As part of my therapeutic regimen, my naturopath prescribed 7 supplements and 4 homeopathic remedies. I must admit that these last 4 pique my interest the most. The goal of the medications, to the best of my understanding, is to decrease the inflammation in my body and regulate my adrenal glands, and in doing so, cure me of headaches and insomnia. Although I am inherently skeptical, I am eager to give them a try. After I get home, I lay out all the pills for my wife to admire. As I calculate the total number of remedies (10 pills, 10 drops, 2 scoops, 7 pellets, and 2 teaspoons) that I am supposed to take each day, I am overwhelmed. I wonder if there will be any room left in my stomach for food! Here is a run down of the prescriptions and my understanding of their purposes:
1) Aller-C- A dietary supplement of quercetin, vitamin C, and bioflavinoids. According to the manufacturer, it is a “potent combination formula used to moderate the inflammatory response. Quercetin promotes decreased production of histamine and the 60 citrus bioflavinoid complex supports the strength of capillaries.” Interestingly, I have never heard of quercetin before, but when I google it, I am able to find circumstantial evidence for the manufacturer’s claims and I am strangely reassured.
2) B-complex vitamin- Not much to say hear. Even in the small village of Pramkese , Ghana
3) Omega- 3 Fish Oil capsules- Again, hard to argue with this one. Even Wikipedia states that they “are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body.”
4) Vitamin C, Calcium citrate, and Magnesium citrate powder- Even after I read the product insert, I am not sure why I will be taking this one. It appears to primarily be for bone health. It comes in a powder which when mixed with water fizzes and tastes like alka-seltzer.
5) Seriphos (phosphorylated serine)- The bottle states it is an “adaptogen and adrenal support” agent. These are foreign terms to me. The manufacturer’s website expands on the benefits of phosphorylated serine. It is purported to enhance memory and to impact circadian cortisol rhythms. The website excerpts a few random and very small studies as evidence for these claims. Mainly it is selectively quoting the researchers who did the studies as justification for their claims. Not very hard scientific evidence, but intriguing!
6) Linden Flower extract- All I can find about this one is that it “promotes relaxation”. Sounds good to me. Apparently this will have to replace my evening beer that was cut out in the “anti-inflammatory” diet!
7) Fruit anthocyanins- A pure concentrated syrup of grapes, blueberries, pomegranate, aroniaberry, elderberry, and raspberry. What are aroniaberries?!? The website associates anthocyanins with many possible benefits including anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and basically anti-everything bad properties!
These supplements cost a cool $150 for one month’s supply. I realize I have now indistinguishable from several of my patients, and even some of my wife’s neurotic friends, who are frantically popping pills, going on periodic fasts, and getting “high colonics” in hopes of achieving natural health! Well, there is no turning back now.
[Next week… The Homeopathic remedies]
Scott, this really sounds interesting. I will be glad if you add the dates these events occurred. Did you follow and take these medications judiciously?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for next week's.