As you can probably surmise, after being in the health field for several decades, I’ve pretty much seen and heard it all.

But what troubles me is the fact that there are current trends in health that I am seeing, both in my own clients and in the literature that I review, that go from mildly disturbing to downright shocking.

As my (former) karate fighting teacher used to tell me, I have a steel-trap memory…and I can vividly remember times in the not-so-distant past when we weren’t so darn sick and medicated to the hilt.

Here is what I’m talking about—I’ll use an example of a client that I will call “Delores” to show just how far we’ve sunk.

Delores’ story

Delores is a 74 year-old woman who came to me reporting a history of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, acid reflux, back pain, obesity and depression.

She also mentioned suffering from insomnia, stomach aches and fatigue, and very recently has experienced slight tremors.

This is the treatment that Delores said she received:

Her GP had prescribed losartan for her hypertension, omeprazole for acid reflux, amitriptyline for her depression, Lipitor for high cholesterol and suggested Naproxen as needed for pain.

He also told her to limit her intake to 1,500 calories per day to lose weight.

He said if her insomnia continues, he will prescribe Lunesta.  He also feels that her tremors may be due to the amitriptyline and will consider Topamax if they persist. 

She flat-out told him that she didn’t like taking all those medications and his response was, “Well, if you don’t do exactly what I tell you to do, I can’t treat you any longer.”

My thoughts

This guy belongs in an orange suit and not a white coat because he is a drug pusher and a far cry from what a doctor should be.

I don’t say that lightly, folks.  This poor woman is on FIVE different potent medications and is on track for numbers six and seven.

Apparently, her doctor also feels he is a dictator and won’t even engage in a discussion about her concerns.  I guess he doesn’t realize that he works for her and not the other way around.

And poor Delores is the one paying the price! 

What is happening here is that a vicious cycle has been created whereby the myriad of drugs she is on are causing or worsening her health complaints!  But understandably she’s afraid to stop taking the meds because she doesn’t want to get worse or have her doctor fire her.

Here’s what I mean—this is a little chart showing her medications and the effects they can cause:

Notice that all five of her medications can cause back pain and insomnia, which are two of her complaints.  Four of them can cause fatigue and stomach aches. 

Three of them can cause tremors (but hey--let’s just prescribe something else instead), as well as depression and high blood pressure. 

And I especially like this one—the omeprazole can actually cause acid regurgitation!

My discussion with Delores

After I showed Delores the chart above, I asked her if any diet suggestions (other than severely restricting her calories) were given, even though I already knew the answer would be no…and I was right.

I explained to Delores that good health and a normal bodyweight must begin with a nutritious diet and sound digestion. 

Instead of restricting calories, I simply urged her to concentrate on wholesome real foods which she was happy to do.  I also suggested she work in some exercise, and she said she loves to take walks.  I assured her that would help with weight loss as well as improving her sleep.

I stated that her digestion clearly is not good since she’s regurgitating acid, and explained that, as we age, our production of digestive enzymes decreases, and that could certainly be what’s behind her reflux.  In that light, a natural enzyme product like Digestizol Max can be very helpful.       

I also told her that Omega-3 fish oil (like our VitalMega-3) has been medically proven to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol safely and naturally.

Then I explained that vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue as well as cause or worsen depression and back pain, and in view of the fact that her digestion is dicey, chances are excellent she is not absorbing the B12 her body needs.  In that case, an oral spray such as Hydroxaden 2.5 can conveniently provide a health-supporting dose of B12 (as well as B2, B3 and B6).

Then came the beautiful moment…when Delores said, “Oh, so it’s possible for me to eventually get to the point where I just need 3 supplements instead of 5 drugs?”

Yup.

I urged her to approach her doctor and request a discussion…and if he is unwilling to do so, it may be time to find another doctor who will listen to her and work with her.  There are a good number of wonderful doctors out there who are happy to be your partner in your care, and they deserve your business.

Am I talking to you?

If you saw a glimpse of yourself in anything I said above, then I recommend that you start asking questions of your doctor. 

Even if you can’t discontinue a medication, you can have a conversation about possibly lowering your dose or perhaps using something less strong.

And if you want my two cents, I’m happy to give it to you!

If you’d like to bounce your situation off of me to get my thoughts, or if you just have some questions about your diet, book a FREE 30 minute-consultation with me!

Well have a nice chat and I promise that I will do my very best to give you helpful suggestions that can support your health.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia