Don't rely on medications - take care of yourself with diet as well!

Tonight I got word that a friend is in the hospital, too weak to talk, and will be starting on kidney dialysis. When I saw him a week ago he had gained 35 pounds in 2 weeks and looked like a balloon.

This friend believes in doctors and does not believe in natural cures. The stack of drugs next to his kitchen sink is staggering, and he doesn't know what most of the pills are for - just that various doctors told him to take them. He's been a walking toxic waste dump for a long while now.

Can you just imagine the inner turmoil caused from taking a couple dozen prescription drugs all at the same time?

He's a diabetic, and has had problems with both his heart and kidneys for the past few years. And yet... his breakfast food consists of candy bars, he skips lunch, and gets a burger and fries for dinner. And even though the doctors did tell him to cut out the salt-laden foods, he eats them because they taste good.

Obviously, he also doesn't believe that diet makes a difference. He must think that the pills can do it all.

I feel sad over the state he's in, but I'm not the only friend who has been urging him to pay attention to his diet - take vitamins to go with the drugs that deplete the system - and to talk to the doctors about the dangerous interactions possible when taking different drugs prescribed by several different doctors.

Stay out of the hospital... even if you're on medication for a condition, take care of yourself with proper diet, vitamin supplements, and common sense.

Cholesterol Drug Vytorin ingredients possibly lethal

Isn't that nice? The FDA is beginning an investigation into ezetimibe and simvastatin, the two compounds found in Vytorin which are designed to lower cholesterol levels.

A 5-year trial was conducted to see if the combined ingredients could "reduce cardiovascular events in patients with a diagnosis of aortic stenosis." The trial found that no, there were no benefits. However, a larger percentage of those treated with Vytorin (as opposed to the placebo group) were diagnosed with and died from various forms of cancer.

Two other ongoing trials will end in 2010 and 2012. I feel for those patients taking part in the trials. Why would anyone take that kind of chance with their health?

Cases such as this are a good reason not to take any drugs that haven't been around for a good long while - unless, of course, your condition is terminal and they offer some relief.

If you're taking Vytorin, you might want to go back to your doctor and ask for something safer. Or, you might want to try treating your high cholesterol with diet, exercise, and some natural remedies. I'll tell you about those tomorrow...

Don't just trust your doctor, do your research

A couple of weeks ago the doctor's column in our local newspaper talked about using Milk of Magnesia to cure acne. A reader had written that they had tried everything the doctors could throw at her son - to the tune of about $5,000 - and nothing worked until he started using Milk of Magnesia on his face at bedtime.

Yesterday a dermitologist wrote a "dismayed" response to that. He claimed that Accutane will cure all acne when used properly for 8 to 10 months. Just keep the dosage low to prevent side effects. He even accused the reader of having made up the story.

So there are 2 differing opinions. People have a right to disagree.

But then... the newspaper doctor responded by saying that physicians are specifically warned not to prescribe Accutane for more than 5 months at any one time. They know that long term use can be dangerous. Side effects include depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, inflammation of the pancreas, hearing loss, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.

I think before a doctor prescribes anything he or she should be aware of the risks and use due diligence in preserving a patient's health. After all, they're supposed to be in the business of making people well, not sick.

The bottom line is that some do and some don't. So the only responsible thing for any patient (or the patient's parent) to do is first read all the literature that comes with a prescription, and then go on line and see what else there is to be learned. After all, you and your loved ones are the ones to suffer when you become a victim of an improper prescription.

Big pharm doesn't care if you get sick. In fact, keeping you sick and coming back for more medication may be the unspoken plan.

Be smart - be responsible for yourself - do the research.