In every aspect of our lives, natural is touted as being better, and health care alternative therapies are all the rage. A recent report published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society stated that 80 percent of people over the age of 65 are consuming at least one alternative remedy and 40 percent are taking three or more.

Why do we lean so readily toward these treatment options while being so suspicious of traditional pharmaceutical drugs? For many, cost is a concern, of prescription drugs and visits to a doctor's office. But other factors are important as well. Because these remedies come "from the earth," many believe them to have mystical powers, that being natural means they must be safer, have fewer side effects and must work as they have been handed down from generation to generation for centuries.

But do they work and are they safe? Today, the health care community has more respect for homeopathic remedies. The National Institutes of Health is sponsoring rigorous studies to gauge the value of alternative therapies and to understand any potential risks. To achieve this goal, the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine has been established to study these remedies.

Complementary and alternative medicines include the use of natural products such as dietary supplements and herbs. The most commonly used supplement is fish oil. More than 40 percent of adults who use natural products take fish oil supplements that contain high doses of the very healthy omega 3 fatty acids. In children, the most commonly used therapy is echinacea to treat colds and sore throats. Complementary techniques include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, body manipulation and massage.

There is compelling evidence that some alternative therapies provide benefits. Chiropractic care for chronic low back pain is as effective as any other form of treatment. By contrast, however, carefully controlled clinical trials have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis is no more effective than taking a placebo. And yet millions of Americans use them and believe them to be beneficial. The most likely reason is the very strong mind-body interaction. If you believe a treatment will help, the chances of benefit are good. On the other hand, if a medication is taken with reluctance and concerns about side effects, the chances of success are small.

A good example of the pluses and minuses of alternative therapy is in the treatment of mild chronic depression, often referred to as dysthymia. Today, fish oil supplements are frequently recommended to help relieve symptoms of depression. The evidence is suggestive enough that clinical trials are under way to determine if fish oil is indeed of value.

Many depressed people turn to St. John's wort in the hope of relief. Sadly, research has repeatedly found that St. John's wort is of no value whatsoever in treating depression. Nausea, insomnia, anxiety and an allergic skin rash are common side effects, however. St. John's wort also interferes with the action of many drugs including birth control pills, heart medications and therapies for HIV and AIDS.

While no evidence has conclusively shown benefits of herbal remedies in the management of depression, it makes sense that massage, meditation and relaxation techniques can help improve mood and make psychotherapy and antidepressants more successful.

A common blunder in the use of dietary supplements is the assumption that if a small amount of a vitamin in foods is of value, then larger amounts must be better. This led to the use of huge doses of vitamin A, E and C and many others that were thought (or marketed as such) to prolong life and reduce the risk of diseases including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's.

Sadly, the exact opposite is true. Mega doses of these supplements shorten life expectancy and increase risk of disease. There is no question that vitamins and minerals, certain fats and other nutritional substances improve health and prevent disease. But only if ingested in the old-fashioned way — through food.

Like every aspect of preventing or treating disease, the more you know the better. There may be an upside to alternative and complementary therapies, but downsides are also common. Truly understand the benefits and possible disadvantages before embarking on any course of therapy.

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.