As I walked by the pharmacy counter in my local grocery store recently, I noticed that the line to pick up prescriptions was longer than any of the food check-out lines. 

That should tell you something. 

Now, certainly medications are needed at times, but when it gets to the point where most of us are drugged every single day, many times taking multiple medications, something is seriously wrong. 

And a big force behind this scary trend is… 

Pharmaceutical company advertising 

Did you know that in most all other countries, prescription drugs can only be advertised to physicians? 

But in the US, drug companies can market their products directly to consumers—and they do it extremely well.  (It’s also allowed in New Zealand, FYI.) 

You can’t open a magazine, watch TV or look up anything on most “health” (aka drug company-funded) websites without being barraged by invitations to “Ask your doctor if XYZ drug is right for you.” 

And if you don’t think advertising like this has an impact on our drug use, then there’s a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to sell you. 

Although the US comprises only 5 percent of the world’s population, we consume 75 percent of the world’s prescription drugs! 

If that doesn’t shock you, I don’t know what will.   

Plus remember, most doctors don’t have time to research all these drugs—they frequently rely on what the company sales rep tells them…and you can rest assured that the side effects and adverse reactions are seriously downplayed.   

Several ex-drug rep whistleblowers have come forth telling their stories of how they were instructed to do exactly that. 

A dangerous trend 

The class of drugs that has shown the greatest increase in use is mind-altering, body-numbing drugs—specifically ADHD drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, painkillers and antidepressants. 

ADHD drugs 

Currently about one in seven US children is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by the time they turn 18, and 70 percent of those take ADHD drugs.   

Plus ADHD medications have become “cognition enhancers” among college students and young professionals.    

If you think these drugs are “mild,” you couldn’t be more wrong--they're Class 2 narcotics with side effects including: 

• Permanent brain damage 
• Increased risk of rare cancers 
• Suicide 
• Aggressive behavior  
• Psychotic symptoms  
• Sudden death  
• Heart attack  
• Seizures  

Let me gently remind you that while these drugs are being taken in record numbers, we’re also seeing more shootings in our schools. 

Anti-anxiety medications 

These include benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan.   

Side effects from benzodiazepines include suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, change in sex drive/ability, and memory problems. 

Their use by children aged 10‐19 increased by almost 50 percent from 2001 to 2010! 

Painkillers 

Our use of painkillers increased 600 percent from 1997-2007! 

By the year 2010, the US, with only 5 percent of the world’s population, was consuming 99 percent of the world’s hydrocodone, 80 percent of the oxycodone and 65 percent of the hydromorphone. 

Antidepressants 

Antidepressant side effects include nausea, nervousness, headaches, sleepiness, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, digestive problems and weight gain.   

Plus studies continue to show that antidepressants do not work as advertised.  Most disturbingly, they cause suicidal and homicidal tendencies. 

And if you don’t think that there’s even a chance of a connection between these “side effects” and the increasing acts of aggression and violence in this country, think again.   

Help create real health! 

There is plenty you can do to help create a state of health safely and naturally, so that you are less likely to need prescription drugs to begin with!  

Here are some strategies you can try: 

Rely on the farmer—not the pharmacy 

Having a nutritious diet of real foods is the single most important step you can take.  Nutrient deficiencies are significant factors behind most illnesses and diseases. 

For example, kids with ADHD are commonly deficient in magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin B6. 

People with depression are frequently lacking B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium.  

Cancer is also linked to diet—lacking Omega-3 essential fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, D and E. 

If you think your diet may be falling short, a top-notch multi-vitamin and mineral formula like Super Core Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Formula can help pinch-hit where you may need it. 

Support your immune system with Vitamin D  

Your immune system not only protects you against infections and viruses, but also cancer and heart disease! 

Vitamin D is crucial to proper immune function, but unfortunately, it happens to be a very common deficiency—especially in the northeastern US where sunlight is limited and hence your skin cannot manufacture Vitamin D like it should. 

In addition to getting brief periods of unprotected sun exposure (20-30 minutes tops and never getting a sunburn), you can help ensure your Vitamin D levels are health-supporting with Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B! 

Optimum DK provides 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D3, plus Vitamin K and the mineral boron.  This awesome trio of nutrients can not only support immune health, but also heart and bone health as well! 

Get enough Omega-3 essential fatty acids 

A deficiency in Omega-3 essential fatty acids is a leading factor behind chronic inflammation and pain, as well as high blood pressure and depression. 

You can help ensure your body has healthful levels of Omega-3 EFAs by eating fatty fish (like salmon) and taking a high-quality fish oil formula like VitalMega-3.   

Ask your doctor about alternatives 

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about safer alternatives to medications.   

Your doctor is supposed to be your partner in health, so they should be open to addressing your questions and concerns. 

Medications do have a place in our society, and occasionally they are necessary.  But we’ve gone WAY overboard and it’s only getting worse. 

So now more than ever it’s important to do your part to make sure your body and mind function like they are supposed to!   

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia