Pharmaceuticals Depleting Essential Nutrients Among Other Things Holistic
Healthy Living Blog
By Rachelle Tetreault DAOM, L,Ac.
Every year, over 4.5 million Americans visit emergency rooms or doctor offices specifically due to pharmaceutical side effects. Compared to other countries, this is huge. Though Australia is indeed 27% smaller than America, these visits are significantly lower at 230,000 annual visits due to a prescription side effect. We are by far the leading country in health care expenditures and in issuing prescriptions but rank as one of the highest in poorest health.
Some of the very common pharmaceuticals/prescription drugs have deadly effects. Sudden death has been seen in both antiarrhythmic and anti-psychotic medication. To name a few, these include cordarone (Amiodorone), procainamide, and Seroquel. Other major side effects seen with other pharmaceuticals include cancer, blood clots, memory loss, infection and hallucinations. Tamoxifen used to treat breast cancer now is known to play a part in uterine cancer. Both statins and incontinence drugs have been known to cause memory loss. The Steven-Johnsons Syndrome is a condition of hypersensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes and has been linked to Lamictal, Tylenol, Motrin, and allopurinol. Certain antibiotics and steroid use can create autoimmune issues in the body.
However, my goal is not to dish on Western Medicine and its pharmaceuticals but to bring awareness. Western Medicine, in its positive light works very rapid and can even have immediate effects. This is especially true in life-threatening conditions. But the problem lies in the long-term potential damage these medications have on other parts of the body.
Conversely, Eastern Medicine focuses on treating the body as a whole and recognizes the body as one interconnected biosystem. Treatment not only targets the specific problem at hand but helps improve the overall condition of body as well, eg. the immune system. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine and was designed to take into account potential adverse effects on the body. It was amazingly designed to treat both the chief issue and to prevent adverse effects. Whereas, Western Medicine focus is rooted on a single molecular drug. These drugs rely on a process called chemical synthesis. The goal in Eastern Medicine is placing herbals to work synergistically for the whole body to achieve long-lasting effects and treat the root cause. This is done by changing the bioenvironment of the body itself. Which specifically is the immune system functioning more optimally.
Jun-chen-zao-shi is a TCM principle which covers four functions of Eastern Medicine. The first function is targeting the pathogen or chief concern. The second is enhancing the function of the antigen by using an assistant herbal drug or molecule. The third function addresses any adverse effects and this includes other herbs to reduce any toxicity so the chief herb can do its job without effecting the rest of the body. The fourth function is the messenger herbal which allows the treatment to go to its specific target site.
The World Health Organization (WHO), now includes Eastern Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine- TCM) in the International Statistical Classification Of Diseases & Related Health Problems (ICS). The WHO sets the norms and standards for medical treatment around the world and sees the value of Eastern Medicine which has stood its test of time. This organization uses ethical and evidence-based policies. This is categorized by thousands of diseases and over hundreds of countries depend on this to determine medical care. This is a big accomplishment for Eastern Medicine and very deserving for it has not only stood its test in time but is holding its own in research around the world. Eastern practitioners should be proud to know that even though it has been a slow progress, it is being recognized globally for its powerful effect in helping the body heal.
Certain pharmaceuticals can rob the body of precious nutrients. So, I would like to shed some light to improve awareness. There is a book which comes highly recommended called Drug Muggers by Suzy Cohen, RPh. She basically calls out the big pharm on how the system is designed to make billions and does not focus on true health. These drugs long-term play havoc on depriving our bodies of essential nutrients which creates more sickness.
Statins which are very common lipid lowering medication deplete the body of Coenzyme Q10. This enzyme is actually needed to improve heart health in the body and also blood sugar regulation. It lowers the risk of infection, helps prevent cancer, and lastly reduces oxidative stress damage to muscles (heart), skin, brain, and lungs. So, always take this supplement if you must be on a statin drug. Zyloprim also known as allopurinol used for gout depletes the body of iron. Beta blockers to help lower blood pressure can rob the body of certain B vitamins, choline, and chromium. Tagamet or cimetidine which is an antacid often used for both ulcers and acid reflux also depletes the body of iron. Certain drugs like guanethidine to treat hypertension deplete magnesium, potassium, and both vitamins B2 and B6. Corticosteroids which have a huge slew of side effects also deplete the body of vitamin C, zinc, potassium, and B6. The list goes on from estrogen meds to laxatives to antibiotics. It is important to be aware and make the choice for a more natural approach to optimal health today. Call 772-353-1397
