If the last five years have taught us anything, it’s that you need to be involved in your own healthcare.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that having blind faith in the healthcare industry—an industry that profits from you being SICK—can come back and bite you in the derriere.

And probably leave you even sicker than you were before!

Taking charge of your healthcare includes having 2-way conversations with your doctor where questions are asked and addressed--not a “declaration” of what you must do with no further discussion allowed.

While this may make some of you uncomfortable, the fact is that you must make fully informed decisions about your health, and that starts with these…

8 questions you need to be asking your doctor

1- Why is this test necessary?

Although tests are crucial in the diagnostic process, not every single test is necessary every single time it’s recommended.

Plus, some tests (especially x-rays and invasive tests such as scoping) can expose you to potentially dangerous radiation and infection.

Many times, there are safer alternatives, such as breast thermography instead of mammograms or Fecal immunochemical testing (analyzing stool samples) instead of colonoscopy.

2- Why did you choose this medication?

Often, there are several medications that may help with a given condition, and medications are certainly not “one size fits all.”

An important point is that some medications are stronger than others, and many times a less strong medication can do the job.

Or better yet, a natural option should be tried first before any medication is considered! A great example is fish oil for elevated cholesterol instead of resorting to dangerous statins. 

3- What are the potential side effects of this medication or vaccine?

This is a biggie. Doctors may be aware of the common side effects of certain drugs, but there is always a chance of other more serious reactions.

Ask to see if the package insert if you have doubts (or find it online) and READ it in its entirety—before taking the medication or getting the vaccine.

And if your doctor refuses to give you the package insert, see that as a big red flag. 

4- Are there other alternatives I can try?

I have a perfect example of this in my own life.

I injured my right shoulder in karate back in 2008. The orthopedist I consulted prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain meds. 

After seeing little to no improvement, I discontinued the drugs and began ultrasound therapy with my chiropractor as well as physical therapy. Within a couple months I was fine (and have been since then).

5- What dietary changes would you recommend?

Nothing on this planet impacts your health more than your diet, and nutritional deficiencies are a root cause for most illness and disease.

Doctors receive very little training in nutrition in medical school, but that does not mean they can’t do some research or refer you to a nutritionist or diet coach.

If you are told that your diet makes no difference, see that as another red flag.

6- What are my alternatives to surgery?

Like it or not, many surgeries are simply not necessary.

Some that carry the highest risk for being unnecessary include C-section, knee and hip replacement, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), back surgery and hysterectomy.

7- Can I get a second (and possibly a third) opinion?

It has been said that two heads are better than one, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting additional opinions when you’re talking about something as serious and life changing as surgery!

If your request for another opinion is met with resistance or hostility, that’s red flag number three.

8- What is my prognosis?

If you are considering any kind of treatment, you’ve got to find out what you can expect down the road!

Will you have limitations? Is there a chance of recurrence? Can something else go wrong? Will other body systems or processes be affected? Is this a permanent fix or just symptom-masking?

A classic example here is gallbladder removal. I can’t tell you the number of people I’ve spoken to who were told that they would be just fine without their gallbladder.

Yeah, you’ll be “just fine” if you don’t mind having trouble digesting fats (and risking being deficient in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K), belching after eating and having anything-but-normal BMs.

You better do your part too!

I’ve given you some valid points to discuss with your doctor, but you’ve got to do your part to create good health and prevent disease too!

Health begins with a whole foods diet, supporting a strong microbiome and seeking out safe, natural measures to help your body along when things aren’t going right.

Here’s what I mean:

1- Have a health-supporting, whole foods diet

A real whole foods diet is by far THE MOST significant step you can take to ensure that you will not only have a pulse for many years to come, but that you also will be more likely to enjoy those years with better health and high energy, instead of being sick, tired, medicated and in pain.

If you need a little help in the food choice department, then check out my Great Taste No Pain health system.

Great Taste No Pain is not a “diet,” but a healthy eating lifestyle that encourages more efficient digestion and better nutrient absorption.

The key behind Great Taste No Pain’s effectiveness lies in the specific combinations of foods—pairing foods together in meals that are much easier for your system to break down.

When you make your body’s job easier, that can pave the way for smoother digestion as well as less gas, bloating, constipation and acid reflux!

This is what eradicated my IBS 32 years ago, and I’ve been completely symptom- and medication-free since that time.

Note that if weight loss is your main objective, check out my Want to Lose Weight? Stop Dieting! program.

2- Support your microbiome

The beneficial microbes that reside in your gut are truly your body's gold.

Your microbiome aids digestion and nutrient absorption, encourages healthy cholesterol levels, and even supports mental health (because 90 percent of your body’s serotonin is manufactured in your gut)!

Plus, 80 percent of your immune system is housed in your gut.

Unfortunately, there are factors all around us that reduce our levels of these crucial friendly bacteria including:

• Meats and dairy from animals injected with antibiotics
• Chlorinated tap water
• Foods tainted with pesticides and toxins 
• Antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids
• Stress-filled jobs and lifestyles
• Processed and fast foods
• Refined carbs and sugars
• Soda
• Aspirin, NSAIDs and antacids 

All of these chip away at your body’s friendly bacteria, day in and day out, and the cumulative effect on your probiotic colonies can be staggering... and dangerous. 

But you can help counteract these factors with a potent, high quality probiotic supplement like Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula.

Super Shield contains 13 strains of well-studied, effective probiotic bacteria that support sound digestion, help maintain gut wall integrity and encourage sharp immune system functioning.

3- Seek out natural alternatives

There are almost always safe, natural alternatives to potentially dangerous drugs, and you should be putting your foot down and discussing these with your doctor! And if he or she refuses to discuss other alternatives, find a doctor who will.

Here are some examples:

Fish oil (such as VitalMega-3) has been medically proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

The soothing herbs found in GastroBeCalm Blend can help curb heartburn and even in some cases kill H. pylori (the bacteria that causes ulcers!).

The awesome anti-inflammatory action of turmeric (found in Optimal Turmeric Blend) has been shown to be more effective than pain relievers for arthritis!

Now you are on a great path to an effective partnership with your doctor and better health for life!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

PS: Please note that Danielle will be away from the phone and email periodically this week while completing some necessary projects concerning inventory, and website maintenance as we head into this new year.

She will of course return any messages in the order in which they are received while she is in her office.

Thank you for your patience as she completes these important tasks.