So in brief, The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs is on a mission to raise concerns about our increasing pill popping habits and how we can reduce our usage. Seems like a great idea to me.

I have to be honest I love a programme like this and what it has to prove but I was more than a little bit disappointed to discover there was no mention of nutrition at all, well so far at least.

There was also a huge reluctance from the doctors to do anything different even though they are acutely aware of the problems we face, so a little disheartening but a start at least.

According to the presenter, as we age our drug use goes up to shockingly high levels especially when you look at it as a whole year’s worth. To me it is deeply concerning and I wonder if these drugs are keeping us alive or slowly killing us?

The first programme discusses the over use and general lack of effectiveness of pain killers, the over prescription of antibiotics including the issues with super, antibiotic resistant bugs and lastly the long term use of anti depressants, which are actually really meant for short term use only, did you know that?

THE TRUE EFFECTIVENESS OF PAINKILLERS

Testing the effectiveness of painkillers using a placebo method and pain chart was pretty conclusive. It turns out they are not as good as we think, especially when taken long term.

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS?

In some cases the doctor offered a simple home remedy of honey and lemon for those suffering with a viral infection like a sore throat. Viral infections can’t be treated with antibiotics where bacterial infections can, although they are often prescribed anyway! Bacterial Infections will nearly always clear up by themselves too with the right natural treatments and plenty of rest.

OTHER MOOD ENHANCING METHODS

An alternative method to enhancing mood rather than taking highly addictive anti-depressants was heart warming although maybe not 100% sustainable, more to come on this one I think!

AND STILL NO MENTION OF FOOD OR SUPPLEMENTS

It is common knowledge amongst naturopathic nutritionists that B Vitamins are often lacking in people suffering with depression. That keeping fit and eating a healthy, balanced diet will help keep your immune system at its best. Taking high dose vitamin C and zinc should help combat the worst cold or flu symptoms. And that painkillers taken on a regular basis are lethal to your internal organs. There is nearly always an alternative.

LESSONS IN NUTRITION

The problem with most doctors, nurses and other medical professionals is that in med school they do not learnt about nutrition, they learn about disease and medicine. However, they may have finally seen the light. I have recently heard that nutrition is to be included in the curriculum finally, which is fantastic news although it will be some years before our doctors start discussing this area with us.

SURELY IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE IS IT?  OR AM I A BIT BIASED?

Anyway the final episode of The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs is on tonight so it will be interesting to see if nutrition crops up at all. I, for one, won’t be holding my breath!

In the meantime if you have any questions about any health or diet related issues please feel free to contact me at Kathy@yourhealthyself.co.uk and I will do my best to help.

If you like my blog and are interested in any of the subjects or even have any suggestions for forthcoming blogs please get in touch, share with friends, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and or Twitter.

Thanks for reading, stay healthy and think twice before taking that headache pill next time, a glass of water may be just as effective!