MAILBAG: My UNCENSORED Opinion On Drugs
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 26, 2023
“Why are you against drugs?”
– Hank
Hi Hank,
I’m actually NOT against drugs.
I used to be, though.
Before I went to naturopathic medical school, I was convinced that everything could be cured by nature ALONE and that drugs have no place in healthcare.
After spending years at school and treating patients, I sang a different tune. I learned that both natural medicine AND prescription medications have their place.
Mainstream drugs excel in emergency medicine, for example.
If you were just in a car wreck, taking vitamin C won’t do you much good. Instead, you head to the ER and get the appropriate medications and treatments for your emergency situation.
Likewise, if you just had a heart attack, are extremely ill, or are in a lot of pain, then mainstream medicine has some of the best options for quick, immediate help.
Chronic, long-term illness, though, is often best treated with a combination of natural medicine and personal effort.
Because the truth is, mainstream medicine has no effective solutions for diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other common chronic diseases. Instead, it focuses on treating symptoms alone.
But these conditions DO respond to lifestyle changes such as eating better, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Then, you can support your body’s natural healing potential with the proper nutrition and supplements.
The body CAN heal itself if given the proper support. In fact, I’ve personally witnessed it many times.
If you’re developing heart disease or diabetes and you make some necessary changes to your lifestyle, your body WILL typically fix what’s wrong.
But let’s be honest. Sometimes, folks aren’t willing to make the changes needed to fix a health issue. Or their condition doesn’t respond fully to natural medicine. In THESE cases, drug therapy makes sense.
In my IDEAL world, people would go to the doctor’s office and get a “prescription” for lifestyle changes and supplements to address their condition.
If those interventions work, that’s fantastic. If not, you can then include some appropriate drug therapy as well. This way, drugs are a LAST resort, not a first line of defense.
WAITING to take a drug when it’s possible is simply a wise choice. After all, medications typically come with a long list of potential (sometimes serious) side effects.
So, to be clear, I’m NOT against drugs. Prescription medications play a vital role in healthcare. But they should always be at the BACK of the line.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...