What is Integrative medicine

Integrative medicine is an approach to health care that combines conventional and complementary therapies, with an emphasis on prevention, wellness and patient empowerment. Integrative medicine practitioners use evidence-based methods to address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health and disease.

Metagenics, Bioceuticals, Thorne and Life Extension are four leading companies that provide high-quality, practitioner-only natural medicines and supplements for integrative medicine. These companies share a common vision of delivering safe, effective and innovative products that support the health and well-being of their customers.

Some of the products that these companies offer for integrative medicine include:

• Brain health: products that enhance cognitive function, memory, mood and neuroprotection, such as Neuro-Mag® Magnesium L-Threonate, Omega Bran Plus, Omega Brain care for kids and etc.
• Immune support: products that enhance the body’s natural defence system against infections and inflammation, such as Quercetin protect, Immunogenics, Andro NK, Armaforce, Meta Zinc with C, etc.
• Stress management: products that help the body cope with stress and support the adrenal glands, such as Adaptan, AdrenoTone, HPA Essentials, Adrenoplex, etc.
• Gut health: products that support the digestive system and the gut microbiome, such as SB Floractiv, Intestamine, Gut Care for Kids, Probiotics, Glutamine Plus™, etc.

You can find more information about these products and their benefits on the websites of Metagenics, Bioceuticals , Thorne  , and Life Extension . You can also consult a qualified practitioner near you who can advise you on the best integrative medicine solutions for your individual needs.

What are the side effects of Integrative Medicines?

Some natural medicines and supplements are not necessarily safer or better than conventional medicines. They can also cause side effects, interactions, allergies, toxicity and other adverse reactions, especially if they are taken at high doses, instead of prescribed medicines, or with multiple products that contain the same or similar ingredients.

Some of the possible side effects of natural medicines and supplements include:

• Rashes, allergic reactions and asthma: some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in natural medicines and supplements, such as herbs, pollen, bee products, etc. This can cause skin rashes, itching, swelling, breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis.
• Headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea: some natural medicines and supplements may irritate the stomach or the nervous system, causing gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms. For example, kava, a plant used for anxiety, may cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
• Blood pressure changes, heart problems and bleeding: some natural medicines and supplements may affect the cardiovascular system by altering blood pressure, heart rate, blood clotting or blood vessel function. For example, garlic, ginkgo and ginseng may lower blood pressure, increase bleeding risk or interact with anticoagulants.
• Liver damage and kidney damage: some natural medicines and supplements may be toxic to the liver or the kidneys if taken in excess or for a long time. For example, kava may cause severe liver damage, green tea extract may cause liver injury and aristolochic acid (found in some Chinese herbs) may cause kidney failure.

These are just some examples of the potential side effects of natural medicines and supplements. The risk and severity of these effects may depend on various factors such as the dose, duration, quality, purity and formulation of the product; the individual’s age, health status, genetics and metabolism; and the use of other medicines or substances.

Therefore, it is important to consult a qualified health professional before using any natural medicines or supplements. You should also inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you are taking or planning to take. You should follow the directions for use carefully and report any adverse effects to your health professional or the Therapeutic Goods Administration.