PAIN

Drugs: NSAIDs & acetaminophen

Brand Names Include: Advil, Aleve, Motrin, & Tylenol

Overview: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, along with acetaminophen (which is not considered an NSAID), are the most commonly used drugs for pain relief. They are available as both OTC (over-the-counter) & prescription drugs. Every day, almost 30 million Americans use one of these drugs
to relieve pain & inflammation.

Adverse Effects: Gastric ulcers, high blood pressure & kidney damage, elevated liver enzymes & liver damage, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of heart attack & stroke; acetaminophen use is linked to acute liver failure.

If you must use these drugs, replenish with: A daily multivitamin, glutathione.

Natural Alternatives to Consider: Curcumin & boswellia for pain of any kind; alpha lipoic acid & B vitamins for nerve pain; type 2 collagen, glucosamine, & chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Drugs: statin drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, & others)

Brand Names Include: Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, & Altoprev

Overview: Statin drugs are given by prescription to lower cholesterol levels, especially LDL, the ‘bad’ cholesterol. They work by blocking cholesterol production in the body. However, cholesterol is essential for hormone production, building cellular membranes, & synthesizing vitamin D. Use of these drugs dramatically reduces CoQ10 in the body. Several studies have found that the benefits of statin drugs in reducing the risk of heart disease are minimal at best.

Adverse Effects: Muscle pain, increased risk of diabetes, digestive issues, fatigue, memory problems, sleep problems, dizziness & headache.

If you must use these drugs, replenish with: A daily multivitamin, CoQ10, minimum 5000 IU vitamin D daily.

Natural Alternatives to Consider: Amla (Indian gooseberry) has been shown to increase beneficial HDL cholesterol levels while preventing the damaging effects of oxidized LDL cholesterol.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Drugs: metformin, sitagliptin, semaglutide, insulin

Brand Names Include: Glucophage, Januvia, Trulicity, Ozempic

Overview: The first medication prescribed to lower blood sugar is usually oral metformin. Other types of medications, both oral & injected, are also used. These drugs work by stimulating the liver to release more insulin, increasing cell sensitivity to insulin, or by limiting the liver’s ability to release sugar.

Adverse Effects: (vary depending on the drug): Diarrhea, weight gain, headache, stomach pain, fluid retention, increased risk of heart problems, inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).

If you must use these drugs, replenish with: A daily multivitamin with sufficient B vitamins, especially vitamin B12.

Natural Alternatives to Consider: Hintonia latiflora especially for pre-diabetes; berberine with gamma cyclodextrin to enhance absorption; OPCs from French grape seed extract.

MOOD (ANXIETY & DEPRESSION)

Drugs: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, alprazolam, venlafaxine, & many more

Brand Names Include: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Xanax, Valium, Effexor

Overview: Many of the medications used to treat anxiety & depression work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin carries messages between nerve cells in the brain & throughout the body, & serotonin is sometimes referred to as a “feel good” hormone.

Adverse Effects: Confusion, memory loss, nightmares, nausea, mood swings, faulty judgment, liver damage, weight gain, sexual dysfunction.

If you must use these drugs, replenish with: A daily multivitamin with additional calcium & vitamin D

Natural Alternatives to Consider: unique alkamide derived from E. angustifolia for quick relief of acute stress & anxiety; curcumin for both anxiety & depression; ashwagandha or Greek mountain tea for general mood support & stress relief.

LOW THYROID (HYPOTHYROIDISM)

Drugs: levothyroxine, dessicated thyroid

Brand Names Include: Synthroid

Overview: If the thyroid gland has been removed, thyroid hormone replacement will be necessary for life; if the thyroid gland is present but not functioning normally thyroid hormone replacement may be prescribed.

Adverse Effects: Fatigue, hair loss, nervousness/irritability, chest pain, shortness of breath, vomiting/diarrhea, impaired fertility, decreased bone density, rapid or irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, change in menstrual periods, change in appetite, intolerance to heat.

If you must use these drugs, replenish with: A daily multivitamin & additional calcium.

Natural Alternatives to Consider: Iodine with L-tyrosine provide the building blocks for thyroid hormones; seleniuim enhances conversion of inactive (T4) to active (T3) thyroid hormone; ashwagandha has been shown to boost thyroid function.