Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have released a report stating that 70% of Americans are on at least one prescription drug, 50% are on at least two prescriptions, and a startling 20% are on at least 5 prescriptions.  The researchers report that antidepressants, pain killers, and antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed medications.  These numbers are staggering, especially when combined with a 2011 study stating that over 4 billion prescriptions were written in the U.S. that year.  Interestingly, one of the most commonly prescribed medications is an antidepressant which suggests that mental health is a prominent issue in America.  The fact that opioids, a powerful pain medication, is so commonly dispersed is also alarming, particularly because they are highly addictive. American medicine needs to shift its thinking to a natural approach and distance itself from treatment decisions influenced largely by the pharmaceutical industry.  We recommend all of our patients review and research their prescription medications with their family physician to see if there is an effective natural alternative.