<![CDATA[DR. KATHRYN TAKETA-WONG & ASSOCIATES - Blog]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:24:00 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[LEARN WHY UNDIAGNOSED THYROID CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE FATIGUE, WEIGHT GAIN, ANXIETY, POOR SLEEP & MORE]]>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/learn-why-undiagnosed-thyroid-conditions-can-cause-fatigue-weight-gain-anxiety-poor-sleep-more
    What an enlightening video from Dr. Taketa-Wong and Dr. Williams about a little known medical condition. The thyroid is a small gland with an enormous impact on our health. When it isn't functioning properly, symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, anxiety, brain fog, constipation, and poor sleep, can make everyday life challenging. Many patients are told that thyroid medication is their only option, yet they continue to struggle with symptoms while taking it, even when their lab tests appear normal.

    Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's and Graves' disease: Dr. Taketa-Wong and Dr. Williams, went beyond the typical treatments that simply replace thyroid hormone. They revealed the underlying factors that contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Our doctors address the root causes in addition to the symptoms, so our patients experience significant improvement.

You will learn:
• The hidden effects of environmental toxins and chemicals on thyroid health.
• The essential nutrients and medicinal herbs that naturally improve healthy thyroid function.
• Why balancing adrenal function is a critical part of successful thyroid treatment.
• The powerful natural medicines that help regulate the immune system in autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
• Compelling case examples of patients who are now enjoying better health

    Whether you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, or wonder if your thyroid isn’t functioning as it should, you will learn how to better understand what’s going on in your body. Join Dr. Taketa-Wong and Dr. Williams as they reveal how naturopathic medicine restores healthy thyroid function and improves the lives of people struggling with thyroid disorders.
]]><![CDATA[WHAT’S MISSING IN REGULAR MEDICINE TODAY AFTER AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS? LEARN HOW TO INCREASE THE ODDS FOR SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 02:06:47 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/whats-missing-in-regular-medicine-today-after-an-autism-diagnosis-learn-how-to-increase-the-odds-for-successful-treatment
    Dr. Taketa-Wong wants parents of children with autism to know that there ARE answers and their child CAN get better.  Diagnosing and treating the medical conditions that give rise to autistic behavior makes a world of difference.

     When parents first receive an autism diagnosis for their child they’re frequently confused, desperate, frustrated and hopeless at the lack of answers.  The situation often leaves them feeling stressed, exhausted, and worn down, affecting the marriage and the rest of the family.

     Once an autism diagnosis has been made, what then?  What should the parents do next?  They’re sometimes advised to put their child in behavioral therapy of some kind, but often have to figure out which one on their own.  

     Many families are unaware of the medical conditions that can cause autistic behavior because there hasn’t been a medical diagnosis to go along with the autism finding.  That’s crucial to any successful treatment protocol.

     Autism symptoms include social avoidance, restricted interests, speech and language disorders, tantrums, and meltdowns, to mention just a few.  Fortunately, there are solutions.   

      Just about all of the children with autism have underlying medical conditions that the child is reacting to.  Digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux affect up to 84%.  And up to 80% suffer from sleep disorders.  

     These children typically can’t say what hurts, so they wind up acting out.  It’s their way of “explaining” what they’re unable to communicate.  When their medical conditions are diagnosed and treated, it’s like they’re a different child.
]]><![CDATA[HOW NATURAL MEDICINE EASES ANXIETY AND IMPROVES MOOD WITHOUT DRUGS]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:54:27 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/how-natural-medicine-eases-anxiety-and-improves-mood-without-drugs

Anxiety is a very common condition, with about 31% of adults in America experiencing it at some point in their lives. Pharmaceutical drugs can be effective for a time, but often come with undesirable side effects. They can be harmful if taken long term.

Anxiety impacts thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can interfere with people’s everyday lives and make it difficult to do the activities they want to do. Some common symptoms of anxiety include stress that's out of proportion to the event, an inability to set aside worries, ongoing irritability, feeling restless, and sleep problems.

Our naturopathic doctors know how to take care of the underlying medical causes of anxiety and other mood conditions. With food-as-medicine, along with medical grade natural medicines, the body and the mind can be restored to being calm and in control.

It’s important to remind ourselves that the body is a single organism, so problems with the gut bacteria can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that alter moods. Likewise with hormone imbalances, stress and other gut conditions.

]]><![CDATA[ONE IN FIVE CHILDREN & TEENS SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS. NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE HAS ANSWERS]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:30:00 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/one-in-five-children-teens-suffer-from-mental-health-conditions-naturopathic-medicine-has-answers
Sadly, autism, anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and other mental health conditions are afflicting more of our keiki. These brain/gut/neurological conditions have similar treatment protocols. While traditional mental health therapies like psychology, psychiatry, and counseling help our youth understand and come to terms with their concerns, many mental health conditions have their roots in physical imbalances.

Similar medical issues underlie many mental health conditions. Children’s and teens’ unhealthy eating habits is one. That typically leads to poor gut health, and our gut is where brain neurotransmitters are made. Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers. They carry signals that influence muscle movement, sleep, hunger, emotional balance, mood, blood pressure, and memory. Dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are fairly well known neurotransmitters. Gut imbalances can make them all less effective.

​The doctors explain how other influences also undermine our keiki’s mental health – like methylation problems, toxins in our food and the environment, blood sugar imbalances. And let’s not forget excessive screen time, with its own, powerful, negative effects on children’s mental health. While improving mental health isn’t quite as simple as adopting a health-promoting diet and lifestyle, those are the major building blocks for happier keiki. Medical grade herbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients – based on a child’s lab tests – can offer a big boost to their mental as well as physical health.
]]><![CDATA[Extreme Monthly Symptoms? Find Science-Based Support Through Naturopathic Medicine]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:30:54 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/extreme-monthly-symptoms-find-science-based-support-through-naturopathic-medicine
Dr. Williams, our women's health specialist, went through some difficult women's health issues herself. With naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, she was able to overcome them. That experience served to deepen her dedication to helping her patients do the same. (Acupuncture can help with much more than back pain.)

Some women experience such extreme symptoms around their monthly cycle that the medical community has determined them to be a specific condition, called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). It manifests as a highly disruptive emotional and physical experience, including severe anxiety, anger, panic attacks, depression, extreme fatigue, insomnia, and joint/muscle pain.

Our patients have found remarkable improvement in even the most severe conditions. You’ll learn the process our doctors use to diagnose what’s going on and the natural medicines and remedies that bring a woman’s body back into balance, bringing relief from the often debilitating symptoms.

​Dr. Williams' 3 case histories of patients' success are inspiring. Both she and Dr. Taketa-Wong are trained to seek the specific underlying causes affecting each individual woman, with a special focus on hormone imbalances. (Regular medicine options are typically limited to antidepressants, hormonal birth control, and ibuprofen, though exercise, stress reduction, and dietary changes are sometimes also advised.)
]]><![CDATA[HOW NATURAL MEDICINE HELPS CHILDREN WITH ECZEMA, ASTHMA, AND ALLERGIES]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:06:41 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/how-natural-medicine-helps-children-with-eczema-asthma-and-allergies
Dr. Taketa-Wong and Dr. Anderson team up to reveal how to avoid pharmaceuticals and OTC products when treating children with eczema, asthma, and allergies. Not only can naturopathic medicine work as well or better. It can spare children from needing stronger and more problematic drugs as they get older.

Eczema, asthma, and allergies are sometimes referred to as the allergic triad. In all three conditions, the body has an allergic reaction that’s triggered by the over-production of histamine. Normally, histamine, a chemical compound produced by immune cells, aids in digestion, the sleep-wake cycle, and in cuing inflammation to fight infections.

​When histamine is out of balance, the immune system can overreact to certain foods (like peanuts, dairy, fermented foods) and environmental allergens (like pollen, dust mites, pet dander) which are typically harmless. That’s when a person has symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin, and sneezing.

Pharmaceutical drugs, especially steroids, are often prescribed for eczema and, at times, asthma as well. But steroids suppress the entire immune system, meaning children can become more susceptible to colds, flu, and other viruses. Some antihistamine drugs, such as Benadryl, taken over a long period of time, have been linked to cognitive decline as people reach 65 and beyond.

Our doctors know how to help kids thrive and enjoy their childhood without the drugs. Their approach is always to first determine the cause(s) of a child’s allergies, asthma, or eczema. Why is their immune system attacking substances that normally it wouldn’t? Once they have the answers, a healing food plan is tailored for each individual child.

To further treat symptoms and promote overall strengthening, the doctors may prescribe medical grade natural remedies. These are laboratory certified, health-promoting vitamins, minerals, nutrients, supplements, herbs, peptides, low dose immunotherapy, and other healing remedies from the U.S. and all over the world. ​
]]><![CDATA[DOES LEUCOVORIN HELP WITH AUTISM?]]>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:56:26 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/does-leucovorin-help-with-autism
Video Transcript:
​
     Aloha.  I’m going to talk with you today about leucovorin and autism.  Since 2011, I’ve been able to use my specialize medical training and clinical experience to help hundreds of children with autism get better.  I’ve been prescribing leucovorin for 15 years to counteract a serious impairment shared by shared by 75% of children with autism.  Folate receptor antibodies.  I’ll get to those in a moment. 
 
     Let’s get some clear definitions to start.  The names are similar, but the consequences couldn’t be more different.
 
     Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 and is only found in food – things like leafy green vegetables.  Folic acid is a synthesized version of folate, it’s created in a laboratory.  Folinic acid is derived from food.  Leucovorin is a specialized version of folinic acid.
 
     Now we come back to those folate receptor antibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system.  Most children’s brain’s aren’t hindered by the antibodies.  But for children with autism, most forms of folate can’t get past the antibodies and into their brain.  Worse yet, the synthetic form, folic acid, actually makes the condition worse. 
 
     In short, children with autism have antibodies prevent most forms of folate from being absorbed by the brain.  Folinic acid, prescribed under the name leucovorin, is the exception.  It is able to bypass the blockages.
 
     Why does this matter?  In early pregnancy folate is essential in the formation of the brain and spine.  Without it, there can be speech and language delays, movement disorders, sleep disturbances, irritability and seizures.  And, actually, throughout life, folate remains important for our nervous system to function properly.
 
   By including leucovorin as a part of our complete autism treatment protocol, I’ve seen some remarkable improvement in many, manay children.  However, I will also stress that I think it is vitally important to work with a practitioner who understands autism. 
 
     With autism, every child’s system is unique and requires advanced laboratory testing in order to arrive at the appropriate treatment protocols.  With leucovorin, those tests help us to determine the appropriate dose over a certain time period.  We then follow-up and regularly adjust the dosage.
 
     Parents may get lucky using it without oversight, but they might also get unlucky, and there are many examples of leucovorin making a child’s condition worse.  They could become hyperactive, have more tantrums, worsening sleep patterns, and more repetitive and self-injurious behavior.      
 
     In fact, here’s a word of caution about leucovorin tablets:  The lowest dosage for one tablet is 5mg.  But one tablet is actually a high dose. 
 
     I never start children on the tablets.  There is a liquid form, and I always start with one drop.  That’s because one drop is one-seventh of the lowest dose leucovorin tablet.  And it’s also the typical amount of folate you’d get in a substantial multivitamin.  By starting on a low dose, the children are more able to tolerate it and the outcome is better.
 
    This is why, when it comes to leucovorin, it’s much, much safer and more effective to work with a doctor or practitioner who understands autism.
 
     That said, for many of the children I’ve treated, leucovorin can be like a miracle cure.  There was a 2 year-old boy with only 15 words, just single words, not sentences.  He also had frequent melt downs and tantrums.  I started him on leucovorin as a part of my treatment protocol. 
 
     I also worked with the family to start the boy on a gluten free, dairy free diet along with other measures to clear up his gut issues.  Three months later, he started talking and his language continued to improve, and I could tell that came along with the leucovorin.  A year and a half later, you couldn’t even tell he had autism.
 
    I’m also treating an older child, a 9 year-old girl with autism as well as ADHD – it was hard enough for her to pay attention and focus, but she also had hyperactivity and impulsivity.  She could speak, but was only able to use simple words and form short sentences and had difficulty understanding what was told to her.
 
     I’ve been working with her and the family for 3 years, with leucovorin a part of our treatment protocol.  We’ve gradually increased the dosage along the way, and I can definitely state that the leucovorin has helped her make steady improvement. 
 
     Her language now is very close to being typical for her age.  She also has a social life, engages in conversations, has friends, she can focus and is no longer is hyperactive or impulsive. 
 
      In general, for children with autism, the best source for making sure their brain is getting enough folate are whole foods.  Things like dark leafy greens, lentils, peas, beans, broccoli, nuts, and bananas. 
 
     What you want to avoid are food products like bread, pasta and other fortified products.  They are typically “fortified” with folic acid.  In fact, with packaged foods of any kind, be sure to read the label carefully.  Just about all the big food corporations use folic acid, which, as you now know, is not the form that will help a child with autism.. 
 
     I trust our conversation about leucovorin and autism has been valuable for you.  With our no-charge consultation, you’re welcome to talk with me personally about any health concerns you may have so that you, too, can be empowered with your health.  

]]><![CDATA[November 12th, 2025]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 01:24:08 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/november-12th-2025

Video Transcript:

Aloha.  Thank you for joining me today.  I’m Doctor Kathryn Taketa-Wong.  The topic today is The Very Concerning Side Effects of Commonly Used Drugs.  This is important information that you and your loved ones really need to have.  I also want you know that there are natural alternatives to most of the drugs that I’ll be discussing today.
 
As a doctor, I know how difficult it can be to find the time to explain medications to patients the same way that surgeries are covered.  But that’s the way it’s supposed to work.  The current system is not serving patients well and we need to seriously think about how to make it better. 
 
Three 3 pillars form the foundation of my practice.   They are:  To heal. To educate.  To empower.  Today’s event is a perfect example of those pillars, as it is my intention to both educate and empower you, the viewer.
 
In medical school, doctors are taught an acronym, PARQ, like park your car but with a Q at the end.
 
“P” stands for procedure: Explaining it and getting informed consent from the patient.  This is true for any treatment both surgery AND drugs.
 
“A” stands for alternatives:  Explaining what other potential alternatives there might be, like doing a different surgical procedure or taking different drug, or doing nothing and watchfully waiting.
 
“R” stands for risks: What are the risks for that surgical procedure or that drug?
 
“Q” stands for questions: Asking the patient if they have any questions and then answering those questions completely.
 
This is the gold standard for what is supposed to happen whenever a doctor makes a recommendation. The patient is informed about the risks, the benefits, and the alternatives. Then they can say yes I agree or no I don’t agree. This typically happens with surgery, but it rarely, if ever, happens in conventional medicine when it comes to drugs. 
 
That’s why I decided to do this Facebook Live:  to educate the community about the risks so you can be an informed about your health care choices.
 
For those who are new to our events, I’m a naturopathic physician or ND.  Like medical doctors, I attended a 4-year medical school.  I was trained as a primary care physician, so I order lab tests, write prescriptions, and do school physicals the same as any other doctor. 
 
But with naturopathic medicine there is much more, because we ND’s are trained to place nutrition at the forefront of diagnosis and treatment.  This is especially true when it comes to medications.
 
It amazes me, but even today, fewer than 20% of our medical schools require ANY courses in nutrition.  Of those, the offerings are usually fewer than 25 hours in 4 years.  Naturopathic doctors typically receive 155 hours in order to be trained in the power of nutrition to build health from the INSIDE.  Applying that knowledge to a patient’s condition – whether it’s autism or PMS – takes a lot more time than prescribing pills.  My office visits are a full hour.
 
In addition, I am also a licensed acupuncturist, trained in Chinese medicine, which gives me another powerful natural medicine tool.
 
I can’t even count the times that a patient comes to me, they’re on a certain drug, and I talk about some of the potential side effects.  I watch their eyes get wider, watch them frown as they say, “If someone had told me that was a risk of this drug, I wouldn’t have taken it.  Nobody ever told me that.”
 
I know that when we get a drug, there are inserts that list potential side effects.  But honestly, how many of us actually take the time to read the very small print with hard to pronounce words?  And that’s not even the point.  We’re supposed to be told all about the risks and potential side effects before we’re prescribed them in the first place.
 
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take them.  It means we should be informed beforehand so we know about the risks and can make an informed choice.
 
A lot of this is really a product of our health care system.  Conventional doctors typically are just not given enough time to talk about those things with their patients.  A major principle of naturopathic medicine is education of the patient.  That is one of its biggest strengths.  Naturopathic doctors take the time to explain the medication or the procedure and ask if there are any questions.
 
That said, let’s get into the vitally important health information in today’s event.  I’m going to be covering oral birth control pills, acid blocking drugs for acid reflux or heartburn, antibiotics, epidural during birth and Pitocin during birth, blood pressure drugs and cholesterol medication.
 
Oral birth control pills
Many of these drugs have the side effect of increasing the risk of blood clots, which can lead to increased risk for heart attack and stroke with prolonged use.  Birth control pills also increase the risk of breast cancer.  Studies have shown that while taking the pills and shortly thereafter, their risk increases by 20 to 30% over women over who have never taken them.  The risk does decrease once women stop taking them.  Also, there is one class of oral birth control pills that do not increase the risk of blood clots or breast cancer.  These are called progestin only pills also sometimes called mini-pills.  Basically, they don’t contain estrogen, just the synthetic form of progestin.
 
Acid blocking drugs for acid reflux
There is an increased risk of dementia with some of the drugs.  Using them long term – 6 months or more – can increase the risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B-12 and iron because you need stomach acid to be able to absorb those nutrients.  The most common symptom of iron deficiency is fatigue and being short of breath.  I have also seen a decrease in attention and focus because iron carries oxygen.
 
As you’re viewing this and want to talk with me, just call or text our office to schedule a free phone consultation with me.  There is no charge because I don’t take patients without talking with them first.  I always want to make sure that what I do fits their needs.  You’ll find all the contact information on our Facebook page and you can also click on the link in the post. 
 
Antibiotics
Antibiotics increase the risk of genital yeast infections and skin infections as well.  They also commonly cause diarrhea, upset stomach, even nausea and vomiting.  They decrease the good bacteria along with the bad.  Killing off the good guys can cause long term problems with your immune system.  Also, Cipro and similar antibiotics increase the risk of tendon rupture.  There is also a greater risk of resistance the more often you take antibiotics, which can make curing future infections more difficult.  Antibiotics, as well as other types of drugs that affect the normal good bacteria in our gut, can change the neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.  A change in the brain chemicals can affect our mood, focus and attention, and many other things.
 
Epidurals during birth
Epidurals can increase the risk of seizures, infections and nerve damage in the mother.  Also, I’ve seen a number of women who have chronic back pain for the rest of their lives.  They say it’s in that one spot where they put the epidural.  For the baby, the risk is decreased oxygen and  heart rate during the birth process.
 
 
Pitocin during birth
Research has definitely found that using Pitocin to induce labor can increase the likelihood of needed a C-section.  That’s because it can force the birth process where the baby may not be in the best position to deliver.  It can also increase the pain for the mom because it’s forcing the uterus to contract in a much more intense way than it would naturally.  There is also a possibility that the uterus could rupture, causing more blood loss.
 
As to risk to the baby, there is potential fetal distress, where the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen.  It can also increase the risk of seizures in the infant after birth.
 
 
Blood pressure drugs
Beta blockers are a class drugs that frequently cause fatigue, asthma, and difficulty sleeping. Diuretic blood pressure drugs can cause fatigue, leg cramps, and more frequent urination.  For some people that can disrupt their sleep. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry cough and skin rash. Calcium channel blockers can cause constipation, dizziness, and headache.
 
Cholesterol medication
Statin drugs, which are the main class of drugs that are used for cholesterol deplete a substance called CoQ-10, which is a major antioxidant that’s important for your heart health.  So using them puts people at risk for heart issues.  Research has shown a link between statins and memory loss and difficulty with memory in general.  Other side effects include nausea, gas, and constipation and an increased risk of diabetes.  The most common side effects are muscle weakness and pain.  Long term, they can cause muscle damage and harm to the liver as well. 
 
CONCLUSION:
 I trust our discussion about the very concerning side effects of commonly used drugs has been useful for you.  With most of these medications, but with especially with blood pressure drugs, it can be dangerous to just stop and take yourself off of them.  There are natural alternatives to many of these drugs that do not carry the side effects, and I’ve worked with many patients to wean them off of them.  But again, you should avoid just stopping on your own.
 
I trust that our discussion about women’s health has been useful for you.  If your doctor doesn’t have the time to educate you like we’re doing here today, you’re welcome to talk with me personally about any health concerns you may have so that you, too, can feel empowered with your health. 
 
To do so, just call or text our office to schedule a free phone consultation with me.  There is no charge because I don’t take patients without talking with them first.  I always want to make sure that what I do fits their needs. You’ll find all the contact information on our Facebook page.

]]><![CDATA[CHIROPRACTOR’S BRAIN-FOCUSED TREATMENT PROTOCOLS IMPROVE SYMPTOMS IN AUTISM, ADHD & MOOD DISORDERS]]>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:19:13 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/chiropractors-brain-focused-treatment-protocols-improve-symptoms-in-autism-adhd-mood-disorders
The doctor is pleased to be joined by Dr. Cassandra Peterson. She specializes in children (and adults) with behavioral, learning, and socialization challenges. Dr. Taketa-Wong has autism and ADHD patients she has referred to her.

Many people think of chiropractors as doctors that “crack your back.” Dr. Peterson’s pediatric techniques are gentle and do not involve forceful twisting or compression of the vertebrae. Her purpose is to correct impaired joints or spinal dysfunction, which allows improved spinal cord signaling to the brain.

​Prior to treatment, Dr. Peterson does thorough neurologic testing along with reflex and range-of-motion checks. Her whole-body approach includes gut health/nutrition, methylation, and home-based exercises. Find her at https://mamabearchiro.com/
]]><![CDATA[THE VERY CONCERNING SIDE EFFECTS OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS]]>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:52:13 GMThttps://www.drtaketawong.com/blog/the-very-concerning-side-effects-of-commonly-prescribed-medications

Video Transcript:
​
Aloha.  I’m Dr. Taketa-Wong.  Thank you for joining me.
 
There are some very concerning side effects to many commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs that I want you to know about.  I also want you know that there are natural alternatives that are just as effective.  But before we begin, I want to emphasize that people should not take themselves off of any prescribed medication without first talking with their doctor.
 
I can’t even count the number of times that a patient has come to me, they’re on a certain drug, and I talk about some of the potential side effects.  I watch their eyes get wider, watch them frown as they say, “If someone had told me about the risks of this drug, I wouldn’t have taken it.  Nobody ever told me that.”
 
Yes, when we get a drug, there are inserts that list potential side effects.  But honestly, how many of us actually take the time to read the very small print with hard-to-pronounce words?  And that’s not even the point.  We’re supposed to be told all about the risks and potential side effects before we’re prescribed the drug in the first place.
 
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take them.  It means we should be informed beforehand so we know about the risks and can make an informed choice.
 
Most of this is really a product of our health care system.  Regular doctors typically are just not given enough time to talk with their patients.  But a major principle of naturopathic medicine is education.  It’s one its biggest strengths.  Naturopathic doctors take the time to explain the medication or the procedure and ask if there are any questions.
 
That said, let’s get into the vitally important health information in today’s event.  And please be assured that there are natural medicines that don’t come with all the side effects. 
 
Oral birth control pills
Many of these drugs have the side effect of increasing the risk of blood clots, which can lead to increased risk for heart attack and stroke with prolonged use.  Birth control pills can increase the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 30% over women who have never taken them.  The risk does decrease once women stop taking them.  Also, there is one class of oral birth control pills that does not increase the risk of blood clots or breast cancer.  These are called progestin only pills also sometimes called mini-pills.  Basically, they don’t contain estrogen, just the synthetic form of progesterone.
 
Acid blocking drugs for acid reflux
There is an increased risk of dementia with some of the drugs.  Using them long term – 6 months or more – can increase the risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B-12 and iron because you need stomach acid to be able to absorb those nutrients.  The most common symptom of iron deficiency is fatigue and being short of breath.  I have also seen a decrease in attention and focus because iron carries oxygen.
 
Antibiotics
Antibiotics increase the risk of genital yeast infections and skin infections.  They also commonly cause diarrhea, upset stomach, even nausea and vomiting.  They decrease the good bacteria along with the bad.  Killing off the good guys can cause long term problems with your immune system.  Also, Cipro and similar antibiotics increase the risk of tendon rupture.  In fact, many doctors, including me, advise their patients not to exercise while on those drugs.
 
There is also a greater risk of antibiotic resistance the more often you take them, which can make curing future infections more difficult.  Antibiotics, as well as other types of drugs that affect the normal good bacteria in our gut, can change the neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.  Among other things, a change in the brain chemicals can affect our mood, focus and attention.
 
Epidurals during birth
Epidurals can increase the risk of seizures, infections and nerve damage in the mother.  Also, I’ve seen a number of women who have chronic back pain for the rest of their lives.  They say it’s in that one spot where they put the epidural.  For the baby, the risk is decreased oxygen and  heart rate during the birth process.
 
Pitocin during birth
Research has definitely found that using Pitocin to induce labor can increase the likelihood of needed a C-section.  That’s because it can force the birth process where the baby may not be in the best position to deliver.  It can also increase the pain for the mom because it’s forcing the uterus to contract in a much more intense way than it would naturally.  There is also a possibility that the uterus could rupture, causing more blood loss.
 
As to risk to the baby, there is potential fetal distress, where the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen.  It can also increase the risk of seizures in the infant after birth.
 
Blood pressure drugs
Beta blockers are a class drugs that frequently cause fatigue, asthma, and difficulty sleeping.
 
Diuretic blood pressure drugs can cause fatigue, leg cramps, and more frequent urination.  For some people that can disrupt their sleep.

ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry cough and skin rash.
 
Calcium channel blockers can cause constipation, dizziness, and headache.
 
Cholesterol medication
Statin drugs, which are the main class of drugs that are used for cholesterol deplete a substance called CoQ-10, which is a major antioxidant that’s important for your heart health.  So using them puts people at risk for heart issues.  Research has shown a link between statins and memory loss and difficulty with memory in general.  Other side effects include nausea, gas, and constipation and an increased risk of diabetes.  The most common side effects are muscle weakness and pain.  Long term, they can cause muscle damage and harm to the liver as well. 

I trust our discussion about the very concerning side effects of commonly used drugs has been useful for you.  Please remember that with these medications – and especially with blood pressure drugs –  it can be dangerous to just stop and take yourself off of them.  Be sure to talk with your doctor before doing so.
 
There are natural alternatives to many of these drugs that do not carry the side effects, and I’ve worked with many patients to wean them off of their drugs.  But again, you should avoid just stopping on your own.
 
With our no-charge consultation, you’re welcome to talk with me personally about the drugs you’re taking or any other health concerns you may have so that you, too, can be empowered with your health. 

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