In 2010 the CDC reported, “Over the last 10 years, the percentage of Americans who took at least one prescription drug in the past month increased from 44% to 48%. The use of two or more drugs increased from 25% to 31%. The use of five or more drugs increased from 6% to 11%. The types of prescription drugs that are the most commonly used include cholesterol lowering, diabetic and high blood pressure drugs. In fact, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have been diagnosed with diabetes and approximately one in every six adults—16.3% of the U.S. adult population—has high total cholesterol (total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL and above).

Consequently, with more and more Americans being prescribed medication, many are looking for alternatives in order to avoid the unwanted side effects prescription drugs often create. Before trying a natural alternative, it’s important to follow the guidelines below. First, consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner who is educated and knowledgeable about herbs and nutritional supplements. Make certain that they have clinical documentation of success using natural supplements to treat the condition you have (i.e., diabetes, high cholesterol, anxiety, insomnia, etc.) Then, talk to the doctor who prescribed your medication and ask if he or she is willing to help you taper off your prescription. You or your natural healthcare practitioner should never put your physical or emotional health in danger by abruptly stopping any prescription medication. Once you begin your treatment with natural medicine, you must be monitored by your natural healthcare practitioner to ensure that the herbs or supplements are working. The practitioner should order lab work to test your levels and make sure you are responding to the new regimen. For example, if you are trying a natural supplement to lower cholesterol, then your practitioner should order a lipid panel 60-90 days after you begin your natural medicine to ensure your numbers are beginning to normalize.

Angela King, AP, DOM practices at Indian River Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. She and her colleagues, Jessica Pesha, AP, DOM and Stephanie Buttaccio, AP, DOM, use several all-natural formulas which have successfully helped patients lower their cholesterol levels, maintain healthy glucose levels, sleep better, reduce anxiety and improve mood naturally, all without dangerous, unwanted side effects. Indian River Acupuncture is located at 2050 40^th Ave., Ste2 in Vero Beach. Call 772-564-8383 for more information or to schedule an appointment.