Here is one of your favorite questions:
Q. Can regular aspirin use affect one's nutritional needs?
A. Aspirin is the drug of choice for certain types of
arthritis and many older people with arthritis take aspirin
at a high daily dosage level that may potentially cause loss
of iron through microscopic bleeding of the gastrointestinal
tract. Since the elderly, in general, need greater supplies
of iron, it's important that an older person who is a regular
aspirin user consume a diet rich in such iron- containing
foods as liver, meat, dried apricots, leafy vegetables,
peaches, prunes, raisins, legumes, nuts and whole grains.
(Some older people may have difficulty absorbing iron and in
these cases an iron supplement prescribed by your doctor may
be helpful.)
In addition, there's evidence that long-term aspirin users
may also need increased amounts of folic acid, a vitamin
found in many of the iron-rich foods mentioned before.
Finally, some studies suggest that chronic aspirin use may
increase the need for vitamin C. The best food sources of
vitamin C are citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries,
broccoli, cantaloupe, cabbage, green peppers, potatoes and
leafy greens.
(c) 2001 Dr. Reuven Bruner. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Reuven Bruner, Ph.D. is a health, fitness, and nutrition
consultant. For information call 02-652-7684; 052-865-821 or
fax 02-652-7227 or email: dr_bruner@hotmail.com.
