Thursday 22 March 2012

Taking the natural route

I was talking to a friend recently about the use of supplements in addressing health problems versus the use of medications and thought this was a subject worth blogging on.

The drugs that we have available to us these days are amazingly powerful and improve quality of life for millions of people. However, as I've talked about before, the downsides in terms of side effects and toxic load can be significant and they also don't always address the underlying cause of the illness.

That's why I think it's important not to jump straight to the drug solution but consider if there are any more natural treatments to try first. Whilst many a doctor might poo poo this suggestion, in countries such as Germany and Hungary it is common for Doctors to suggest herbal and homeopathic remedies along with lifestyle recommendations before prescribing medication.

For those sceptics out there I ask 'Where is the downside'? Obviously for someone who is critically ill the quickest treatment should be the first port of call, but if someone turns up at their doctors with mild fatigue, non-red flag digestive symptoms or slightly elevated cholesterol and blood pressure then why not prescribe the relevant vitamins and minerals and a course of exercise or stress counselling?

The point is that if you can get someone on a natural solution first then they won't have the downsides of drug side effects, their treatment will be cheaper, it will most likely have other positive effects on their health and they won't end up tied to a drug prescription for life.

Sadly most individuals turn to a nutritionist or other alternative therapy when they've spent many months, even years, trying various drug treatments that haven't worked for them. I'm hopeful that overtime the public will become more aware of the alternatives and consider the natural options before starting a course of medication.
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