For many years, like most people, I have had ailments and illnesses, aches and pains and have sought advice and treatment from doctors; all who have prescribed many pills, remedies and treatments, not all of which have been successful, and the conditions persisted.  I am sure everyone out there can relate to this.

After my divorce and leaving a job in which I had become very depressed and unhappy, I sold my house and moved to Florida hoping the change would help.  Unfortunately, although I enjoyed the the bountiful sun and warmth of Florida I sunk deeper and deeper into depression.  I ate very little and not at all properly, my weight dropped significantly.  I had no energy and no enthusiasm or incentive to do anything, I lost interest in just about everything.  I half-heartedly looked for a new job but I could not shake the overwhelming sadness, loneliness and homesickness I was going through.  Finally I decided that if I were tohave any chance of getting better I had to return home to familiar surroundings and people, and thank goodness that I did.

Shortly after returning a very dear friend and I got back in touch with each other and upon meeting, my friend was startled at the condition I was in, and recommended that I call the Holistic doctor that they had been seeing.  I called and got an appointment and what I learned was amazing.

Before going to Florida I had been diagnosed with arthritis in my shoulder, which froze up on me whilst I was there and required physical therapy, and I was also having problems with my knees swelling and giving out on me.  I was taking Vioxx and Celebrex and an anxiety medication for my depression, plus iron for anemia. All of which was duly noted in my new file with the herbalist, along with other vital health information.  Then I was asked to give a blood, saliva and urine sample, which would be tested right there.

While waiting for the test results the herbalist talked to me about the benefits of herbs, vitamins and minerals and how with the right combination many ailments can be helped and some completely eliminated.  Eventually my results came in and I was shocked by them. They showed that I was suffering from malnutrition, my sugar and salt levels were way off and basically my whole body was full of toxins.  The tests also showed that I was by no means drinking enough water.  From these few simple tests the herbalist knew exactly which combination of supplements I needed.

I had to stop my my medications and was put on a regimen of not only plenty of water but about sixteen different things, most of which I had to take three times a day for a month until I was retested.  I really wanted to get back to feeling better so I faithfully followed the program, and slowly began to feel some improvement.

On my next visit and after being retested I was amazed at the results.  The toxicity of my body had been dramatically reduced, my salt and sugar levels were much better and my water intake showed much improvement.  I was told that in one month I had achieved more than most people do in three months.  I felt quite proud of myself.  From then on, with a few minor adjustments to my stash of supplements my health greatly improved.  My arthritis disappeared, my knees got better and never had to get the Vioxx or Celebrex again.

My experience with Holistic medicine has been an astounding trip for me and has shown me that there is a lot to be said for things that Mother Nature gives us in her natural form.  Today I still take some of them but do not need the quantities I did when I started the program.  Believe me, they can be very beneficial and these programs are worth checking into, but be sure to check the credentials of the people providing the service and the products supplied.  The best ones of course are the All Natural and filler free, that way you are assured of getting the full dosage and benefit.  The products I used and highly recommend are from Nature's Sunshine.  By going to their website you will find a host of products which are available to the public, or you can sign up to be a member and receive member discounts on all of their products.

One last thing, always check with your doctor before starting, adding or stopping any medications, and for any possible interactions that there may be.