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Alternative and Complementary Medicines
The use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased over the past decade. Traditional Western Medicine is actively finding use
for alternative medicine and treatment options. A variety of studies have suggested that the use of alternative treatments is even more
widespread in people with symptoms or diagnoses of anxiety and depression.
In general, clinical trials suggest that diets high in calories or fat along with excessive weight are directly linked to an increased risk for
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers. Adjusting your diet to include more vegetables and fruits will help decrease these risk
factors. In addition, there are dietary supplements (ginseng, nuts, ginkgo balboa, garlic, and more) that may affect the development of certain
age-related diseases and immune system functioning. The most commonly used natural products include Echinacea, Ginseng, Ginko
Biloba, and garlic supplements (Saeed 2007). Furthermore, there are studies that suggest nutrition in childhood and as early on as the fetus
may influence the later development of diseases and lifespan (Everitt).
In a large cross-sectional study, information was obtained on patients from a sample of long-term users of multiple dietary supplements.
The study concluded that this group of people were more likely to have optimal concentrations of chronic disease-related biomarkers, and
less likely to have suboptimal blood nutrient concentrations, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes compared to non-users of supplemental
herbs and multivitamins (Block 2007).
Although there are many products that are routinely found at health food stores and common grocery stores, some of the most common
products that are supported by clinical research and may be beneficial are:
Coenzyme Q10 - Coenzyme Q10 is a natural product found in certain cells of your body that are required to produce energy (ATP). Co-Q10
also functions as an antioxidant and is believed to increase your physical energy and decrease the aging process. Co-Q10 may also lower
blood pressure and assist in weight loss.
Echinacea - Echinacea is a flower that is used to boost the immune system and prevent upper respiratory tract infections (Zink 1998).
Flax Seed Oil - The benefits of flax seed oil may be due to the present of lignans within the flaxseed. Lignans have various pro- and anti-
estrogenic properties. Flaxseed oil is rich in linolenic acid, which is frequently deficient in our diets. These essential fatty acids are important
in our body because they maintain the integrity of cell walls and membranes. They also help in energy production and the regulation and
consumption of cholesterol and triglycerides. Flax seed oil may reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, which might reduce the risk of stroke
and heart attack. Fax seed oil may also improve the symptoms of inflammatory conditions (eczema and psoriasis), and may reduce the risk
of certain cancers.
Garlic - Garlic is a common supplement that is extensively being studied for its cholesterol-lowering properties (Zink 1998). Garlic seems to
thin the blood and lower blood pressure which might reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Ginseng - Ginseng is a popular supplement used in the United States to decrease stress and increase cognitive function. Other situations
where ginseng has been used for are athletic performance, immune system enhancer as well as Diabetes Type II Mellitus (Xie 2007).
Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo Biloba is made from the ginkgo tree and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It may
increase mental sharpness and memory (Kennedy 2005), thin blood, assist in Alzheimer's disease, as well as having some anti-depressant
effect (Kalkunte 2007).
Glucosamine – This is a well known and researched supplement that is a natural product within the cartilage that makes up your joints.
Protective effects that are seen in people taking Glucosamine supplements are improvement of osteoarthritis and joint protection (Mehta
2007).
Kava Kava - Derived from the root of a pepper plant, Kava kava is commonly used as a sleep aid, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, as well as a
mood stabilizer.
Lycopene - This product is similar to beta carotene (found in vegetables) and is known to work as an antioxidant and may be protective
against cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Melatonin - Melatonin is a natural substance produced in your body to help maintain a normal sleep cycle. When used as a supplement it can
be used as a sleep aid, and is commonly used in the recovery of jet lag.
Milk Thistle - Milk Thistle is taken by many people for protection and restoration of damaged liver tissue and to decrease bile production
(Ligeret 2007).
St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort is a yellow flower that has been used for centuries for a multitude of symptoms, most commonly depression
(Cauffield 1999). St. John's Wort may decrease symptoms of depression and mood disorders, increases energy levels, aid in wound
healing, boost the immune system, and encourage weight loss.
Living with chronic pain is very difficult. Some supplements may complement your current treatment plan. Contact Arizona Pain Specialists
today to discuss a supplement plan that addresses your specific needs!
Articles:
Everitt AV, Hilmer SN, Brand-Miller JC, Jamieson HA, Truswell AS, Sharma AP, Mason RS, Morris BJ, Le Couteur DG. Dietary approaches that
delay age-related diseases. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(1):11-31.
Xie JT, Wang CZ, Ni M, Wu JA, Mehendale SR, Aung HH, Foo A, Yuan CS.J American ginseng berry juice intake reduces blood glucose and
body weight in ob/ob mice. Food Sci. 2007 Oct;72(8):S590-4
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young
volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000 Sep;151(4):416-
Kalkunte SS, Singh AP, Chaves FC, Gianfagna TJ, Pundir VS, Jaiswal AK, Vorsa N, Sharma S. Antidepressant and antistress activity of GC-
MS characterized lipophilic extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves. Phytother Res. 2007 Jul 18;21(11):1061-1065
Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ.Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
1999 May-Jun;3(3):290-304
Zink T, Chaffin Herbal 'health' products: what family physicians need to know. J.Am Fam Physician. 1998 Oct 1;58(5):1133-40.
Mehta K, Gala J, Bhasale S, Naik S, Modak M, Thakur H, Deo N, Miller Comparison of glucosamine sulfate and a polyherbal supplement for
the relief of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial MJ.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Oct 31;7(1):34
Ligeret H, Brault A, Vallerand D, Haddad Y, Haddad PS. J Antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects of silibinin in cold preservation-
warm reperfusion liver injury. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Oct 24
Block G, Jensen CD, Norkus EP, Dalvi TB, Wong LG, McManus JF, Hudes ML Usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of long-term
multiple dietary supplement users: a cross-sectional study. Nutr J. 2007 Oct 24;6(1):30
www.Supplementwatch.com
The use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased over the past decade. Traditional Western Medicine is actively finding use
for alternative medicine and treatment options. A variety of studies have suggested that the use of alternative treatments is even more
widespread in people with symptoms or diagnoses of anxiety and depression.
In general, clinical trials suggest that diets high in calories or fat along with excessive weight are directly linked to an increased risk for
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers. Adjusting your diet to include more vegetables and fruits will help decrease these risk
factors. In addition, there are dietary supplements (ginseng, nuts, ginkgo balboa, garlic, and more) that may affect the development of certain
age-related diseases and immune system functioning. The most commonly used natural products include Echinacea, Ginseng, Ginko
Biloba, and garlic supplements (Saeed 2007). Furthermore, there are studies that suggest nutrition in childhood and as early on as the fetus
may influence the later development of diseases and lifespan (Everitt).
In a large cross-sectional study, information was obtained on patients from a sample of long-term users of multiple dietary supplements.
The study concluded that this group of people were more likely to have optimal concentrations of chronic disease-related biomarkers, and
less likely to have suboptimal blood nutrient concentrations, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes compared to non-users of supplemental
herbs and multivitamins (Block 2007).
Although there are many products that are routinely found at health food stores and common grocery stores, some of the most common
products that are supported by clinical research and may be beneficial are:
Coenzyme Q10 - Coenzyme Q10 is a natural product found in certain cells of your body that are required to produce energy (ATP). Co-Q10
also functions as an antioxidant and is believed to increase your physical energy and decrease the aging process. Co-Q10 may also lower
blood pressure and assist in weight loss.
Echinacea - Echinacea is a flower that is used to boost the immune system and prevent upper respiratory tract infections (Zink 1998).
Flax Seed Oil - The benefits of flax seed oil may be due to the present of lignans within the flaxseed. Lignans have various pro- and anti-
estrogenic properties. Flaxseed oil is rich in linolenic acid, which is frequently deficient in our diets. These essential fatty acids are important
in our body because they maintain the integrity of cell walls and membranes. They also help in energy production and the regulation and
consumption of cholesterol and triglycerides. Flax seed oil may reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, which might reduce the risk of stroke
and heart attack. Fax seed oil may also improve the symptoms of inflammatory conditions (eczema and psoriasis), and may reduce the risk
of certain cancers.
Garlic - Garlic is a common supplement that is extensively being studied for its cholesterol-lowering properties (Zink 1998). Garlic seems to
thin the blood and lower blood pressure which might reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Ginseng - Ginseng is a popular supplement used in the United States to decrease stress and increase cognitive function. Other situations
where ginseng has been used for are athletic performance, immune system enhancer as well as Diabetes Type II Mellitus (Xie 2007).
Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo Biloba is made from the ginkgo tree and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It may
increase mental sharpness and memory (Kennedy 2005), thin blood, assist in Alzheimer's disease, as well as having some anti-depressant
effect (Kalkunte 2007).
Glucosamine – This is a well known and researched supplement that is a natural product within the cartilage that makes up your joints.
Protective effects that are seen in people taking Glucosamine supplements are improvement of osteoarthritis and joint protection (Mehta
2007).
Kava Kava - Derived from the root of a pepper plant, Kava kava is commonly used as a sleep aid, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, as well as a
mood stabilizer.
Lycopene - This product is similar to beta carotene (found in vegetables) and is known to work as an antioxidant and may be protective
against cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Melatonin - Melatonin is a natural substance produced in your body to help maintain a normal sleep cycle. When used as a supplement it can
be used as a sleep aid, and is commonly used in the recovery of jet lag.
Milk Thistle - Milk Thistle is taken by many people for protection and restoration of damaged liver tissue and to decrease bile production
(Ligeret 2007).
St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort is a yellow flower that has been used for centuries for a multitude of symptoms, most commonly depression
(Cauffield 1999). St. John's Wort may decrease symptoms of depression and mood disorders, increases energy levels, aid in wound
healing, boost the immune system, and encourage weight loss.
Living with chronic pain is very difficult. Some supplements may complement your current treatment plan. Contact Arizona Pain Specialists
today to discuss a supplement plan that addresses your specific needs!
Articles:
Everitt AV, Hilmer SN, Brand-Miller JC, Jamieson HA, Truswell AS, Sharma AP, Mason RS, Morris BJ, Le Couteur DG. Dietary approaches that
delay age-related diseases. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(1):11-31.
Xie JT, Wang CZ, Ni M, Wu JA, Mehendale SR, Aung HH, Foo A, Yuan CS.J American ginseng berry juice intake reduces blood glucose and
body weight in ob/ob mice. Food Sci. 2007 Oct;72(8):S590-4
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young
volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000 Sep;151(4):416-
Kalkunte SS, Singh AP, Chaves FC, Gianfagna TJ, Pundir VS, Jaiswal AK, Vorsa N, Sharma S. Antidepressant and antistress activity of GC-
MS characterized lipophilic extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves. Phytother Res. 2007 Jul 18;21(11):1061-1065
Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ.Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
1999 May-Jun;3(3):290-304
Zink T, Chaffin Herbal 'health' products: what family physicians need to know. J.Am Fam Physician. 1998 Oct 1;58(5):1133-40.
Mehta K, Gala J, Bhasale S, Naik S, Modak M, Thakur H, Deo N, Miller Comparison of glucosamine sulfate and a polyherbal supplement for
the relief of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial MJ.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Oct 31;7(1):34
Ligeret H, Brault A, Vallerand D, Haddad Y, Haddad PS. J Antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects of silibinin in cold preservation-
warm reperfusion liver injury. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Oct 24
Block G, Jensen CD, Norkus EP, Dalvi TB, Wong LG, McManus JF, Hudes ML Usage patterns, health, and nutritional status of long-term
multiple dietary supplement users: a cross-sectional study. Nutr J. 2007 Oct 24;6(1):30
www.Supplementwatch.com
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| Alternative and Complementary Medicines Look for this Article Coming soon |
Book I - Pain Syndromes
Chapter 1 Low Back Pain
Chapter 2 Neck Pain
Chapter 3 Cancer Pain
Chapter 4 Headaches
Chapter 5 Spinal Stenosis
Chapter 6 Sciatica
Chapter 7 Arthritis
Chapter 8 Fibromyalgia
Chapter 9 Motor Vehicle Injuries
Chapter 10 Complex Regional Pain
Syndrome
Chapter 11 Vertebral Body
Fractures
Chapter 12 Hip and Leg Pain
Chapter 13 Diabetic Peripheral
Neuropathy
Book II - Interventional Procedures
Chapter 14 Epidural Steroid
Injection
Chapter 15 Facet Injections/Medial
Branch Blocks
Chapter 16 Radiofrequency Ablation
Chapter 17 Spinal Cord Stimulator
Implants
Chapter 18 IntraDiscal
Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
Chapter 19
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Chapter 20 Discography
Chapter 21 Percutaneous
Discectomy
Chapter 22 Occipital Nerve Block
Chapter 23 Sympathetic Block
Chapter 24 Stellate Ganglion Block
Chapter 25 Intrathecal Pump
Implants
Chapter 26 Caudal Steroid Injection
Chapter 27 Adhesiolysis
Chapter 28 Cervical Steroid
Injection
Chapter 29 Sacroiliac Joint
Injections
Chapter 30 Celiac Plexus Block
Chapter 31 Head and Neck
Procedures
Chapter 32 Joint Injections
Chapter 33 Continuous Catheter
Nerve Blocks
Chapter 34 Peripheral Nerve
Stimulation/Field Stimulation
Chapter 35 Disc Denervation
Book III Other Treatments
Chapter 36 Medication Management
Chapter 37 Acupuncture
Chapter 38 Prolotherapy
Chapter 39 Botox
Chapter 40 Massage
Chapter 41 Alternative and
Complementary Medicines
Chapter 42 Exercise and Nutrition
Counseling
Chapter 43 Prayer
Chapter 44 Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy
Chapter 45 Group Therapy
Chapter 46 Biofeedback
Chapter 47 Chiropractic
Manipulations
Chapter 48 Vitamin Supplements
Chapter 49 Customized
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Chapter 50 Hormone Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 1 Low Back Pain
Chapter 2 Neck Pain
Chapter 3 Cancer Pain
Chapter 4 Headaches
Chapter 5 Spinal Stenosis
Chapter 6 Sciatica
Chapter 7 Arthritis
Chapter 8 Fibromyalgia
Chapter 9 Motor Vehicle Injuries
Chapter 10 Complex Regional Pain
Syndrome
Chapter 11 Vertebral Body
Fractures
Chapter 12 Hip and Leg Pain
Chapter 13 Diabetic Peripheral
Neuropathy
Book II - Interventional Procedures
Chapter 14 Epidural Steroid
Injection
Chapter 15 Facet Injections/Medial
Branch Blocks
Chapter 16 Radiofrequency Ablation
Chapter 17 Spinal Cord Stimulator
Implants
Chapter 18 IntraDiscal
Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
Chapter 19
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Chapter 20 Discography
Chapter 21 Percutaneous
Discectomy
Chapter 22 Occipital Nerve Block
Chapter 23 Sympathetic Block
Chapter 24 Stellate Ganglion Block
Chapter 25 Intrathecal Pump
Implants
Chapter 26 Caudal Steroid Injection
Chapter 27 Adhesiolysis
Chapter 28 Cervical Steroid
Injection
Chapter 29 Sacroiliac Joint
Injections
Chapter 30 Celiac Plexus Block
Chapter 31 Head and Neck
Procedures
Chapter 32 Joint Injections
Chapter 33 Continuous Catheter
Nerve Blocks
Chapter 34 Peripheral Nerve
Stimulation/Field Stimulation
Chapter 35 Disc Denervation
Book III Other Treatments
Chapter 36 Medication Management
Chapter 37 Acupuncture
Chapter 38 Prolotherapy
Chapter 39 Botox
Chapter 40 Massage
Chapter 41 Alternative and
Complementary Medicines
Chapter 42 Exercise and Nutrition
Counseling
Chapter 43 Prayer
Chapter 44 Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy
Chapter 45 Group Therapy
Chapter 46 Biofeedback
Chapter 47 Chiropractic
Manipulations
Chapter 48 Vitamin Supplements
Chapter 49 Customized
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Chapter 50 Hormone Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions