Swap the Bottles of Pills for a Healthy Lifestyle
Have you noticed all of television ads for medications that claim to be the answer to your physical problems? Whether you are dealing with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, acid reflux or other conditions, it seems that some pharmaceutical company has the solution. Companies are betting that when you see the happy actors posing as people who have found a "cure," that will convince you to ask your doctor for the medications being promoted. What you need to know is that changing your diet and lifestyle can improve your health. Many people have been able to get off medications completely or take the minimal amount needed to keep a condition under control.
Many chronic health conditions have the same causes. High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol all have something in common. For the most part, these conditions can be traced back to unhealthy eating and limited physical activity.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure occurs when the blood volume increases due to fluid retention. When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, pressure is exerted on the artery walls. When the pressure in the artery walls is higher than normal, it is called high blood pressure. Eating too much salt (sodium) can cause fluid retention which is why a daily diet of processed foods like deli meats, canned soups, cured meats and frozen dinners can raise the blood pressure. Additionally, when an individual is overweight, the heart must work even harder to pump blood throughout the body. To lower blood pressure the Mayo Clinic's recommendations include losing weight, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods and eating less sodium.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (formerly adult onset diabetes) is another condition that is impacted by food choices and a sedentary lifestyle. When a person has type 2 diabetes, he or she does not make enough insulin or is insulin resistant which means that the body cannot use insulin efficiently. Excess weight may be a factor in insulin resistance.The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include age, overweight, and heredity. People are developing type 2 diabetes at a young age because of excessive consumption of high fat and high carbohydrate foods like fast foods, soft drinks, etc. coupled with limited physical activity. Although diabetes may be hereditary in some people, the amount of medication needed for control can be reduced and in some cases eliminated when a diabetic chooses healthy foods and increases physical activity.
Elevated Cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol is another issue that results in individuals needing cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins. Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance that is generally present in foods that are also high in fat. Cholesterol can clog the arteries and cause them to become smaller, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Think back to how too much sodium can increase the blood volume and make the heart work harder. Add to that narrowed arteries and you can see how dangerous the combination can be. Excess cholesterol also causes atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Medications Only Treat Not Prevent
Medications can treat these conditions but medications do not prevent them. However, healthy eating and physical activity which lead to healthy weight, can in many instances help even a person who is predisposed to these conditions avoid them or postpone their onset. Persons who decide to swap unhealthy foods for nutrient dense foods, replace soft drinks with water and who engage in at least 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week in many cases may no longer need medication or can significantly reduce the amount of medication needed. They lose weight, feel better, and have a more positive attitude.
If you are dealing with conditions related to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise, consider a lifestyle change. Talk with your healthcare provider about your goals. Most likely if you make progress he or she will work with you to stop or reduce the medication you may be taking.