Alternative & Modern Medicine: Negative Effects and Prevention

The busy times have caught up with us in a big way. Many people are looking towards the more affordable and an easier choice, as well as the natural one. By adding Alternative medications to their daily lives. Though we are not quite sure how they are effecting our bodies. When taken by themselves Modern medicine and Complimentary medicines can make big strides. However we travel to shaky grounds when we decide to mix the two without proper guidance and knowledge.

There are several ways one can get into hot water with these medications without even knowing it. The research for modern medicine has been investigated for several decades while the alternative has just begun. The simple use of Garlic can effect us greatly if used in combination with the wrong modern drug. Garlic has become widely used because of the rapid benefits many are seeing. Garlic has been known to reduce not only blood pressure, but blood sugar, and cholesterol as well. This excites many patients. Giving them a natural alternative in which to heal themselves.

The problem with this is many are still on their prescribed medications as well. While garlic is natural it too effects the body and your existing conditions. In the case of blood sugar a quick reduction can cause someone to go into a diabetic coma. Diabetic comas can come on fast and even cause death. Understanding that serious problems can occur with cholesterol, and high blood pressure as well. It is important to consult your physician when deciding to add this Alternative to your daily regimen.

Additionally Echinacea is another common alternative that is said to help reduce chances of getting and heal upper respiratory infection. Although studies have not been successful on it effectiveness many are using this alternative with the hopes of relief. The problem with the use of Echinacea is that it can cause liver inflammation. Leading to liver failure when used in connection with other modern medicines. Use of Echinacea when taking immuno-suppressing drugs can have many adverse affects like; reduction of effectiveness of drugs, reduction in level of drugs in system causing more harm than good. Echinacea can also effect how your modern medications are broken down in your liver causing more complications.

Ways to Prevent Reactions When Using Modern & Complimentary Medicines:

It is very important to make sure you pay attention to all drugs you put in your system "Modern or Complimentary". Even the best herbs and natural plants can cause side-effects and risks to your body. Below are a series of ways to help keep yourself and the ones you love safe when taking both alternative and modern medications.

Make sure you let your doctor know of All the medication you wish to take-Before you take it! This is important. As we saw earlier in the article there are side effects and reactions that may not be know by you medical advice is important.

Learn all you can: if you are interested in take additional supplements or alternative medications no matter how simple it may seem and are already on medication research it first. Learn all you can on the product and its studies to provide you with the right questions to ask your physician. This is important the more you know about the medications you are on the better prepared you will be.

Avoid taking too many medications: This is important whether you are taking both Alternative or Modern medications or just one. Ensuring you can keep up with your medications and your body is not suffering for it is quite important. Learn the long term effects of your drugs on your body and read-read-read.

Remember we must be as active in our health and recovery as the doctors who are treating you. After all it is your body.

Sources:

Larissa Hirsch MD
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/medical_care/alternative_medicine.html

Alternative Medicine Angel
Alternative Medicine: A Comparison
http://altmedangel.com/am.html

Natural Standards
Echinacea
http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/echinacea-2/3#H11