Lifelong Health by Dr. David Lipschitz

Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, a recent report showed that 80 percent of patients over the age of 65 take at least one alternative remedy and 54 percent take three or more. Why do we lean so readily toward these treatment options, while being so suspicious about traditional pharmaceutical drugs?

Some people turn to complementary or alternative therapies because these treatments tend to be cheaper than prescription medications. But more often than not, patients tend to believe that "natural" remedies are safer, with fewer side effects, than traditional medications.

Desperately ill patients often turn to alternative-remedy clinics, usually found outside the United States, for "miracle cures" and "lifesaving" treatments. Sadly, purveyors of these clinics prey on people at their most vulnerable time with promises to prolong life. Advertisers of alternative cancer treatments use testimonials of patients beating the odds and defying doctors' predictions. With such stories of hope, it is not surprising that 60 percent of patients with advanced cancer seriously consider and often turn to this underground market for untested, possibly unsafe and valueless treatments.

Though many doctors and health professionals were once skeptical of the alternative therapy field, today the health care community has developed much more respect for homeopathic remedies. In 1998, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which is dedicated to rigorously studying the value and risks of remedies found outside the borders of traditional medicine.

Each year, this government entity spends millions of dollars funding carefully designed studies that involve meticulous comparison of patient response to an herbal remedy and a placebo (an identical-looking pill containing no active ingredient). These studies are also double-blinded, which means that neither the research physician nor the patient is aware of which therapy he or she is taking.

Over the last 20 years, excellent research has shown that some herbal remedies are beneficial while others have little or no measurable value.

Yet, smaller studies have shown contradicting results. For example, St. John's wort may be of value in minor depression, whereas the patients studied by the NIH had a much more serious problem. Additionally, ginkgo biloba can clearly dilate arteries and improve blood flow to the brain, even though memory is not improved. In both instances, the current data does not supply the final word on these alternative remedies. Rather, it shows that herbal therapies should be viewed with an educated and skeptical eye.

No medication — natural or otherwise — is without risk. Any benefit will usually be accompanied by the potential for side effects. St. John's wort can cause anxiety, high blood pressure and allergic reactions. Ginkgo biloba can cause flushing and severe allergies, and it interacts with blood thinners, such as Coumadin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Saw palmetto can cause abdominal pain and erectile dysfunction.

Despite all the research debunking the effectiveness of alternative therapies, millions of Americans continue to buy, consume and believe in the healing powers of natural remedies. Anecdotal evidence of benefit abounds. And it's not surprising these therapies can be more successful at home than in the lab, because faith and health are highly connected. Whenever a patient strongly believes in a particular medication, it is much more likely to work.

If you or someone you love has found relief with alternative therapies, regardless of the evidence of benefit, keep taking it. But if you choose to step outside the bounds of traditional medicine, treat each vitamin, herb or supplement as if it were a prescribed medication. Educate yourself about the benefits and be aware of any potential side effects.

In addition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to identify any possible interactions with other medications you're taking. Always tell your physician about any alternative therapies. Your doctor should respect your decision and help ensure the utmost safety as you navigate the journey to lifelong health.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.DrDavidHealth.com.

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