Here are some drugs with clinically proven natural alternatives worth trying:
1. Ibuprofen vs. Curcumin
NSAIDs like Celebrex, aspirin and ibuprofen do reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. However, they can irritate your stomach. There is concern that over time, they can make osteoarthritis worse. They can block the repair process. These drugs have been found to actually retard the growth of cartilage.
Curcumin, on the other hand, is an all natural spice that has been found to curb inflammation with the best of them. In one recent study, which explored natural alternatives, curcumin outperformed ibuprofen for knee pain after just six weeks.
What to Take: 1,000-1,500 mg a day.
2. 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 and daytime drowsiness, headache and dizziness.
Melatonin is the most studied natural remedy for insomnia. It is a hormone. Synthesized in the brain’s pineal gland, it regulates the body’s sleep patterns. Melatonin production is influenced by day/night cycles. Light inhibits melatonin secretion and darkness stimulates secretion.
Melatonin is useful for older people with insomnia. It is also helpful for blind people, jet lag and those in withdrawal from prescription sleep medication. Unlike most prescription sleep aids, melatonin has no risk for dependence. It is not habit-forming.
What to Take: 3 mg before bedtime. Higher doses may cause wakefulness.
3. Restasis vs. Fish Oil
Restasis is the eyedrop form of the immune-suppressing and inflammation-suppressing drug cyclosporine. It’s used for chronic dry eyes. It 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. Tears contain oil. But if you don’t have enough oil in your tears, they don’t lubricate well. They also evaporate too fast. Consuming more of these essential natural alternatives makes your tears oilier. Fish oil also reduces inflammation that can interfere with tear production. Plus, fish oil reduces your risk of developing macular degeneration. This is a common cause of blindness in older people.
What to Take: 1,400 mg a day, or up to 6,000 mg a day if you have an autoimmune condition such as Sjorgren’s Syndrome.
4. Statins vs. Bergamot Orange
Statin drugs like Lipitor, Crestor and Lovastatin are called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. They are given this name because they reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme needed for cholesterol production. Side effects include liver and muscle damage.
Bergamot contains compounds that help balance cholesterol. They block the action of the HMG-CoA reductase. Thus, preventing cholesterol production. Studies show bergamot can significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. It can also decrease the amount of triglycerides when used consistently for 8-12 weeks.
What to Take: 600 mg twice a day or 1,200 mg once a day.
5. Neurontin vs. Alpha Lipoic Acid
Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-seizure drug. It’s now popular for all sorts of pain related to nerve damage, including diabetic neuropathy. Side effects include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and trouble walking.
Alpha lipoic acid is a water and fat-soluble coenzyme. It is naturally produced in the body, involved in energy metabolism. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant. It’s used to improve insulin sensitivity. It is also used to treat peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes. It increases blood flow to nerves, raises levels of antioxidants and makes nerves conduct signals faster.
In one study, people were switched from 600 mg a day of alpha lipoic acid to Neurontin, they experienced many more side effects. They also noted less pain relief. In a group left untreated, 73% developed neuropathic symptoms two weeks after stopping alpha lipoic acid treatment. The authors of this study concluded alpha lipoic acid is “an effective, safe, and cost-effective treatment option for the majority of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.”
What to Take: 250-500 mg a day.
If you are looking for five more natural alternatives to presciption drugs please visit liveinthenow.com.
Source: liveinthenow.com.