19 Natural Selections Even MDs Prescribe

Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol

CoQ10

Statin drugs reduce blood levels of CoQ10; this depletion can cause muscle pain. CoQ10 is needed to be put back into the body to compensate. 100mg two to three times daily is recommended if you are statins.

Aged Garlic Extract

Garlic has many benefits including its ability to lower blood pressure. It has also shown an ability to reduce the “stickiness” of platelets, thus lowering risk of blood clots. 600mg twice daily is suggested.

Red Yeast Rice

Red Yeast Rice is made by culturing rice with a strain of yeast. Chemically resembles statin drugs. Recommended for patients who have not had heart issues or an LDL of 190 mg/dl or higher. Dosing varies.

Arthritis

Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are anti-inflammatory which helps ease arthritis pain. Has helped in many rheumatoid arthritis patients as well. 4g daily is suggested.

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine/Chondroitin can help to ease arthritis pain in some patients. Most benefits are noticed within a month of daily use. 500mg taken three times per day is recommended.

Turmeric

This spice contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. Research shows it to be as effective as ibuprofen – without the damage to the kidneys! Olive oil and black pepper taken help to absorb curcumin/turmeric. 500mg capsules twice a day.

Headaches

Butterbur

Butterbur is a plant that contains the compound Petasin deemed to be anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that after three to four month of daily use, migraine sufferers has a decrease in the frequency of their migraines. Petadolex is a type of butterbur supplement.

Diabetes

Magnesium

Magnesium is a key player in bodily functions ranging from protein synthesis to blood pressure regulation. It has shown to improve sensitivity to insulin thus lowering blood sugar in type II diabetes. Patients with advanced kidney disease should not use magnesium supplementation. 200mg to 250mg twice daily is suggested.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

ALA is an antioxidant shown to improve numbness and nerve pain (neuropathy). In addition, it lowers blood sugar and helps control insulin. It is suggested to start with 300mg twice a day and progress up to 600mg over time.

Fish Oil

As stated before, this supplement has anti-inflammatory effects. It does this by increasing certain white blood cells that help to decrease inflammatory substances. This helps overall inflammation of a diabetic patient who is predisposed to what is called metabolic syndrome. 4g daily is suggested.

Depression & Anxiety

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Indian root that has proven to reduce anxiety and mood swings. It helps to lower cortisol levels, which elevate in our body naturally in stressful situations. It can also help to unwind at bedtime. 3g to 6g per day is recommended.

Rhodiola

This herb grows naturally in Siberia and the Arctic and has shown to lower cortisol and relieve stress-induced fatigue. Rhodiola increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to the “happy” chemicals, dopamine and serotonin, which cause an antidepressant-like effect. 100mg to 400mg per day can be used with fatigue from stress.

SAM-e

SAM-e is an amino acid used mainstream in Europe as an antidepressant. It is produced in the body naturally. Not safe for patients diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder. Suggested to start at a lower dose and gradually increase to 800mg twice daily.

Sleep Issues

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the body when it gets dark to make you feel tired. Shown to improve sleep quality and morning alertness. Used for jet lag, insomnia, cluster headaches and even pre-surgical anxiety. One to three mg at bedtime is recommended.

Lavela

Lavela is a special formulation of lavender oil found to inhibit neurons that send signals to the part of our brain the triggers anxiety, the hippocampus. Suggested to take 80mg an hour before bedtime.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fish Oil

Typically patients with IBS are deficient in long-chain fatty acids, which is found in fish oil. One capsule with 500mg of EPA and 200mg taken daily is recommended.

Probiotics

GI health can be increased with probiotics. It can help to ease pain, bloating and flatulence. One capsule containing 50 billion live cultures is suggested daily.

Menopause

Black Cohosh

This herb has been proven to ease hot flashes. It affects opioid receptors in the brain and acts as an antioxidant. The extract called Remifemin is suggested.

iCool

Typically used in addition to the above-mentioned black cohosh. iCool is a supplement made with the soy phytoestrogen genistein.

Colds and Flu

Echinacea

Echinacea has been used to prevent and treat upper respiratory infections like colds and flus. One dropperful of exract for adults up to four times per day is recommended.

Honey

Honey has been proven to be as effective as over-the-counter medications for reducing coughing. Adding the herb thyme to the honey can speed recovery. Mix a half-cup honey and a half-ounce thyme tincture. Adults can take one to two teaspoons of the mix and a half to one teaspoon for children over two.

October 2014. Prevention Magazine. 19 Natural Selections Even MDs Prescribe. www.prevention.com

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