Naturopathic Alternatives to Prescription Drugs
Natural Alternatives to Prescription Drugs
Chemicals. Side effects. Overdosage. These are some of the biggest issues with prescription drugs, just to name a few. We’ve allowed ourselves and our health to be ruled by pharmaceutical companies, but why? Who says they have all the answers? What did we do before there were prescription drugs? How did our ancestors cure ailments and illnesses? We have one word for you. PLANTS.
Now, we’re not saying medicine doesn’t work; there have been plenty of cases where medicine has helped save lives. We’re simply throwing the idea out there that there are other, healthier solutions. The average American spends thousands of dollars on prescription drugs every year. Nearly half of all adults have taken at least one prescription drug in their lifetime, and almost one-third of those individuals take one or more forms of medication daily. And the sad truth is, most of these drugs aren’t even fixing the root of health issues. They’re simply band-aides so we can go about our busy lives without worrying about our faults and flaws. That’s a hard pill to swallow.
Why add harmful chemicals to your body when you can simply turn to Mother Nature for natural forms of medication? The most commonly prescribed drugs are used for pain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, antacids, diabetes, and antibiotics. Below we’ve listed multiple natural counterparts for each one of these common forms of medication. Take a look to see how you can swap out your pills for plants.
Hydrocodone
USE:
Acetaminophen, Vicodin, and Oxycontin are all used to treat pain from surgeries or injuries. Most people turn to Tylenol or Ibuprofen to help relieve minor aches and pains.
Side effects:
Cardiac arrest, liver damage, respiratory issues
H3: Natural Alternatives:
Turmeric, ginger, berries, cayenne pepper, dark leafy greens, and nuts. All of these natural cures offer antioxidant benefits that help to reduce inflammation.
Statins
Use:
Statins, like Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor, are used to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by inhibiting the production of cholesterol enzymes in the liver.
Side effects:
Kidney failure, muscle breakdown, cardiovascular disease, cancer
Natural Alternatives:
Tomatoes, apples, nuts, and spinach all consist of the cholesterol-lowering nutrients your body needs.
Lisinopril & Norvasc
Use:
Prescription drugs like Prinivil, Zestril, and Norvasc are all used to reduce high blood pressure by interfering with the metabolism of calcium.
Side effects:
Liver inflammation, depression, impotence, tachycardia
Natural Alternatives:
Citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, etc.), bananas, leafy greens, and nuts. All of these foods are high in vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, which all help combat high blood pressure.
Synthroid
Use:
Synthroid is made from levothyroxine sodium, which works to replace the thyroid hormone and stop natural thyroid hormone production.
Side effects:
Reduced bone mineral density, increased blood glucose levels, heart failure
Natural alternatives:
Foods rich in copper, iron, selenium, and zinc all naturally reduce the production of the thyroid hormone. Options include seaweed, radish, bananas, cranberries, and leafy greens. Additionally, exercise is essential for a properly functioning thyroid.
Prilosec
Use:
Prescription drugs like Prilosec are used as an antacid to prevent the stomach from secreting gastric acid.
Side effects:
Ulcers, tachycardia, pancreatic inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome
Natural Alternatives:
Grapefruit, kombucha, ginger, and apple cider vinegar are all natural probiotics and are the perfect remedies for indigestion.
Amoxicillin
Use:
Amoxicillin is one of the most common antibiotics. It works by inhibiting a bacterium’s cell wall so it can no longer replicate.
Side effects:
Destruction of healthy bacteria, inflammation of liver and colon, allergic reactions
Natural Alternatives:
Garlic, turmeric, onion, and green tea are all exceptional natural antibiotics. Your body also needs vitamin D and water to recover, so always be sure to soak in the sunlight and replenish your body with plenty of water to flush out any bad bacteria.
Glucophage
Use:
Prescription drugs like Metformin are used to suppress the natural production of glucose in the liver.
Side effects:
Impaired liver and kidney functioning, heart failure, B12 deficiency
Natural Alternatives:
Black tea, turmeric, nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, and green leafy vegetables all work to stabilize blood sugar levels and make diabetes more manageable.
Mother Nature provides us with everything we need. She has since the beginning of time, so why start questioning her now? All of the above suggestions are a healthier, safer, and cheaper alternative to the appropriate prescription drug. The next time you’re feeling ill, don’t turn to the medicine cabinet. Instead, head to the kitchen and take a healthy dose of natural remedies. You’ll feel much better and you won’t ever have to worry about nasty side effects.
It may seem wild to some that simply consuming a healthy diet can reverse almost all health issues, but it’s the truth! If prescriptions were written for healthy foods rather than chemical concoctions, the world would be a much different place. But we can’t just hope for change; you have to be the change. Start by phasing out prescription medications that are quite possibly doing your body more harm than good.