If you’ve ever wondered how Big Pharma got its name – consider this as a possibility: It’s all about BIG MONEY.

Have a look at these spendy statistics released in 2008 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The figures that follow are for pharmaceutical drugs purchased in the United States for the year 2005. Americans spent a total of $199 billion (yes Billion) on outpatient prescription medications during the year!

The following are the 5 major income sources for drug makers:

• Ranked #1 at $36 billion were drugs prescribed to lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol or help with other metabolic problems. Drugs to control diabetes and to reduce obesity would fall into this category.
• Not far behind were cardiovascular drugs at $33 billion. These are aimed at treating high blood pressure and heart conditions.
• Next, at $26 billion, came central nervous system drugs including pain killers, sleep aid medications and drugs for Attention Deficit Disorder.
• Antidepressants followed at $17 billion. Included in this category are the antipsychotic drugs.
• Rounding out the top five categories were gastrointestinal drugs at $15 billion. This includes antacids and laxatives.

The sale of drugs in these 5 categories totals approximately $127 billion. This represents two/thirds of the total sales of $199 billion annually.

Natural healthcare, including Chiropractic and Acupuncture, has been prove to help relieve these conditions and more at a marked lower cost and with lasting, beneficial results!Source: The World Chiropractic Alliance. “Diabetes, Cholesterol, Anti-Obesity Drugs Top Consumer Prescription Medicine.” November 2008. http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2008/nov/n.htm