How to use fewer drugs?

Tips for a natural, healthier lifestyle

By Peter Foss  

If you did not already know, here is a reminder of the fact that Americans consume the highest amount of prescription drugs in the world despite the fact that almost one out of five Americans is either uninsured or underinsured. Now this happens in a country which the rest of the world calls "antiseptic." In other words, we live in much cleaner surroundings than say people do in most countries of the world, have access to extremely clean water and food, and can avoid pollution in most cases.  (Related article:  Recipes for homemade beauty products) So why are we taking so many drugs? One, our obsession with living pain-free lives. We just do not have the patience to let Nature take its own course and the let the body fight illnesses. Two, when vast majority of Americans (insured) don't pay for drugs directly, it doesn't matter how many drugs they take.  It is easy to imagine illnesses when it doesn't hurt your pocket right away.  Finally, doctors have a tendency to over-prescribe due to the fear of being sued or they want to get rid of you as soon as they can so that they can make more money by seeing even more patients.  (Related article:  How to prevent drug complications) But is it safe to take all these drugs? Despite all the slick advertising from pharma companies, even drugs approved by the FDA are not truly "safe" - at least not in the way you and I think of safety. Speaking to Jonathan Rockoff of The Baltimore Sun, William Vodra - a former FDA official - says, "Prescription drugs aren't pieces of candy."  Everyone knows that any drug has side effects but the FDA and the drug companies use that fact for their own advantage. For example, the FDA will approve a drug as "safe and effective" if its benefits outweigh the risks. It does not mean that the drug has no serious side effects or that you would not get injured (or even die from it). How to reduce your reliance on drugs? Develop a healthier lifestyle by regularly exercising and eating right. That also includes other simple things like lowering stress in your life, sleeping well, staying away from sun, and drinking plenty of water. If you can avoid it, stay away from pills for everything. For instance, using a cold eye mask for a few minutes or drinking a cup of herbal tea are very effective in treating a headache for most people. Think of a painkiller only when something like this does not work. While eating balanced meals is the best way to get all the nutrients you need, take supplements regularly so that you have all the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy body. Explore medication-free alternatives to minor health problems. Just to give an example; how about massages for pain relief? Or a change in lifestyle to deal with stress if that is causing you heart problems?

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