A Natural Alternative: A Guide to Alternative Medicines

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A Natural Alternative: A Guide to Alternative Medicines

About two in every five Americans take some form of alternative medicine. Here are the most common remedies and how they rate.

By Chee Gates

Fish Oil/Omega-3s

Health Perk: Omega-3s, like DHA and EPA in fish oil, may help prevent heart disease, breast cancer, and depression.
Drawback: They thin the blood, so ask your doc before taking if you have a bleeding disorder or if you're on a blood thinner, such as aspirin.
Bottom Line: Talk to your MD about a daily supplement that includes 180 milligrams of EPA and 120 of DHA.

Glucosamine

Health Perk: Made from shrimp and crab shells, glucosamine can ease the pain of osteoarthritis.
Drawback: Avoid this if you have shellfish allergies.
Bottom Line: It works best on osteoarthritis of the knee.

Echinacea

Health Perk: Some research suggests this helps ease cold and flu symptoms.
Drawback: If you have ragweed allergies, echinacea may trigger a similar reaction.
Bottom Line: When taken with at least 75 milligrams of vitamin C and plenty of fluids, it could bolster immunity.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, May 2009.