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Subsidized Medication for All
Subsidized Medication for All
Why are vitamins, supplements and/or herbal medicine not subsidized? The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) currently subsidize the greater majority of pharmaceutical medications within Australia. Brilliant, fair system, not perfect but allows for the effective management of medications in Australia to become accessible to most people. There are cracks and flaws and small print however overall, it works for those needing to take pharmaceutical medications.
That brings me to vitamins, herbs and supplements, complementary medicine, complementing pharmaceutical medications. Those who know the origin of pharmaceutical medicine know it was from plants that the chemical constituents were studied then extracted to create things like aspirin from white willow bark. Plant or traditional medicine were the building blocks to an apothecary of pharmaceutical medications we have now created, enhanced and synthesized to mimic the active constituents that were discovered from plants.
As an Integrative Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, I embrace the collaboration of all treatments that do no harm and support an autonomous holistic system. Education is the key to empowerment and yet complementary medications are not government subsidized. To name but a few the most common complementary products recommended are calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, B12, B3, B1, B multivitamin, CoQ10, ginger, turmeric, probiotics and essential fatty acids. These products are your standards and there are many more. If I were to access my medication from this list, I would pay full price, no subsidies because essential complementary medicine is not PBS supported.
To prevent inferior products entering the market or brands dictated to by clever marketing by trusted practitioners it is time for complementary medicines to have a seat at the table or at least for the top 6 consumer chosen products to be subsidized. If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware there is a tradeoff and some of these supplements will be necessary to bring the body chemistry back into balance. This is an holistic approach to healthcare.
Information and Education
Information and Education
Calcium
Q. Why do we need Calcium?
bones maintain the structural integrity of the body
for teeth, hair, skin and nails.
for nerve transmission from the brain to all parts of the body.
for muscle contraction and expansion of blood vessels.
including the heart, regulating heart rhythms and blood clotting.
Q. What conditions require increased intake?
A. Osteoporosis, osteopenia, hypocalcemia, osteomalacia, post-menopausal, chronic kidney disease, GIT disorders, parathyroid disorders, thyroid surgery, pregnancy, restless legs and vegans.
Q. What forms are best absorbed?
1. Calcium glycinate, gentle, well absorbed 2. Calcium Citrate, reflux friendly, less constipation 3. Hydroxyapatite, larger particles, survives stomach acid breakdown 4. Calcium carbonate, acidic breakdown, low absorption, high risk of spurs 5. Phosphate, lactate and gluconate are lower in available calcium. Calcium is best absorbed of a night when the body is at rest.
Q. What are the methods of delivery?
A. Tablets due to the convenience are the most popular, Powders and Liquids are well absorbed and are dose controlled, Chewables are convenient for those who cannot tolerate the above forms
Q. What dose and co-factors are best for the absorption of Calcium?
A. Vitamin D is at the top of the list for co-factor absorption with 1000iu for each dose of 500mg or less of calcium (depending on diet and condition) unless otherwise advised by a GP or Specialist for a Compounded mega dose particularly for people with osteoporosis taking prolia.
Magnesium and calcium are chemical compound best friends while calcium contracts the muscle magnesium relaxes them. Vitmain K2 create osteoclasts and osteoblasts within the bone matrix, Zinc and Boron.
All of these essential nutrients work synergistically to ensure calcium is optimally absorbed. Without these cofactors calcium cannot function effectively leading to poor bone health, vascular calcification and bone spurs.
Q. Dietary, Lifestyle Factors and Medication Effects
A. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, leafy green vegetables, fortified foods soy milk and bread and fish with edible bones including sardines.
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