When experiencing certain medical conditions, people tend to choose the quick fix of the problem so that they can continue their work and lifestyle. Over 4 billion prescriptions are written every year and the US and Canada are the leading countries with more than 80% prescriptions. It was the period between 1997-2012 when the total amount of opioids increased by about 500%.
One of the leading reasons for death is medical and pharmaceutical error, especially the painkillers which are considered the greatest reasons for accidental death.
In the last 15 years, people have experienced more pain than ever before. In 2010, around 78% of the prescriptions were written for generic drugs.
Other most prescribed drugs include cholesterol reduction, pain, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, antipsychotics, antacids, antibiotics, and diabetes. It is high time people start using natural remedies that have no side effects and get rid of all the prescribed drugs.
These are the top 7 prescribed drugs and their natural substitutes:
1. Hydrocodone (Oxycontin/Vicofin/Acetaminophen)
Purpose: Pain
This is the number one prescribed drug all over the world. Even doctors are paid by the pharmaceutical companies to promote this drug. Such drugs make up 20% of the top prescribed medications.
According to the director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden the doctors handle out drugs like candies. They tend to give patients prescriptions even for small injuries.
How it works: This orally consumed drug acts out as an analgesic and narcotic. The liver biotransforms this drug into several metabolites.
Consequences: It can cause bradycardia, respiratory depression, seizures, coma, liver damage, cardiac arrest, and even death.
Natural Substitutions: Turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, berries, cherries, celery, celery seeds, walnuts and dark green vegetables.
2. Statins ( Generic versions of Crestor/ Zocor/ Lipitor)
Purpose: Reduction of LDL Cholesterol
Nearly 15% of the prescribed medications are generic statins. According to a study in 2012, by the Archives of Internal Medicine, statins lead to a 48% greater risk of type-2 diabetes.
It is a well-known fact that high LDL cholesterol can cause cardiovascular disease while the habit of lowering this cholesterol with such medications can cause cancer.
How it works: Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver.
Consequences: It can cause: acute kidney failure, inflammation of muscles, pathological breakdown of muscles, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, interference with sex hormones, cancer, and even death.
Natural Substitutes: Spinach, nuts, tomatoes, beans, garlic, nuts, cranberries, apples, licorice root, turmeric, green tea, alfalfa herb, fatty fish, psyllium, capsicum fruit, butcher’s broom, fenugreek seeds, hawthorn berry.
3. Lisinopril (Zestril/Prinivil) and Norvasc (Amlodipine)
Purpose: Reduces High Blood Pressure
Both Lisinopril and Norvasc make up nearly 23% of the top prescribed medications. They belong to the most prescribed medications for blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Individually, Lisinopril makes up 14% while Norvasc 9%.
How it works: Lisinopril is used for treating hypertension, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure. Norvasc is used for angina and hypertension. It inhibits the influx of calcium ions into vascular and cardiac muscles so it interferes with calcium.
Consequences: Blood disorders, impotence, development of breasts in men, tachycardia, depression, inflammation of the liver, enlargement of gums, hepatitis, elevated blood glucose, life-threatening skin conditions, and cancer.
Natural Substitutes: Food including vitamin C (guavas, chili peppers, bell peppers, parsley, thyme, broccoli, dark leafy greens and many others), food rich in magnesium ( green leafy vegetables, chocolate, Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, pumpkin, blackstrap molasses, squash seeds, black walnuts and pine nuts), food high in potassium (bananas, mushrooms, dark leafy vegetables, dates, oranges and sweet potatoes). Also, CoQ10 and coconut water/oil are highly effective for this condition.
4. Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium)
Purpose: Hypothyroidism
This is a synthetic form of thyroxine, the thyroid hormone and it makes up 11% of the top prescribed medications. It is used for treating hypothyroidism while dextrothyroxine in the past was used for increased cholesterol, but it was withdrawn because of many side-effects.
How it works: It replaces the thyroid hormone.
Consequences: A long suppression of the TSH hormone can cause a decrease in bone mineral density and cardiac side effects. It can also cause heart failure, increased blood glucose levels, adrenal insufficiency, and coma. It also directly influences the production of thyroid hormone and iodine trapping.
Natural Substitutes: Food rich in iodine (kelp, seaweed, parsley, radish, eggs, Himalayan crystal salt, seafood, cranberries, bananas, and strawberries. Also, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium are important for the production of thyroid hormones.
5. Prilosec (generic versions of nexium/omeprazole)
Purpose: Antacid
Prilosec makes up 8% of the top prescribed medications. Omeprazole is the most prescribed drug for ulcers and reflux disease.
How it works: It prevents the secretion of gastric acid by inhibiting the gastric acid ions in the cells. The omeprazole is absorbed in the small intestines and this promotes a healthy digestion of food.
Consequences: Ulcers, angina, bradycardia, tachycardia, development of male breasts, elevated blood pressure, irritable colon, inflammation of the pancreas, liver failure, mucosal atrophy of the tongue, muscle weakness, elevated blood sugar, tinnitus, skin conditions, urinary frequency, inflammation of the eyes, testicular pain, blood cell disorders, and anemia.
Natural Substitutes: Probiotics, grapefruits, manuka honey, broccoli sprouts, marshmallow tea, mastic gum, slippery elm, glutamine, aloe vera juice, deglycyrrhized licorice, pickle juice, and baking soda.
6. Azithromycin and Amoxicillin
Purpose: Antibiotic
These antibiotics make up 17% of the top prescribed medications and each constitutes 8,5%. Azithromycin is derived from erythromycin and it is one of the most selling antibiotics. Amoxicillin is usually prescribed for children.
How it works: It inhibits the bacterial cell walls and interferes with the protein synthesis. At the same time, it inhibits the protein synthesis of the good bacteria needed for proper digestion and immunity.
Consequences: Inflammation of the stomach lining and liver, destruction of the stomach lining, inflammation of the colon, destruction of healthy bacteria, allergic reactions, human antibiotic resistance, and obesity.
Natural Substitutes: Garlic, vitamin D, turmeric, coconut oil, sardines, salmon, nuts, olive leaf extract, Manuka honey, green tea, rose water, golden seal, grapeseed extract, oregano oil, probiotics, and Andrographis paniculate.
7. Glucophage (metformin)
Purpose: Anti-diabetic drug
It belongs to the top 7 prescription drugs and its rate is rapidly increasing. It constitutes about 7% of the top prescribed medications. It is a drug for treating type 2 diabetes, especially in obese and overweight people. It can also reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
How it works: It prevents the natural production of glucose by activation of the enzyme responsible for insulin signaling.
Consequences: Impaired kidney and liver function, lactic acidosis, decreased TSH and testosterone, malabsorption of vitamin B12, increased homocysteine levels, B12 deficiency, heart failure, and bladder cancer.
Natural Substitutes: Vitamin D, black tea, turmeric, coffee, chia seeds, nuts, apple cider vinegar, green leafy vegetables, red grapes, broccoli, steel-cut oatmeal, green beans, spinach, and strawberries.
Via Fongacu