What Supplements and Medications Are Allowed on the HCG Diet?

Supplements and medications can be an issue on the HCG Diet. It's important to talk to your doctor about the HCG Protocol before you begin, especially if you're on any medications. Certain medications and vitamins can interfere with the protocol and lead to stalled weight loss.

Vitamins

Vitamins may have calories and add to your calorie intake. However, you may take vitamin D and calcium during Phase 2 of the diet, especially if you have poor dental health. HCG can worsen some oral conditions, and vitamin D and calcium can slow the progression of any damage. Vitamin C is also permitted and is recommended for treating a common cold during the diet. If you take C, D and/or Calcium, make sure you take them in tablet form as gel caps and oil-based solutions may contain calories. All other vitamins should be discontinued during the protocol.

Monitoring Medications

Most participants lose weight just fine while still taking blood pressure medicine and medications to treat high cholesterol, thyroid problems, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. It is important that your physician monitors your progress and evaluates your medication periodically because some of the effects of the HCG Diet may leave you needing to lower the dosage of these medications. For example, losing a lot of weight can reduce the severity of diabetes, and your blood pressure and cholesterol may automatically go down during and after the protocol.

Some medications that have weight gain as a side effect may interfere with your weight loss success. These include steroids, seizure medications and hormone replacement therapy. Consult with your doctor to determine if you can safely discontinue these medications during the protocol. If so, your doctor will probably want to closely monitor your condition. Some people have good results despite taking certain medications that cause weight gain.

Asthma and Allergies

Cortisone can be taken during the protocol if you need to treat asthma or hay fever. Triamcinolone seems to have fewer negative effects according to Dr. Simeons.

Antibiotics

If you need to take an antibiotic, go ahead and take it as prescribed. If you need antibiotic cream, make sure to use a topical solution that is oil-free. If you cannot find an oil-free solution, apply the least possible amount and wear a glove when you apply it so that you don’t get any more than necessary on your skin. It doesn’t take much antibiotic ointment to treat an infection.