Natural alternatives to mass meds: each month, Amber D. Ackerson, ND, informs you about complementary and alternative choices to mass-produced over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.(Goodnews: essential natural health news)(Illustration)

 
Natural Alternatives to Mass Meds 
 
Each month, Amber D. Ackerson, ND, informs you about complementary and 
alternative choices to mass-produced over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. 
 
CONDITION               OTC DRUG                   ATERNATIVE 
 
Acute urinary     Azo-Standard, Prodium   Enteric tablets of bromelain 
tract infection   (phenazopyridine        (protein-digesting enzymes 
                  hydrochloride)          from pineapple) and trypsin 
                                          (protein-digesting enzymes 
                                          from animal sources): 400 mg 
                                          daily between meals for 
                                          duration of infection. Pure 
                                          ascorbic acid (vitamin C): 4 
                                          grams daily. Cranberry: 400 
                                          mg twice daily of encapsula- 
                                          ted concentrate. Note: These 
                                          supplements are safe for use 
                                          with and may enhance the 
                                          effectiveness of antibiotics. 
                                          They are not recommended as a 
                                          substitute for prescription 
                                          medication. People with a 
                                          history of kidney stones, 
                                          kidney disease, iron overload 
                                          or glucose-6-phosphate 
                                          dehydrogenase deficiency 
                                          should avoid taking large 
                                          amounts (greater than 1 gram 
                                          per day) of vitamin C. Some 
                                          people taking 2 or more grams 
                                          per day of vitamin C may 
                                          experience diarrhea. 
Osteoarthritis    Bayer, Ecotrin,         Glucosamine sulfate: 1,500 mg 
(OA, degenera-    Bufferin (aspirin);     per day. Chondroitin sulfate: 
tive arthritis,   Advil, Motrin, Nuprin   1,200 mg per day. S-adenosyl- 
degenerative      (ibuprofen); Tylenol    methionine (SAMe): 600-1,200 
joint disease)    (acetaminophen)         mg per day. Boswellia ...