Alternative Health Products: Why Medication Doesn’t Have To Be Your Only Option
In my telehealth functional medicine clinic, I see patients all over the world on a long list of prescribed medications. And while there are many cases where these medications are life-saving, the majority of the time they are unnecessary and are contributing to a slew of uncomfortable side effects.
Therefore, it is my job to provide people with alternative health products and education as to why medication isn’t their only option. Now, I’m not saying to go off your medication without doctor’s supervision- however, I am letting you know that there are other options depending on your individual health case.
So let’s take a look at what alternative health products are and why they might be the better choice for you.
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Why you might consider alternative health products
Most doctors trained in the mainstream model of healthcare have learned to diagnose a disease and match it with the corresponding medication. While that might be a win for pharmaceutical companies, this medicinal matching game can leave many people frustrated when nothing changes about their health except for a growing list of prescription drugs.
In functional medicine, we aim to address the root cause of why you are going through health problems in the first place and come up with solutions that have the greatest healing potential with the least amount of side effects. If you fit any of the criteria below, alternative health products are probably the best choice for you.
1. Reactions to medications
Since alternative health products contain natural components found in nature and in our own bodies, they offer very little (if any) side effects. If you have had negative reactions to medications in the past (weight gain, digestive distress, etc.) alternative health products could be a good option for you.
2. Want a healthier lifestyle
Even if you aren’t dealing with a specific health problem, alternative health products are a great choice to optimize your health. The reality is, we are either trending toward disease or health, and alternative health products can help you maintain your wellbeing so you don’t reach a point where pharmaceutical drugs are necessary.
What’s included in alternative health products
Alternative health products encompass a wide variety of supplements such as:
- Probiotics
- Enzymes
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Herbs
They are often sold directly through functional medicine practitioners or at vitamin shops and health food stores. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find supplements focused on a single vitamin or herb such as Vitamin D or Ashwagandha, or you can find supplement blends that combine a few different herbs, minerals, and vitamins aimed at addressing a specific health problem or symptom.
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What these products can help with
Because alternative health products contain compounds found in nature and our own bodies, they can help replenish any deficiencies and restore optimal function to different areas of the body by influencing pathways involved in
- Skin health and appearance
- Digestive distress
- Immune function
- Hormone imbalances
- Brain and cognitive problems
- Nutrient deficiencies
Recommended products
With so many alternative health products on the market, it’s difficult to know exactly what brands are reliable and will give you the results you are looking for. That’s why I set out to create my own line of holistic health products in order to give everyone access to high-quality supplements from the earth’s finest ingredients to help you achieve thriving health.
1. The Probiotic
As Hippocrates said “All disease begins in the gut.” With 100 billion CFUs per capsule, The Probiotic contains four strains of beneficial bacteria, including the extensively studied HN019 strain of Bifidobacterium lactis. The Probiotic is packaged in gastro-resistant capsules to ensure a more targeted release for restored microbiome balance, boosted immunity, and enhanced overall health.
2. The Brain-Adrenal Balancer
The Brain-Adrenal Balancer helps your body resist and recover from the effects of everyday stress. Featuring a curated blend of clinically tested herbs, this multifunctional formula of optimized adaptogens and nutrients works together to support healthy cortisol levels, alleviate occasional fatigue, promote mental clarity, and support relaxation and restful sleep.
3. The Antioxidant
Designed to optimize cellular health, The Antioxidant is formulated with polyphenol-rich extracts from a selection of extensively studied super-fruits to fight against aging for a life-long radiant, youthful glow.
4. The Curcumin
Packed with pure turmeric extract, The Curcumin optimizes bioavailability with its state-of-the-art composition to drive down and calm inflammation.
5. The D3-K2
Every cell in your body needs vitamin D and vitamin K2 to thrive. Take advantage of vitamin synergy with The D3-K2 formulated with menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a highly bioavailable and bioactive form of K2, to balance hormones and enhance cardiovascular health.
6. Protect
Protect is formulated to support phase I and phase II detoxification – a function essential to overall health and vitality.
7. The Omega+
The Omega+ is formulated with MaxSimil® monoglyceride fish oil that has a three times greater EPA+DHA absorption rate than an equivalent dose of other leading fish oils. This patented lipid absorption enhancement technology, allows for maximum bioavailability.
8. The Methylator
The Methylator’s comprehensive formula consists of activated forms of five key nutrients involved in homocysteine metabolism for increased bioactivity. These powerful nutrients work together to support optimal methylation for reduced inflammation, enhanced cardiovascular health, and restored detoxification pathways.
9. The Magnesium
The Magnesium features Albion chelated magnesium plus MagteinTM (magnesium L-threonate), the only form of magnesium proven in animal studies to cross the blood-brain barrier. Boosting the brain’s magnesium level is vital to healthy cognition, which includes long- and short-term memory, learning, stress management, and sleep.
10. holi (mane)
This exclusive supplement combines two daily powerhouse super foods: marine collagen and pearl powder. This odorless and nearly tasteless blend is abundant in over 30 trace minerals, including silica, magnesium, calcium and potassium that support optimal hair, skin and nail health. Bioavailable amino acids activate hair, skin and nail cells to produce collagen, promote cellular repair and hydration.
As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.
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References:
- Facts & Statistics Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
- Kassed CA, Herkenham M. NF-kappaB p50-deficient mice show reduced anxiety-like behaviors in tests of exploratory drive and anxiety. Behav Brain Res. 2004;154(2):577‐584. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2004.03.026
- Crippa JA, Derenusson GN, Ferrari TB, et al. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. J Psychopharmacol. 2011;25(1):121‐130. doi:10.1177/0269881110379283
- Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RH, Chagas MH, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011;36(6):1219‐1226. doi:10.1038/npp.2011.6
- Hill MN, Patel S. Translational evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in stress-related psychiatric illnesses. Biol Mood Anxiety Disord. 2013;3(1):19. Published 2013 Oct 22. doi:10.1186/2045-5380-3-19
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BY DR. WILL COLE
Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum.
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