The 7 most prescribed drugs in the world and their natural counterparts

The Hearty Soul

Many of us use medication as a quick fix so we can return to our old and unhealthy ways.

Over four billion prescriptions are written every year. Between 1997 and 2012, opioid prescriptions increased in dosage by about 500%. Pharmaceutical errors are the leading cause of death, while painkillers are in the lead for accidental demise. In 2012, 78% of the prescriptions given were for generic drugs.

We dug our own grave with this medication reliance.

We search for the next quick health fix instead of healing the underlying issue and often result in side effects that are worse than the original problem.
It’s about time we begin turning to natural foods and resources to cure what our unhealthy lifestyle has created.

The Top 7 Most Prescribed Drugs and Their Natural Options

Disclaimer: It is generally understood that the natural remedies in this list can reduce and/or treat various health-related problems (e.g., high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, etc.). However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.

1. Hydrocodone (Acetaminophen/Vicodin/Oxycontin)

Use: To treat pain.

This is the most globally prescribed drug. An increasing amount of doctors is receiving payment from pharmaceutical companies to promote hydrocodone, particularly generic drugs, which are over 20% of the top prescribed medications.
Dr. Thomas Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a Fox News interview, ‘doctors are handing out narcotics likes candy.’ Some doctors are giving their patients prescriptions for these drugs for minor injuries.
Repercussions:

• Respiratory depression
• Bradycardia
• Coma
• Seizures
• Cardiac arrest
• Liver damage
• Death

Natural Foods to Treat Pain and Inflammation:

• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Berries
• Cayenne
• Celery or celery seeds
• Cherries
• Dark green vegetables
  
• Walnuts

2. Statins (Generic versions of Lipitor/Zocor/Crestor)

Use: To reduce LDL cholesterol
About 15% of the top recommended medications are generic statins. In January 2012, a study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine which linked statins to a 48% increased exposure for type 2 diabetes.
The truth of the matter is no documented scientific research has ever proved that lowering LDL cholesterol can prevent disease. In fact, the culture obsessed with low cholesterol may be causing cancer.
Repercussions:

• Inflammation
• Pathological breakdown of muscle
• Acute kidney failure
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Interference with sex hormones
• Death

Natural Foods to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease: 

• Nuts
• Spinach
• Apples
• Turmeric
• Cranberries
• Tomatoes
• Green tea
• Fatty fish
• Beans
• Alfalfa herb
• Capsicum fruit
• Garlic
• Psyllium
• Fenugreek seeds
• Butcher’s broom
• Licorice root
• Hawthorn berry

3. Lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril) and Norvasc (Amlodipine)

Use:  Reduce high blood pressure
Together, Lisinopril and Norvasc make the 23% of the top prescribed medications, being the most generic prescriptions for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Individually Lisinopril comprises 14%, and Norvasc is 9%.
Repercussions:

• Cancer
• Blood disorders
• Development of breasts in men
• Impotence
• Depression
• Tachycardia
• Enlargement of gums
• Inflammation of the liver
• Elevated blood glucose
• Hepatitis
• Life-threatening skin conditions

Natural Foods to Reduce High Blood Pressure

• Any foods high in vitamin C
  
  • chili peppers
  • guavas
  • bell peppers
  • thyme
  • parsley
  • dark leafy greens
  • broccoli
• Any foods high in magnesium
  
  • chocolate
  • green leafy vegetables
  • Brazil nuts
  • almonds
  • cashews
  • blackstrap molasses
  • pumpkin seeds
  • squash seeds
  • pine nuts
  • black walnuts
• Any foods high in potassium
  
  • mushrooms
  • bananas
  • dark green leafy vegetables
  • sweet potatoes
  • oranges
  • dates
• Coconut oil/water

4. Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium)

Use: To treat hypothyroidism
The generic Synthroid is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine. It replaces the hormone which is naturally occurring in the thyroid glance, which can halt its natural production.
Repercussions:

• Cardiac side-effects
• Decreases in bone mineral density or osteoporosis
• Elevated blood glucose levels
• Heart failure
• Coma
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Directly affects how the body metabolizes iodine

Natural Foods that Heal the Thyroid

• Foods with iodine:
  
  • seaweed
  • kelp
  • radish
  • parsley
  • fish
  • seafood
  • eggs
  • bananas
  • cranberries
  • strawberries
  • Himalayan crystal salt
• Copper, iron, selenium, and zinc supplements

5. Prilosec (omeprazole/generic versions of Nexium)

Use: Antacid

This proton pump inhibitor constitutes a bit over 8% of the top recommended medications. Omeprazole is internationally one of the most prescribed drugs for reflux diseases and ulcers, and is even available over the counter in some countries.

Repercussions:

• Angina
• Ulcers
• Tachycardia
• Bradycardia
• Palpitations
• Elevated blood pressure
• Development of male breasts
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Irritable colon
• Mucosal atrophy of the tongue
• Liver disease/failure
• Elevated blood sugar
• Muscle weakness
• Skin conditions
• Tinnitus
• Inflammation of the eyes
• Urinary frequency
• Testicular pain
• Anemia and blood cell disorders.

Natural Foods that Heals Gastritis and Stomach Ulcers:

• Grapefruits
• Probiotics
• Broccoli sprouts
• Manuka honey
• Mastic gum
• Marshmallow tea
• Glutamine
• Slippery elm
• Deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL)
• Aloe vera juice
• Baking soda
• Pickle juice

6. Azithromycin and Amoxcillin

Use: Antibiotic
Both azithromycin and amoxicillin compose a whopping 17% of the most prescribed drugs. On their own, each is about 8.5%. These numbers may explain the increase in antibiotic resistance! Amoxicillin is usually recommended for children.
These medications can also inhibit the protein synthesis of good bacteria that is necessary for immunity and digestion.
Repercussions:

• Inflammation of the liver
• Inflammation and destruction of the stomach lining
• Destruction of healthy bacterial populations
• Inflammation of the colon
• Allergic reactions
• Obesity
• Human antibiotic resistance

Natural Food Antibiotics

• Vitamin D
• Garlic
• Coconut oil
• Turmeric
• Foods high in nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
  
  • salmon
  • sardines
  • nuts
• Manuka honey
• Olive leaf extract
• Green tea
• Pau D’Arco
• Rose water
• Myrrh
• Grapeseed extract
• Golden seal
• Oregon grapes
• Oregano oil
• Probiotics

7. Glucophage (metformin)

Use: Oral anti-diabetic drug
Glucophage is in the top 7 of the prescribed medications, but its rate is rapidly increasing. It forms approximately 7% of the top recommended medications. It is the first-line drug for treating diabetes type 2, and for overweight and obese individuals. It also indirectly lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Repercussions:

• Lactic acidosis
• Impaired liver/kidney function
• Decreasing thyroid stimulating hormone and testosterone
• Increased homocysteine levels
• Malabsorption of vitamin B12
• B12 deficiency
• Bladder cancer
• Heart failure
• Decreases pancreatic function

Natural Foods for Treating Diabetes

• Black tea
• Vitamin D
• Coffee (more research needed)
• Turmeric
• Nuts
• Chia seeds
• Green leafy vegetables
• Apple cider vinegar
• Cinnamon
• Red grapes
• Steel cut oatmeal
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Strawberries

Sources:

Dave Mihalovic. The 7 most prescribed drugs in the world and their natural counterparts. http://www.realfarmacy.com/the-7-most-prescribed-drugs-in-the-world-and-their-natural-counterparts/ Published: July 3, 2016.