| Natural Alternatives to Prescription Drugs |
| Tuesday, 12 May 2009 16:50 | |||
 Everywhere, May 2009 – As the number of people killed by prescription drugs each year is on the rise, and is on track to exceed 20,000 deaths, an unfortunate all time high, there should be outrage.
Why are we not responding to this alarming number, demanding the FAA investigate? Because these deaths are occurring one at a time, which doesn’t light fires under the issue, and far less scrutiny on the part of the FDA. Prescriptions drugs can improve the quality of life for many people with serious health conditions and often save lives. Americans are among the lucky people in the world who have access to the drugs that can keep them alive. But the dark side of prescription drugs is difficult to ignore. Many of us assume that taking multiple medications for multiple health problems is just a normal part of growing older. But in reality, these pharmaceutical cocktails may be largely to blame for the skyrocketing rate of drug deaths. If your doctor says you need a drug for a serious health problem, you might think it is the only thing you can do. You may feel frightened at the prospect of going against your doctor's recommendations and seeking out alternatives. Drug safety is becoming a major concern among many health professionals. Reports to the FDA of serious adverse drug events, including deaths, have more than doubled in recent years. This is more than enough reason to do a little of your own research, before you get that prescription filled. Here are some drugs with clinically proven natural alternatives worth trying: 1. Statins vs. Red Yeast Rice Statin drugs like Lipitor and Crestor are called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors because they reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme needed for cholesterol production. Side effects include liver and muscle damage. Red yeast rice also contains a natural form of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Studies show that red yeast rice can significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, and triglycerides when used consistently for 8-12 weeks. What to Take: 600 mg twice a day or 1,200 mg once a day. 2. Glucophage vs. Cinnamon Glucophage is a diabetes drug that increases insulin sensitivity. It improves the sensitivity of insulin receptor sites on cells, making it easier for them to "pick up" insulin. Side effects include indigestion, headache and diarrhea. Research suggests that cinnamon also improves insulin sensitivity, by making receptor sites on cells "pick up" insulin better. Researchers have also found that taking cinnamon extract can lead to significant increases in lean body mass and a reduction in overall body fat. What to Take: 250 mg, morning and evening, of a water-soluble cinnamon extract. What to Take: 250 mg, morning and evening, of a water-soluble cinnamon extract. 3. Ibuprofen vs. Glucosamine NSAIDs like ibuprofen do reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, but they can irritate your stomach. There is concern that over time, they can make osteoarthritis worse by blocking the repair process. Glucosamine is comparable to ibuprofen for symptom relief, although it takes 4-8 weeks to work. What's more, it seems to stimulate cartilage-building cells. What to Take: 1,000-1,500 mg a day. 4. Ambien vs. Melatonin Ambien can be a great help for people who need it. But like other pills in its class, it creates dependence — you end up unable to sleep without it. And it has troubling side effects, such as amnesia, daytime drowsiness, headache and dizziness. Melatonin is a hormone, synthesized in the brain's pineal gland that regulates the body's sleep patterns. Unlike most prescription sleep aids, melatonin has absolutely no risk for dependence. What to Take: 3 mg before bedtime. 5. Benadryl vs. Quercetin Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine used to treat hay fever and other nasal allergies. It works by blocking receptor sites for histamine, the biochemical that causes the runny nose and scratchy eyes. The drug's main side effect is sleepiness. Quercetin is considered a natural antihistamine because it can inhibit release of histamine from certain immune cells. Evidence suggests that quercetin inhibits antigen-stimulated histamine release from mast cells of patients with hay fever. It's also a powerful anti-inflammatory. 6. Restasis vs. Fish Oil Restasis is used for chronic dry eyes, and works by suppressing the inflammation that disrupts tear secretion. Side effects include burning, redness and discharge. Getting more omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help dry eyes. Consuming more essential omega-3s makes your tears oilier, which means they lubricate eyes better. Fish oil also reduces inflammation that can interfere with tear production. What to Take: 1,400 mg a day. 7. Donnatal vs. Peppermint Oil Donnatal is prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome. It is an anti-spasmodic, so it relieves pain and cramping. Side effects include constipation, decreased sweating dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth. Peppermint oil has long been used to soothe cranky tummies. It decreases gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasms, reduces abdominal pain, distention and flatulence, and decreases diarrhea in 70% to 80% of patients. What to Take: 0.2-0.4 mL (180-360 mg) before meals. SOURCE: Stop Aging Now
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