10 The Natural Alternatives to the Most Prescribed Drugs
With the growing concerns about the health risks of most prescription medications available today, more and more people prefer natural therapeutic options to address a wide variety of illnesses, from simple cold and flu to more severe health problems such as cancer. Despite the large disparity between medicine and alternative treatment, the latter has grown significant popularity and acceptance in many parts of the world, including the western countries.
The Healing Promise of Alternative Medicine
Not so long ago, the term ‘alternative medicine’ has made many people frown. But with the increasing scientific evidence supporting the use of herbal medications, this view has dramatically waned and the therapeutic value of alternative treatments has become increasingly popular.
The concept of alternative healing is not new. In fact, it came even before scientists started developing pharmaceutical drugs. Vast studies have shown that certain plants, shrubs and herbs exhibit medicinal properties. While most herbal supplements sold in the market today contain ‘no approved therapeutic effects’ labels, many people claim that taking herbal medications helped them deal with their medications, improved their health, and protected them from other diseases.
Natural Alternatives to the Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs
Painkillers
In a recent survey conducted by Nuffield Health, it was found that 7.5 million people in Britain depend on painkillers to attend work. Medications for pain relief are perhaps the most commonly purchased drug in the world, next to those intended for heart health. Unfortunately, painkillers do not target the root cause of pain aside from the fact that these drugs may have awful side effects. Therefore, a person is more likely to experience pain once the effect of medication has subsided.
A very effective treatment for pain is massage therapy. This alternative remedy helps in different ways. First, it boosts blood circulation – a major risk factor for pain. Second, it relaxes tensed muscles which does not only cause pain but fatigue as well. Third, massage helps reduce stress levels and boost the body’s immunity. In a study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, researchers found that just four chiropractic treatment sessions in two weeks resulted to significant improvement in pain and disability as compared to the usual treatment.
Antibiotics
The most common medications prescribed to people suffering from inflectional diseases are antibiotics. However, most infections caused by newly discovered superbugs are resistant to these medications, a fact that make them ineffective.
There are plenty of alternative treatments that are very effective in treating infections. Sinusitis for example, can be easily cured using saline solution, according to Dr Daphne Miller, author of the book “Jungle Effect: A Doctor Discovers the Healthiest Diets from Around the World”. This inexpensive remedy is very easy to make. Just add ¼ teaspoon salt in lukewarm water and ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional). The solution is inhaled using a nasal aspirator. It then goes through the nasal passages, washing the bacteria and mucus that cause nasal congestion.
Nature also offers some of the best antibiotics in the world, such as garlic, Echinacea, Pau D’ Arco, colloidal silver, and Manuka honey.
Antidepressants
Due to many published studies, it has become clearer for many people that antidepressants are less likely going to help them successfully recover from depression. Other than being addictive, most medications for this mental illness contain chemicals that bring undesirable effects to the body.
Natural therapists recommend regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk of depression and improve the symptoms (for those who already have the condition). Omega-3s are mostly found in fatty fish and some plant-based sources such as flaxseed. Taking a daily dose of cod liver oil or eating fatty fish like tuna and salmon twice a week can have a tremendous effect on brain health and mental well-being.
Metformin HCL/Glucophage (For Diabetes)
While most medications for diabetes have been triumphant in managing blood sugar levels in patients, the idea that one has to be on medication for life really frustrates many people.
Fortunately, a great deal of research suggests that physical activities may do the trick. According to a study reported in Journal of Applied Physiology, just one week of exercise improves muscle response to insulin which results to increased blood flow and better absorption of glucose in the body. Exercising comes in many forms. Aside from the usual gym workouts, there are physical activities that are more fun, such as swimming, hiking and other sports. Regular exercise has also been linked to lower risk of heart disease, obesity and mental illness.
Statins (For High Cholesterol)
According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), around 2.9 million prescriptions for statins were issued by GPs in England in 2011. This medication is used by many people, especially the elderly in lowering their bad cholesterol levels. However, it has harmful effects to the muscles, including pain, tenderness, fatigue and cramps that ultimately lead to muscle breakdown, particularly in the kidneys.
Few people know that managing cholesterol is as easy (and free) as knowing what to eat and what not to eat. There are plenty of foods, including garlic, and olive oil that contain healthy compounds that lower down bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Here’s another thing – according to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, moderate consumption of red wine may lower bad cholesterol by up to 40 per cent!
Sleeping Pills
Just one week of ‘bad sleep’ can greatly put a person’s health at risk, reports a study recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study, which was held by the researchers at University of Surrey, reveals that one in 8 Britons sleep for 6 hours or less every night.
Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder that is often dealt with using sleeping pills. But these medications are addictive and have undesirable effects too. Natural therapies such as hypnotherapy, counselling and aromatherapy are worth giving a try. Taking supplements containing melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s internal clock is a good option too. However, advice from a GP is necessary before resorting to this remedy.
High Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and heart attack – one of the leading causes of death in Britain as stated by the NHS. Maintaining normal blood pressure levels can be effectively addressed by pharmaceutical drugs. But it is possible to reduce the need for these medications and eventually do away with them for good.
Dr Jacob Teitelbaum, author of “Real Cause, Real Cure”, recommends taking a daily dose of potassium (500mg) from one banana or a cup of tomato juice, and 200mg of magnesium. He also advices taking Coenzyme Q10 daily – an antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
Levothyroxine Sodium/Synthroid (For Hypothyroidism)
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterised by insufficient hormone production of the thyroid gland. Although it mostly occurs in older women, anyone can develop the disease. The most common prescription drug given to patients with this condition is Synthroid.
While it is possible that hypothyroidism is developed because the thyroid is being attacked by the immune system, it may also be a consequence of mineral deficiency. It can be helpful to seek professional advice from a doctor to know what minerals the patient is deficient of. There are numerous supplements available in the market today that can provide the body with the daily required amount of essential minerals. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to stop taking medications without the doctor’s consent.
Omeprazole/Prilosec (For Acid Reflux)
Prilosec, a drug prescribed to people with acid reflux (heartburn) blocks the protective hydrochloric acid (HCL) which may lead to bacterial growth in the small intestine and at the same time, mineral deficiency. That’s according to Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, author of “Digestive Wellness”. She said it is fine to use Prilosec for short-term use but it’s more advisable to treat the root cause of the problem than simply covering up its symptoms.
She recommends trying slippery-elm lozenges which is widely available in local health food stores. This natural throat solution contains antioxidants that relieve inflammation in the intestine, and boost mucus production that protects the intestinal tract from acid build-up.
All these natural remedies can help you tackle your health problems without exposing you to harmful side effects.
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