US-based celebrity health expert suggests natural alternatives to common medications

We all pop over-the-counter pills at the first sign of discomfort. From the common cold to headaches, indigestion, or trouble sleeping, most of us have medications at the ready in our cabinets. However, Dr. Josh Axe, a Nashville-based doctor of chiropractic and certified doctor of natural medicine, says it’s time to rethink that habit. He believes many of these common medications have natural alternatives that focus on healing the body from within.

“Let’s talk about something nobody tells you when you get a prescription. From ibuprofen to thyroid meds to statins… Medications come with a hidden cost. They don’t just mask symptoms… They can actually deplete your body of essential nutrients — the very ones you need to heal. And over time, that nutrient loss leads to fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, anxiety, hormone imbalances, and more,” he said in apostshared on Instagram.

Dr. Axe also shares some natural alternatives for some of the commonly used medications. Let’s take a look.

Instead of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), he suggests taking saffron, omega-3s, and therapy. He also says that some changes in lifestyle, such as sunlight exposure, spending more time in nature, gratitude, and exercise, can help. He also suggests Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or EMDR therapy.

For those prescribed Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Axe proposes Rhodiola, a herb that may enhance focus, and L-tyrosine, an amino acid that supports dopamine production. He also suggests starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast, which can stabilize blood sugar and improve concentration. Another alternative he suggests is neurofeedback, a non-invasive brain training technique to manage ADHD symptoms without stimulants.

Rather than depending on statins to lower cholesterol, Dr. Axe suggests increasing the intake of dietary fiber and omega-3s through foods like oats, chia seeds, and fatty fish. He also suggests making lifestyle changes, such as adding regular exercise, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking daily, to improve lipid profiles. He also suggests supplements like berberine, derived from plants, or red yeast rice as an alternative.

We all pop over-the-counter painkillers very often. Axe suggests swapping nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen with curcumin. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Magnesium, ginger, and boswellia are other natural options he suggests. He also suggests getting sauna bathing, cold therapy, Epsom salt baths, gentle movement, and physical therapy to manage pain and inflammation.

He also suggests considering natural alternatives for blood sugar controlling medications, such as Metformin. The natural medicine expert suggests berberine to lower blood sugar, alongside cinnamon and chromium. He also adds that some dietary changes, such as consuming a high-fiber diet, practicing intermittent fasting, and reducing sugar and carb intake, can help. He also recommends adding daily exercise to help regulate glucose levels.

Dr. Axe also recommends improving sleep by relying on drugs. He says that magnesium, glycine, or tart cherry juice, which contains natural melatonin, can be natural alternatives for sleep meds. He also emphasizes the importance of practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a cool bedroom, avoiding screens before bed, and using white noise. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is another effective tool, according to him.

For hypothyroidism, Axe suggests addressing underlying issues rather than solely using levothyroxine. He also suggests taking supplements like selenium, zinc, and ashwagandha to manage stress, improve gut health, and support thyroid function.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These suggestions are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication, supplement, or treatment plan.