Thomas Edison wisely stated in 1902 that future doctors would focus on patient education regarding body care, diet, and disease prevention, rather than solely on medication. This vision is increasingly relevant today, as we explore the realm of biologically based treatments and preventative measures.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines biologically based practices as encompassing a wide range of natural elements. These include botanicals, animal-derived extracts, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, prebiotics, probiotics, whole diets, and functional foods. Understanding the landscape of healthcare philosophies is crucial.
Let’s clarify the differences between allopathic, alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine. While the terms ‘alternative,’ ‘complementary,’ and ‘integrative’ are sometimes used interchangeably, their core approaches differ significantly.
Allopathic medicine, often referred to as conventional medicine, primarily addresses disease by treating the physical body with drugs and surgery. Allopathic physicians hold the title of M.D. and are universally recognized. Alternative medicine encompasses therapies generally not recommended by allopathic physicians, including energy medicine, ethnomedicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, botanical medicine, bio-molecular medicine, manual medicine, and spiritual medicine.
Complementary medicine involves therapies utilized by both alternative and allopathic practitioners. Examples include exercise medicine, environmental medicine, social medicine, and nutritional medicine. Integrative medicine seeks to unify allopathic, complementary, and alternative approaches, treating the individual holistically – addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being.
Many remain cautious about entrusting their health to non-allopathic practitioners. However, Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMDs/NDs) receive comprehensive training in both conventional and natural medicine. Licensed NMDs/NDs complete a four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school, covering the same basic sciences as conventional M.D. programs. Their training also includes extensive education in safe and effective natural therapeutics, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention. Licensing for Naturopathic Doctors is not available in all states.
Allopathic medicine and pharmaceutical drugs are essential for acute, emergency care, trauma, and conditions not manageable through lifestyle adjustments, optimal nutrition, or supplements. However, many conditions can be prevented and managed effectively through lifestyle modifications and biologically based medicine. It’s crucial to remember that, similar to drug interactions, certain supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before introducing supplements to your regimen. In certain instances, alternative therapies can synergize beneficially with existing medical treatments.
Biologically based medicine is not a modern invention. It has been practiced for millennia. Many pharmaceutical preparations globally have plant-based origins. As recently as the 1930s, approximately 80% of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs were derived from natural compounds. Currently, around 25% of prescription drugs contain active ingredients sourced from plants.
While the United States boasts a highly advanced medical system, an increasing number of people are turning to natural healing methods. However, the U.S. lags behind global trends. A 2004 survey revealed that 35% of U.S. adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that herbal medicine remains the primary healthcare source for approximately 80% of the world’s population.
Chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. These conditions, along with obesity, depression, metabolic and digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibroids, account for a significant portion of deaths and impact the quality of life for millions. Alarmingly, these prevalent and costly chronic diseases are largely preventable.
Conventional physicians often treat chronic diseases with pharmaceuticals that may temporarily alleviate symptoms without addressing the root cause. These drugs can also induce side effects and further complications. Given the profound impact of nutrition on our immune system, organ function, hormonal balance, and cellular metabolism, many chronic conditions can be traced back to nutritional deficiencies. Uncorrected deficiencies can trigger symptoms, ultimately leading to disease and premature aging.
Numerous pharmaceuticals can be effectively replaced with multi-vitamin supplements, botanicals, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, fresh foods, and functional foods for both prevention and treatment. Herbs often work synergistically, so combinations of herbs with similar properties can enhance each other’s effectiveness. For example, the combination of valerian, passion flower, and hops promotes relaxation and restful sleep. Each herb relaxes the body: Valerian reduces muscle tension, hops calm the nervous system, and passion flower acts as a sedative. Companies like Melaleuca offer products such as RestEZ, a supplement containing all three natural sleep enhancers.
In part two of this series, we will delve into the regulation of nutritional supplements and explore the fascinating, often overlooked history of natural medicine.