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February 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
Natural Alternatives
to Commonly
Prescribed Drugs
CHOLESTEROL
Statins: Simvastatin (Zocor) and
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Dietary changes are usually far
more effective, quicker and cheaper
than statins. Everyone agrees in eliminating trans fat, fried and processed
food and reduce sweets and salts in
favor of whole foods as a foundation
for a healthier diet. Some experts,
such as Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author
of Real Cause, Real Cure, advise
eating oats, garlic, olive oil and
drinking red wine to reduce inflammation, which will lower bad LDL
and increase good HDL cholesterol.
Others recommend a plant-based
diet. For a look at the second diet recommendation, watch the documentary Forks Over Knives (http://www.
forksoverknives.com).
@healthykentucky
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Try lowering
cholesterol by
eating oats, garlic,
olive oil and
drinking red wine.
By Angela S.
Hoover, Staff
Writer
Pharmaceutical
drugs can save lives
and reduce certain
health risks, but sometimes they can
mask or create new symptoms. In
some cases, they can be swapped for a
more natural alternative. These natural therapies can be safer, more effective and cost less. Be sure to check
with your doctor about trying these
natural alternatives as everybody’s
health has its own unique factors and
considerations.
Like us
Lexothyroxine Sodium
(Synthroid)
In some cases, the thyroid is being
attacked by the immune system
and other times problems can arise
from deficiencies of iodine, iron or
selenium. Patients may want to try
mineral supplements to see if there
is any improvement. However, if
you’re already taking medication, do
not stop taking it without first talking with your doctor. Taking thyroid
supplements can trigger heart palpitations or even heart attack or angina
for those at risk for heart disease.
INFECTIONS
BLOOD PRESSURE
Lisinopril (Zestril) and
Amlodipine Besylate (Norvasc)
The right food and supplements
taken with the help of a doctor can
enable one to cut back or eventually
eliminate the need for blood pressure
drugs. Dr. Teitelbaum believes medication is best used to bring the blood
pressure under control initially. One
can then natural therapies to wean
off the drugs. Increasing potassium
to 500 mg a day (readily available in
one banana or in one cup of either
tomato juice or coconut water) and
magnesium to 200 mg a day is an
effective way to lower blood pressure
for most people. For particularly high
blood pressure, ask your doctor about
taking 200 mg of Coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10 can lower blood
pressure by dilating blood vessels.
DIABETES
Metformin HCL (Glucophage)
Adopting a healthy lifestyle of
whole foods and regular exercise can
reverse your numbers and need for
medication. In a study published in
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the Journal of Applied Physiology,
normally sedentary study participants
with diabetes did a combination of
treadmill walking and cycling for an
hour a day. Measurements from oral
glucose tolerance tests showed a 50
to 90 percent increase in blood flow
to their muscles in just seven days.
This increased muscle blood flow
allows glucose to be better absorbed
for energy. Since no study participants lost weight in such a short time
period, the researchers concluded
the results were due to the physical
activity itself, and not just weight
loss. “Three to five days of aerobic
exercise and two days of resistance
training is the ultimate prescription,”
said lead study author John Thyfault,
Ph.D. and associate professor at the
University of Missouri.
ACID REFLUX
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Taken Prilosec long-term can
block the protective hydrochloric
acid (HCL) in the stomach, which
can lead to bacterial overgrowth in
the small intestines and ultimately to
mineral deficiencies, per Liz Lipski,
Ph.D., CCN and author of Digestive
Wellness. Lispki says it’s OK to take
Prilosec in the short term, but finding
the underlying causes of the indigestion or reflux should take precedence.
Lipski recommends slippery elm
lozenges. Slippery elm
coats the throat and
stomach, has antioxidants that help
relieve inflammation
in the intestines, and
boosts mucus production
to help protect the gastrointestinal tract from excess
acid.
Antibiotics, such as
Azithromycn (Zithromax) or
Amoxicillin
Many sinus infections can be
treated with saline nasal washes
instead of antibiotics, per Dr. Daphne
Miller, author of The Jungle Effect:
A Doctor Discovers the Healthiest
Diets from Around the World. Add
¼ teaspoon salt, and an optional ¼
teaspoon of baking soda to make it
more soothing, to lukewarm purified
water. Put some solution into the
palm of the hand and inhale some
of the solution about one inch up
into the nose into one nostril while
standing over the sink. Gently blow
the nose, being careful not to hurt the
ears. Repeat with the other nostril
and continue alternating nostrils until
the nose is clear. Do this at least twice
a day until the infection improves.
Each rinsing will wash away 90 percent of the infection, making it easier
for the body to heal. However, it is
paramount to use only purified water
when doing a nasal rinse becaus B