The medical mainstream is so busy churning out new drugs it doesn’t always seem to have time to consider nutrition. Which is a shame. Because not only do nutrients have the potential to prevent some of today’s most common—and deadliest—ailments. They can also be extremely beneficial when used with mainstream therapies.
That is, after all, what complementary means in its truest sense.
In fact, when dietary supplements are used correctly, they can counter-act and correct many of the side effects caused by many commonly prescribed drugs. This is one of their most unique benefits.
You hear about the rising costs of healthcare ad nauseum these days. But it’s not just driven by the expense of high-tech therapies and ever-new drugs. It’s also due, in large part, to the huge costs of managing the millions of serious complications that occur each year. Even when drugs are used “appropriately.”
Imagine the money we could save if we learned to control the side effects of drugs with effective use of dietary supplements. In true complementary fashion. Not to mention the lives we could save…and the pain and suffering.
For example, many people can’t take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs because of the crippling side effects on muscles. But that side effect can be offset simply by taking coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). In fact, years ago Merck actually took out a patent on a Mevacor-CoQ10 combination. But they never made it available to the public.
Another example is the diabetes drug Metformin™. While it can help save lives, Metformin does interfere with the absorption of B vitamins. And B vitamins are critically important for tissue health. So, if you’re taking Metformin, be sure to also take an effective and safe vitamin B supplement.
The list goes on and on. And with every entry, the case for true complementary medicine gets stronger.
It’s perfectly good medicine to manage some medical conditions with safe and effective drugs. And in some cases (such as high blood pressure), it’s actually the best strategy. But also know that you can—and should—take the appropriate dietary supplements, too. Not only to help reduce the potentially serious side effects that may accompany many common prescription drugs. But also to help them—and your body—work even better.