Tips for Relying Less on Medication

Advances are constantly being made in medicine, and there are definitely many medical situations that call for the use of medication. With that said, when medications are not absolutely necessary, there is something to be said for taking the “all natural” route. Sometimes, after all, it can be better to seek a natural remedy over buying something over the counter. Here are some tips for relying less on medication and seeking more natural remedies.



Seek professional help when necessary.

First, it’s important to underline that sometimes professional help is necessary if you seek to become less dependent on medication. In the case of painkiller dependency or addiction, for example, you should definitely see a specialist for help in managing withdrawal symptoms, as this article details. In addition, before going off of any prescription medication, you should talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options (and about whether going off of a medication is even a good idea in the first place).

Give your body the nutrients it needs.

Many people underestimate the influence that diet can have on physical health. But think about it—the food you eat is what your body runs on. Eating a well-balanced diet can change your body’s chemistry and help it work more properly. Think of your body as a car with lots of different functions. Each function has a certain type of fluid it needs (gas, radiator fluid, oil, coolant etc.) If you give your car the wrong fluids, it might function for a bit, but slowly start glitching out and breaking down. Your body is a complex machine and needs many different types of fuels (protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins etc.) Give your body the right balance of these fuels, and your organs will run at their best. If you don’t know how to give your body the perfect fuel, consider multi-vitamins or a natural drink supplement like matcha.



Adapt your diet to your needs.

How you tailor your diet to your needs can influence your health significantly. For certain medical conditions, sometimes observing a particular type of diet can take the place of relying on medication. If you have high cholesterol, for example, then cutting red meat out of your diet can eliminate the need for medication. As with any major dietary change, of course, you should talk with your doctor about what dietary adjustments you can make in order to accommodate certain medical needs you have.

Lose a few pounds if necessary.

If you are overweight, then losing a few pounds can definitely help you become less reliant on medication. Doctors frequently tell their patients that it would be wise to lose excess weight, and it is for good reason. Reaching your ideal weight can take major stress off of your bones and organs, and it will reduce your risk of developing a variety of medical conditions in the future. If you’re currently on medication and wish that you weren’t, talk to your doctor about whether losing some weight could contribute to better health.

Get adequate sleep.

Don't underestimate the positive effects that getting adequate sleep can have on your body. Getting the rest you need on a daily basis can reduce your risk of heart disease—and help you have the energy and positive outlook needed to make healthy choices throughout the day.



Seek natural remedies.

There are a variety of natural remedies for minor conditions that can take the place of medication. For a medical condition such as a headache, try looking up a natural remedy before pulling out the Tylenol or Midol. Here are a few examples of simple at-home remedies:

• - For the common cold, try drinking some spice tea.
• - For an earache, try heating a teaspoon of minced garlic and two tablespoons of sesame oil, then cooling and filtering the oil. Drop two to three drops of your garlic oil in your aching ear.
• - For a headache, try massaging some lavender oil into your temples, forehead, and scalp. Then lay back and relax, taking in the therapeutic aroma.
• - For menstrual cramps, try drinking some raspberry tea and placing a hot pad on the aching area.
• - For a sore throat, try gargling with salt water.
• - For stress, try going on a run or working out at the gym.
• - For a toothache, try creating a paste with equal amounts of salt and pepper and a few drops of water. Apply on the affected tooth and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.