One third of Americans turn to alternative medicine

According to new studies from the National Institutes of Health, about 33 percent of Americans look for help outside of a doctor's office for help. Alternative medicines are used for additional help to relieve stress, to improve general health, to get rid of pain from long-lasting conditions, and to help with many other symptoms.

CNN states that "fish oil, probiotics, melatonin, deep breathing, chiropractors and yoga" were some of the more commonly reported alternatives Americans use in place of their doctor's help. Overall, natural products, such as dietary supplements other than vitamins, remain the most common unconventional medicine.

“People turn to complementary and alternative medicine for pain,” Dr. Josephine Briggs, who heads the NCCIH, told a news conference. “They are not used as alternatives to standard, proven therapies but as a complement to standard care.”

While the majority of Americans use alternative medicine alongside traditional care, around 5% of Americans use alternative medicine exclusively.

There is concern about if these therapies work and their safety. They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration differently from the way that prescriptions, food and drinks are.

Because of this, patients are heavily encouraged to tell their doctors what they are taking. “It is important for primary care physicians to ask patients about their use, particularly dietary supplements,” Briggs says.

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