Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAC, CNC, CITP

How Do You Spell Relief?

Move over Rolaids and Tylenol. Step aside Tums and Seldane. If you spell relief D-R-U-G-S, you should reconsider the effects of doing so and the more natural options available.

Drug side effects are the third leading cause of death. The pharmaceuticals that millions of people turn to for relief from pain, inflammation, and other symptoms are not only causing side effects, they are actually damaging the health of many people. By some estimates six thousand people die every year from "simple" non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The side effects of these drugs contribute to congestive heart failure, kidney disease, suicidal depression, cataracts, ulcers, macular degeneration, hearing loss, tinnitus, memory loss, fatigue, and liver disease. According to Sherry Rogers, MD, "statistics show that once you start taking a gut drug you (also) increase your chances of (getting) cancer 43 times."

Prescription and over-the-counter medications also deplete your body of much-needed vitamins and minerals required for all your body's basic functions. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, and the countless others on the market deplete your body of Vitamin C, folic acid (Vitamin B-9), iron, and zinc. These nutrients are needed to keep your immune system strong, heal tissues, maintain cellular integrity, build healthy blood, heal wounds, and nourish skin and hair.

Besides that, pharmaceuticals do not eliminate the underlying causes of the symptoms people take them for; instead, they merely mask problems. While that pill may help alleviate a symptom in the short term, in the long term, the drugs may be creating other problems. Your liver and kidneys must filter out every synthetic chemical that enters your body. Repeated use of medications can weaken these organs and the body's overall ability to detoxify. Plus, the cause of the original problem that was covered up by drugs may rear its ugly head somewhere down the road in a much nastier form.

Type of Drug	Name	Nutrients They May Deplete
Pain-Killers	Acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, and Nabumetone	Vitamin C, folic acid (Vitamin B-9), iron and zinc.
Birth Control Pills	Micornor, Triphasil, Ovral, and Ortho Novum	Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc
Steroids (Corticosteroids) Often used for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, skin disorders, and immune disorders	Prednisone, hydrocortisone, desamethasone, beclomethasone, and triamcinolone	Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, zinc and potassium
Antidepressants	Amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, and imipramine	Coenzyme Q-10
Estrogen Replacement	Premarin, Climara (estradiol), Estraderm	Vitamin B-6
Beta Blockers	Propranolol and timolol	Coenzyme Q-10
Acid Blockers (to relieve irritation and pain from gastric acid)	Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, and ranitidine	Folic acid (Vitamin B-9) Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D, Copper and Iron
Antibiotics	Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Penicillin	Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C, and bowel flora

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before you stop using any drug, it is important to see your physician. Sudden discontinuation of some prescription drugs can cause severe health problems so it is important to work with a physician if you choose to stop using your medication.There are many alternatives to drugs that are much more natural and safer for your body.

Arthritis: Instead of NSAIDs, consider glucosamine and chondroitin. Research on these two natural products is very promising for the treatment of pain and inflammation related to arthritis. These supplements typically need to be taken for at least two months. In some studies MSM and cetyl myristoleate (CM) are more effective than NSAIDs for pain relief, but they are also aid in healing (unlike medications).

Depression: St. John's Wort has been shown in numerous studies to be as effective as anti-depressants (but without the negative side effects).

Indigestion: Intestinal flora products that contain Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus bifidum often help with indigestion. Try digestive enzymes if the indigestion starts soon after eating a meal. The enzymes you need depend on what was in the meal that caused the indigestion. A multiple digestive enzyme formulation is easiest.

Menstrual Cramps: Drugstore remedies for menstrual cramps usually contain acetaminophen which can lead to liver damage if taken in high doses or alongside alcoholic beverages. Herbs like cramp bark, valerian, passion flower, or angelica root are better for alleviating muscle spasms and pain associated with PMS. Also, consider niacin (Vitamin B-3) which may ease pain by dilating arteries in the uterus. Magnesium also has anti-spasmodic effects and helps relax muscles.

Motion Sickness or Upset Stomach: Over-the-coujnter medications for motion sickness usually contain the antihistamin dimenhydrinate that causes a dry mouth and drowsiness. In some studies, ginger has been just as effective at combating motion sickness and upset stomach without the side-effects. Powdered ginger capsules are more effective than ginger tea or candied ginger. Digestive enzymes help with an upset stomach caused by a heavy meal or indigestion.

Pain: Try white willow bark. This herb is the original source of salicyclic acid, from which aspirin was synthetically derived. The natural herb is far less likely to cause the side effects associated with synthetic chemicals.
Before you head to the drugstore to combat pain, inflammation, indigestion, or other symptoms, consider a more natural option like herbs, nutrients, or lifestyle changes.