It’s no secret that we are in the midst of an opioid crisis.

Over 130 people in the US die every DAY from opioid-related drug overdoses—that’s over 40,000 people each year!

But unfortunately, the latest action by the FDA is going to do nothing but make this problem worse—not better.

Let’s look at how this crisis started and why things are about to explode.

The birth of a crisis

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has attributed the opioid crisis to the pharmaceutical industry’s push in the 90s to “misinform” (aka lie to) the medical community that patients taking opioid painkillers (particularly OxyContin) would not become addicted.  

Claiming a low risk of addiction (less than 1 percent) due to its “patented time-release formula” and delayed absorption, OxyContin’s manufacturer (Purdue Pharma) convinced the FDA and doctors that this opioid was different and safer—and the perfect solution for long-term pain management.

As a result, from 1995 to 1996 the number of painkiller prescriptions jumped by an incredible 8 million, and from 1998-1999 by 11 million!

At the same time, people discovered that chewing an OxyContin tablet, or crushing and snorting or injecting the powder produced a high as strong as heroin…and it was legal! 

Purdue Pharma was ultimately found guilty in 2007 of misbranding its drug and downplaying the possibility of addiction, and was slapped with $600 million in fines.  But the damage had already been done. 

What’s the answer?  A new stronger pain drug, of course!

With the opioid tragedy that we are currently facing, you would think the FDA would want to do everything in its power to prevent this crisis from worsening.

Well, you would be wrong.

Instead, last week the FDA approved a fast-acting, incredibly potent opioid tablet that is 10 TIMES MORE POWERFUL than Fentanyl (another opioid) called Dsuvia.

Apparently this new drug will cost between $50 and $60 per dose, and was allegedly developed as “an alternative to IV painkillers.” 

Yes, I’m SURE that’s all that was in the back of the minds of the developers of this “painkiller on steroids”—to benevolently help ease the burden of people on IV painkiller therapy.

If you believe that, there’s a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to sell you.

Our current reality

The reality we are facing is that drug companies will do ANYTHING in their power to generate revenue, your health and life be damned.

This includes lobbying in Washington, advertising in every form of media known to man (and basically owning the media, for that matter), swaying or downright brainwashing doctors, basically designing the curriculums in our medical schools, and as you saw above, mastering the art of deception in their marketing. 

Side effects are consistently downplayed, and if they do occur, never fear—because there is most assuredly another drug (or two or three) that will cover up those effects.

It’s time to wake up, folks!

Unless you want to live your days mindlessly taking one medication after another, masking your health problems without solving them, suffering numerous side effects, and heaven forbid, accidentally overdosing, you’d better wake up.  NOW.

You have to take the bull by the horns and look out for your own health.

Here’s how:

Question everything

Do not blindly agree to take any medication without first reading the package insert IN ITS ENTIRETY. 

Don’t rely solely on what your doctor says—although he or she may have good intentions, they only know what the slick drug company reps told them. 

Instead question EVERYTHING.

Explore natural measures

There are very few instances where safe, natural measures can’t be tried first before pharmaceuticals, or at least in conjunction with drugs. 

For example, Omega-3 essential fatty acids are Nature’s anti-inflammatory, and a deficiency in these crucial nutrients is a leading cause of inflammation and pain!

So it’s essential to ensure that your body has what it needs to effectively counteract inflammation!

The best ways to get Omega-3 EFAs are eating oily fish (especially wild caught salmon) and taking a fish oil supplement like VitalMega-3.

VitalMega-3 is a top quality, pharmaceutical grade fish oil formula that delivers a health-supporting 1,200 mg. of soothing Omega-3 essential fatty acids in every daily 2-capsule serving.

In addition, studies have shown that low Vitamin D levels are associated with chronic pain, and since Vitamin D is such a common deficiency, it’s no wonder that over 110 million Americans suffer with chronic pain!

The best ways to optimize your vitamin D level are to get some brief unprotected exposure to the sun each day (20 minutes or so) if possible, and to supplement with an outstanding vitamin D product like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B. 

Optimum DK Formula provides a therapeutic 5,000 IU dose of Vitamin D3, plus its partners Vitamins K1 and K2, and the mineral boron. 

Remember that diet DOES make a difference

If your doctor tries to tell you that your diet does not make a difference in your health, get up and walk out immediately.

And find a doctor that has a clue about nutrition.

Your diet is the #1 factor that determines whether or not you are healthy or plagued with disease, and whether or not you even woke up this morning.

Concentrate on wholesome real foods like fresh vegetables, meats, poultry and fish, eggs, nuts and healthy fats like butter, coconut oil and olive oil. 

In addition, dehydration can contribute to chronic pain, constipation and a whole slew of other health issues, so be sure you’re drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Explore other natural therapies

Here are some other therapies that have been shown to be very effective against chronic pain:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy
• Yoga
• Massage

Don’t be a sheep

Keep researching everything, and watch out for fake science.  If you read about a “study” and see that it is funded by a drug company, accept the fact that it is likely one-sided and biased, and downplays negative conclusions.

Also remember that many doctors are paid advertising representatives, and just because a company has paid a doctor to say something does not mean it’s true.

For example, doctors used to be paid by the tobacco industry to say that smoking is good for you, and they even used to recommend certain brands like Camel or Lucky Strike!

Don’t be a sheep--instead be an independent thinker, look for unbiased studies, use critical assessment skills, and when all else fails, FOLLOW THE MONEY. 

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

PS:  I’m pleased to announce that we will soon be releasing a brand-new product—Optimal Turmeric Blend!  Turmeric is an outstanding anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and we are very excited about adding this wonderful herbal supplement to our product line!  More details to follow soon!