It's a little― known fact that an estimated 50% of hospital admissions are the result of adverse reactions to prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
But aren't drugs the only option for treating some medical conditions? Certainly一 but not as often as you might think.
Many natural remedies are effective, inexpensive and safe. Dietary supplements, herbs and Simple lifestyle changes are available for most health problems.*
Important: Some natural remedies can bring immediate relief, but others may take weeks. Be prepared to wait up to one month before you feel the full effect.
To see what works best for you, try one of the following remedies, available in health-food stores. for two weeks. If you don't begin to see a beneficial effect during that time, try a different remedy for the condition.
Fatigue
A persistent lack of energy is common in our culture of too little sleep, t00 much stress, lack of exercise and inadequate nutrition.
Natural approach: The dietary supplement coenzyme Q10 (60 milligrams [mg] daily) fights fatigue by strengthening the heart muscle... dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), taken as a supplement first thing in the morning (25 mg for women and 50 mg for men daily), increases energy, because levels of this hormone naturally decline after age 40. If you are older than 40, ask your doctor to measure your DHEA level by using a saliva test to confirm that you are deficient. This hormone should nor be taken by people who have a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer.
Also helpful: The herbs astragalus and, ginseng are natural energy boosters. Drink a cup of astragalus or ginseng tea daily.
Glaucoma
This condition is caused by increased pressure within the eyeball. Regular eye exams should include a check for glaucoma. If it is detected, you may need prescription eye drops and should be under an ophthalmologist's care.
Natural approach: When glaucoma is detected early, dietary supplements can help reduce eye pressure. I recommend to my patients a combination dietary supplement of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (1,000 mg daily) and. vitamin C for its anti-inflammatory effect. I also recommend two other dietary supplements alpha lipoic acid (50 mg daily), which provides protection against free radicals that can exacerbate eye pressure. ..and L-arginine (1,500 mg, twice daily), which increases circulation.
Also helpful: The herbs grape seed extract (200 mg daily) and green tea extract (200 mg daily), both of which help prevent eye damage.
Heartburn
This fiery pain behind the breastbone is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. There are drugs that shut down stomach acid production, but a natural approach aims to improve digestion.
Natural approach: The probiotic acidophilus (one to three capsules before each meal) adds "friendly" bacteria that fight heartburn by aiding digestion. . .and the hydrochloric acid supplement betaine (150 mg once daily, with a meal) increases stomach acid levels in people who have a deficiency. Both supplements help the body break down protein and other food elements.
Also helpful: Aloe vera juice (one tablespoon, twice daily with meals) heals the intestinal lining, which helps prevent heartburn.
If heartburn develops, chew one to three papaya tablets or eat fresh papaya for quick relief.
Hemorrhoids
These inflamed veins in the rectum can be painful and often bleed.
Keep bowel movements regular to prevent straining on the toilet, which worsens hemorrhoid's. Get at least 25 grams (g) of fiber in your daily diet. In addition to eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, add unprocessed wheat bran to soups, stews and salads...or take a fiber tablet. Be sure to drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily-otherwise, fiber can be constipating.
Natural approach: Vitamin C (500 to 1,000 mg daily) helps strengthen capillaries, including those in the rectum. Acidophilus (one to three capsules before each meal) aids bowel regularity.
Also helpful: Apply vitamin E oil or cream to hemorrhoids to ease any discomfort and promote healing.
Psoriasis
The scaling, itchiness and inflammation of psoriasis are tormenting, but dietary supplements bring substantial relief for many people.
Natural approach: Fish oil capsules (500 mg, twice daily) and selenium Q00 to 200 micrograms [mcg] daily) have been shown to reduce symptoms of psoriasis. Natural mixed carotenoids (5,000 to 10,000 international units [IU] daily) which convert to vitamin A in the body, if it is needed, and vitamin D (400 to 800 IU daily) promote healthy skin and protect against infection. Allow 30 days for this program to take effect.
Also helpful: Aloe vera gel, applied twice daily, soothes affected skin and relieves itching.
Tinnitus
This incessant ringing or buzzing in the ears is often worse at night and frequently interferes with sleep.
Natural approach: Calcium (500 mg daily) and magnesium (200 mg daily) help promote sleep when taken at bedtime...coenzyme Q10 (60 mg, twice daily) and any multivitamin-mineral complex that is rich in antioxidants protects against cell breakdown that can worsen this condition.
Also helpful: The herb ginkgo biloba (50 mg, three times daily) reduces tinnitus by improving circulation to the inner ear.
