Symptoms, by definition, are a physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient. Many of the drugs used in western medicine are simply symptom alleviators. They do nothing for the disease or condition that you are getting a great big hint about.
One of these symptom treaters has been implicated for causing several other conditions and disease states for many years. I recall when the drug type first came out, it was indicated for no more than 30 days.
Now, its prescribed like candy and given to everyone with the even slightest symptom (and sometimes totally unrelated conditions) it was designed for, not for thirty days, but for life. This appalling drug has recently been shown to increase your possibility of death.
A study done at the Washington University School of Medicine has shown the drugs sold under the brand name Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium increase your risk of death, no matter what. Researchers determined there is a 25 percent higher chance of death with these drugs. Once again, no matter what.
These are called Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPI’s. If you have seen me in my clinic, you know I do my best to get you off these drugs ASAP! I point this out to emphasize that disease and symptoms are a product of our lifestyle. There are good reasons for PPI’s such as esophageal cancer, gastrointestinal tract bleeding and gastrointestinal ulcers. Simple heartburn or reflux – find the cause, don’t just treat the symptoms.
Medicine is not always the solution, even if it makes you feel better. Think big. Think long term. Change your lifestyle to treat your symptoms.
