One study showed that a healthy lifestyle, free of tobacco and excess weight, reduced the risk of chronic disease by about 80 percent. Participants were less likely to suffer from heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. This research shows that it is possible to stay healthy without medication by adopting good health habits.
Follow the guide below, and you'll be sure to stay healthy without relying on medication.
How to stay healthy without medicine
1. Take a contrast shower every day
A contrast shower is a quick change of water temperature when you shower. Simply alternate the temperature of the water from hot to cold and back again in quick succession. Start with hot, go to cold, then back to hot. Do this several times, and you'll experience the benefits below, which will ensure good health and freedom from medication.
Immune system boost
Studies show that contrasting hot and cold water increases the production of white blood cells and disease-fighting immune cells, including monocytes. Taking a contrast shower can help prevent colds and flu.
Stress Management
Contrast showering can help the adrenal glands better manage stress. The sudden change from hot to cold can even increase energy levels. When your energy levels are high, you are better prepared to handle stress.
Improved blood circulation
A contrast shower improves blood circulation by increasing the production of lymphocytes and monocytes, two types of white blood cells. It has been shown to improve recovery from muscle injuries and can even promote weight loss.
Fighting depression
A contrast shower can relieve depression and stimulate blood flow to the brain. The temperature of the cold water triggers the release of endorphins, also known as norepinephrine. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and promote a sense of well-being. In addition, a contrast shower increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and other vital organs.
2. No fried foods
Fried foods have little nutritional value and are high in calories, fat and sodium, which leads to obesity and other health problems. Fried foods clog arteries, causing heart attacks and strokes. Most frying oils contain hydrogenated oil, which raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease. Some fried foods are also toxic to the brain. Below are some other dangers of fried foods.
Fried foods are addictive
In addition to its harmful health effects, fried foods are highly addictive. You can't resist the crunchy, crispy feeling of fried foods, but you should avoid eating them too often. Studies have shown that women who ate fried chicken daily, for example, were 13% more likely to die prematurely and from heart-related causes.
Fried foods can cause heart disease
A diet high in fried foods can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Researchers studied the relationship between fried food consumption and major cardiovascular events, and found that eating fried foods increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Frying, for example, strips the food of its nutrients, making it unhealthy to eat. You should do your best to avoid a fatty diet and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. By avoiding fried foods, you can stay healthier.
3. Take one-hour walks every day
Walking increases blood flow throughout your body and brain and calms your nervous system. The more you walk, the better off you'll be. Start slowly and try to walk at least one hour a day. If you've never exercised regularly, start by walking just five minutes a day. Then increase the time you spend walking by five minutes a week. Eventually, you should be able to walk for 60 minutes most days. It's a good idea to keep a record of how far you walk each day. Here are some of the benefits you'll enjoy.
Reduced risk of heart disease
Walking lowers blood pressure and strengthens your heart. For example, research has shown that postmenopausal women who walk 30 minutes a day for 24 weeks reduce their risk of stroke by 20%. If you want to improve your fitness, you can add walking to your daily regimen.
Walking promotes healthy blood sugar levels
Walking for an hour a day can help you lower your blood sugar levels. In fact, walking has been shown to reduce the overall risk of diabetes and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Best of all, walking requires no special equipment or training. You don't need to do it long or hard. An hour is ideal, but even a few minutes of walking a day is good for you.
4. Work-life balance
Even if your work is enjoyable, it can lead to fatigue, which can affect your health and force you to use prescription drugs. So instead of waiting for your job to push you to take medication, why not find a balance that keeps you healthy?
It's important to remember that work-life balance is not a myth. You can have a successful career without neglecting your personal life. To achieve a healthy work-life balance, find a way to manage your time so you can still be productive without compromising your health.
Of course, there's no denying that finding a healthy work-life balance can often be difficult, especially if you're facing strict work deadlines. The solution in such circumstances is to avoid scheduling things in a row and try not to overcommit.
5. Be socially connected
Staying socially connected is a healthy hack that you should put into practice immediately. This doesn't mean you have to be popular. Rather, it's about enjoying the company of others. You will feel better and be more energetic if you have a network of healthy relationships.
These connections help you cope with difficult times and get the support you need. Plus, being socially connected can reduce stress. As a result, your health will improve, eliminating the need for medication. You don't need to have a very large social circle. Just a strong network of friends or family can help you stay healthy.
6. Help others
Helping others has proven to be one of the best ways to stay healthy without medication. It is an act of putting the needs of others before your own. It doesn't have to be complicated. Something as simple as giving up your seat on the train to another passenger who you feel deserves it will go a long way toward keeping you healthy. It always feels good to do something nice for others, and it's often the small things you do for others that count the most.
Some things you can do include volunteering in your local communities, visiting a lonely neighbor, using your expertise to mentor others, helping children with school activities, and sharing skills with friends and family.
7. Stay true to yourself
Staying true to yourself is the most common method of staying healthy and fit. It brings a sense of joy, great spirit and confidence into your life. The key is to find ways to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. For example, you can start cooking more at home and eating healthier meals. Here are some other things you can do to be true to yourself.
Create time for yourself
Make time each day for your hobbies, a walk or a fun activity. Set aside time for meaningful relationships, ask for help if needed, and take care of yourself by getting enough rest and food. If you feel stressed, make sure you get the support you need.
Keep a journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to learn about yourself. You will feel more confident and relaxed if you write down what makes you anxious or depressed. Once you write about your feelings, you will feel much better.
Final Thoughts
The only reason you should take medication is if you need to treat properly diagnosed conditions. Otherwise, you should try as much as possible to discourage the idea that you can rely on medication to stay healthy. Don't be fooled by the proliferation of prescriptions that promise to keep you healthy, as taking these medications can have side effects that cause you long-term damage. Keep it simple. Apply this guide to your daily routine, and soon your body will be less dependent on medication, allowing you to stay healthy without incurring unnecessary expenses on drugs. Of course, some illnesses will require medical attention, so don't hesitate to see your doctor whenever your body has problems that seem out of the ordinary.