugs work by flushing out sodium and fluids from the bloodstream. However, diuretics can also flush out significant amounts of potassium, zinc, and magnesium. Statins are medications that are often prescribed to lower cholesterol. These drugs also cause a depletion of the body's stores of coenzyme Q10, a chemical that provides energy to the cells in the heart muscle. Experts say that patients taking medications should ask their doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions or nutritional deficiencies the drugs may cause.