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Can Isagenix Weight Loss Diet Be Tried While On BP Medication?

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Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015
Question: Hi,
I have just purchased a one month trial of the Isagenix weight loss program, and I want to find out if it will be a problem with my blood pressure medication. It takes a while to get an appointment with my doctor and I want to start asap. I take 25gm of Atenolol and 2mg of Mavik daily in the am. What are the herbal supplements, vitamins or foods that may have interactions with or reduce the effectiveness of these drugs? I will check them against the ingredient lists.
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Good evening - let me check on your question right away

Detailed Answer:
Thank you so much for coming to Isagenix. I understand quite a few people use that product line, but I have not had any feedback on the products themselves.

Atenolol is to be taken separately from orange juice. Avoid licorice and take 2 hours before or 6 hours after calcium or antacids. Those are the most recent 2015 drug nutrient interactions for this beta-blocker.

Mavik also a blood pressure lowering medication acts by a different mechanism than the one above. You are not diabetic? Both medications require a low sodium, low calorie diet with avoidance of licorice.Again, no citrus. Do not use salt substitute (potassium)

I did not see any listed supplemental contraindications. Generally how these interaction checkers work is you list all medications and all individual supplements and then any potential interactions between the combinations pop up.

I do suggest you do not fast on these medications, do not take anything high in potassium and don't consume citrus based products.

If you can think of a more specifice way I can help - maybe sending me the ingredients and program you purchased to let me look it over to see if I can pick up any glaring problems?

Thank you for coming to me and please let me know if I can help you more specifically. Best wishes, XXXXXXX Shattler, MS,RDN
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Kathy Shattler (1 hour later)
Hi,
You say no citrus at all? I've read that I should consume citrus only after a few hours after taking the medication. Vitamin C supplements are ok?

Reading over the extensive ingredient lists below I see some licorice extract and citrus juice powders in the supplements. I would imagine there is not a large amount given the lengthy list of ingredients, but it doesn't say the amount. Do you think these would be prohibitive? The Protein shakes don't appear to have anything that would be a problem unless the "potassium citrate" listed in the "non-medical" ingredients is?

Here are the ingredient lists:
Vit/Mineral supplement: wolfberry fruit extract; alfalfa extract; hibiscus extract; watermelon juice extract; kiwi juice powder; rhodiola root extract; Mucuna pruriens root extract; ashwaghanda root extract; blueberry extract; bacopa whole plant extract; harada fruit extract; eleuthero root extract; amla fruit extract; rhododendron leaf extract; alpha lipoic acid, tribulus fruit extract; shilajit extract; betaine hydrochloride; MSM; schizandra ftuit extract; bamboo stem and leaf extract; maca root extract; ginger extract.

Cleanse Powder: Aloe vera; bilberry fruit extract; raspberry juice extract; pau d'arco inner bark extract; burdock root extract; fennel seed extract; yellow dock rood extract; deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra); suma root extract; peppermint extract; turmeric extract; choline bitartrate; inositol; betaine HCL, L-mehtionine; potassium citrate; purple carrot; citric acid; lime juice powder.

Protein Shake Powder: whey protein concentrate: milk protein concentrate; sunflower oil; flaxseed; olive oil; yucca; lactase; psyllium; cellulase; invertase; lipase; lactobacillus acidophilus; madnesium; vit c; vit E; zinc; niacinamide; pantothenic acid; niacin; beta carotene; roboflavin; manganese; vit B6; copper; thiamine; folate; biotin; chromium; iodine; molybdenum;selenium; Vit B12; Vit D3; Enzyme blend: protease; alpha amylase; bromelain; cellulase; lipase; lactase papain; Non medicinal ingredients: potassium citrate; magnesium stearate; alfalfa extract; luzerne

Natural Excellerator:green tea extract; cinnamon; niacinamide; chromium; Piperine; D-ribose; cocoa; cayenne

Mineral Supplement: Magnesium; Hyssop her top; perppermint; citric acid

Snack: chromium; choline; L-Methionine; Trimethylglycine, betaine

Please let me know what you think Thank you! XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I am happy that you replied as I just spent one hour researching that diet

Detailed Answer:
I have the latest Drug Nutrient Interaction Guide and it is telling me there is an interaction between citrus and these medications (2015). Vitamin C supplements are ok.

I spent the last hour going over tapes on this weight loss system. I am disappointed to tell you that being on two high blood pressure medications, the dietary restrictions and the entire structure of the the weight loss program that it, in my opinion, might even be dangerous for you to embark on.

The cleansing part is not evidence based and the number of herbs I looked through would take hours to screen for blood pressure effects, but just casually looking through the herbs I recognized some that effect blood pressure control. I know, you paid for it, but I cannot recommend it.

Yes, potassium citrate may be a problem just like salt substitutes are contraindicated with your meds. Salt subs are potassium chloride.

You know, there is a new diet out that I haven't evaluated, but the philosophy sounds good. It is called the Leptin diet. I am going to look into this. My diet approach with patients has been very successful and consists of a personalized approach to nutritional intake/timing/composition of meals. Exercise a must even walking. I use supplements and teas to elevate metabolism when useful and replace vitamins the body needs to produce energy. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, stress reduction, positive self-talk and social support when possible. My most recent client just lost 165 pounds over a few years ( and humbug no exercise).

To maintain weight loss you can't lose via a quick fix.I can refer you to a Dietitian if you would like, but to lose weight safely and permanently, I suggest embarking on a more permanent approach. I wish I could approve of such a quick fix and I hope you didn't open anything. But, best of luck to you. XXXXXXX Shattler, MS,RDN

You may not be happy with me, but if you have no further questions feel free to close this out and rate it or continue conversation as you desire. :)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Kathy Shattler (1 hour later)
Thank you. Yes, I definitely have my doubts about the cleansing ingredients and the medication.

The interactions with the blood pressure drugs and calcium citrate that I've read about are all with oral supplements. It seems that calcium citrate is often added to food as a stabilizer (like it is with these protein shakes), so I'm feeling ok about it in those smaller amounts. I'm sure it's in all kinds of foods I've already been eating.

Fortunately, I have a money back guarantee (which is why I bought it) that is good for 30 days. I'll be looking at getting my $$ back and cancelling.

I'll have a look at the Leptin diet.

Thanks, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I am glad you wrote back

Detailed Answer:
You are correct, to clarify, about the citrus and 6 hours after the med. But, this is not always the case. Some drug interactions cause changes in the blood and the interaction occurs elsewhere than affecting absorption. Sorry for not clarifying that.

Did I say calcium citrate? I thought we discussed potassium citrate. Nevertheless, what worried me about your safety was the plethora of other herbs I saw. I am feeling safer about your decision to try another route to losing weight.

Your safety is utmost in importance. Thank you for making the sensible decision. Again, my best wishes to you. Regards, XXXXXXX Shattler, MS,RDN

Please close and rate. Write me again anytime!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Kathy
Kathy Shattler

Dietitian & Nutritionist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 901 Questions

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Can Isagenix Weight Loss Diet Be Tried While On BP Medication?

Brief Answer: Good evening - let me check on your question right away Detailed Answer: Thank you so much for coming to Isagenix. I understand quite a few people use that product line, but I have not had any feedback on the products themselves. Atenolol is to be taken separately from orange juice. Avoid licorice and take 2 hours before or 6 hours after calcium or antacids. Those are the most recent 2015 drug nutrient interactions for this beta-blocker. Mavik also a blood pressure lowering medication acts by a different mechanism than the one above. You are not diabetic? Both medications require a low sodium, low calorie diet with avoidance of licorice.Again, no citrus. Do not use salt substitute (potassium) I did not see any listed supplemental contraindications. Generally how these interaction checkers work is you list all medications and all individual supplements and then any potential interactions between the combinations pop up. I do suggest you do not fast on these medications, do not take anything high in potassium and don't consume citrus based products. If you can think of a more specifice way I can help - maybe sending me the ingredients and program you purchased to let me look it over to see if I can pick up any glaring problems? Thank you for coming to me and please let me know if I can help you more specifically. Best wishes, XXXXXXX Shattler, MS,RDN