Old remedies gain new interest in aging population
Alternative meds may be answer to chronic pain
Staff reporter
Most people, especially as they age, suffer from chronic pain in knees, backs, or necks. It's part of aging.
Some physicians may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to help relieve the pain.
Mike Jacobs, director of physical therapy at St. Luke Hospital and alternative medicine expert, told senior citizens Jan. 25 at Marion Senior Center that there are alternative ways to treat and even cure ailments. And more patients are beginning to try them.
"A study published in 1992 in the New England Journal of Medicine reported 30 percent of the public was using non-conventional medications," Jacobs said, "and not telling their doctors. In 1998, the same study was conducted and reported 50 percent were using alternative treatments."
Another study conducted in 2000 by the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University indicated 48 percent of Kansans are using some form of unconventional medications.
The study indicated there were more people using alternative options in the southwest part of the state because there are more Hispanics and Vietnamese, Jacobs said.
Most alternative medications are paid by the consumers because insurance doesn't cover them.
"There is more money being spent for alternative medications than all conventional medications combined," he said.
Jacobs said the World Health Organization reported in 1985 that 80 percent of the world's population used herbal medications for primary health care.
"Why, in our culture, are we focused on pharmaceuticals?" asked Jacobs.
Forty percent of drugs come from plants so it seems natural to use herbal remedies. There is a growing awareness of botanical applications.
Jacobs said the philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to remove the cause and have a natural healing instead of suppressing symptoms.
"There is an innate healing force within the body," he said.
The naturopathic doctor takes the holistic approach of healing the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Prevention practices also are followed to decrease onset of illness. Prevention can be obtained through hygiene, exercise, and lifestyle, said Jacobs.
The primary complaint he has seen as a physical therapist is inflammation.
"If the inflammation can be controlled at a earlier stage (early onset of the condition), then it can be better controlled later on," Jacobs said.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications generally are prescribed by physicians. Jacobs went through a list of medications often prescribed. Conventional medications can cause peptic ulcers, and other conditions.
Jacobs said his approach, a digestive enzyme, is inexpensive and won't counteract other drugs.
Bromelin is a common enzyme, Jacobs said, that comes from the pineapple plant. Patients should take the 250 to 300-milligram pill three to four times daily, between meals. The average monthly cost for the patient is $18 to $20.
"This will let patients take aspirin off their shelves," said Jacobs.
Glucosomate sulfate provides nutrition to joints with cartilage. Patients should take 1,500 milligrams daily in divided doses, Jacobs said. He added that it takes about four weeks before patients notice a difference. The average monthly cost is $26 to $30.
One to two tablespoons or 3,000 milligrams of Omega 3, flax seed oil, or cod liver oil (fish oil) supplements is good preventive herbal remedy to block production of glands that cause inflammation.
