A shocking 59 percent of all Americans take some type of prescription medication, and this number has been rapidly increasing throughout the last decade. Additionally, a continuously growing list of people need to undergo a variety of medical procedures each year, many of which involve potentially harmful substances.
With this in mind, it is no wonder that a third of Americans are now turning to some type of alternative medicine in order to reduce their consumption of pharmaceuticals. Fortunately, there are numerous natural options that have been scientifically proven to help with several different medical conditions.
1. Curcumin has Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to an infection or emotional distress, but it can be painful and lead to intestinal issues. Additionally, inflammation is linked to heart disease and can damage your joints. Fortunately, curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory. This turmeric component actually works at a molecular level to block the damaging effects of inflammation. In other words, adding curcumin to your diet could be a wise choice if you suffer from chronic inflammation.
2. Walking Can Prevent or Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Walking is widely regarded as one of the best and easiest ways to manage or even prevent type 2 diabetes. It is highly recommended for everyone with a blood sugar issue to walk at least 30 minutes per day, and this is also a great way for pre-diabetics to reverse course before they end up relying on insulin shots. As an added bonus, walking is a proven stress reliever and also helps minimize the risk of several other potential heath complications, including heart disease.
3. Honey Treats Wounds
The saying “everything old is new again” is definitely true when it comes to fashion, but medical honey has recently brought this adage to life for those who utilize surgical supplies. In fact, the practice of using honey to treat wounds dates back to at least 2200 BCE, and it has recently experienced a resurgence.
This is due in part to modern issues with antibiotic resistance. Studies into the usage of medical honey have found that 86 percent of infections are completely debrided, and more than 3/4 of test subjects did not end up requiring surgery.
4. Ginger Relieves Nausea
Ginger has long been used to soothe an upset stomach, and medical research has found that it is often effective at relieving the symptoms of nausea that are associated with chemotherapy. A 40 percent nausea reduction can be achieved with only a fourth of a teaspoon of ginger, which makes this a simple natural remedy. In other words, your parents were right when they claimed that ginger ale would settle your stomach!
5. Bananas Offer a Natural Antacid
The burning sensation in your chest that accompanies acid reflux is not only uncomfortable but it can even lead to cancer in some rare instances. In order to alleviate or even prevent the pain of acid reflux, it is best to add bananas to your daily diet. This potassium rich food naturally reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, and it also makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and digest food.
6. Meditation Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Extensive medical studies have found that utilizing mindfulness mediation at least twice a day for five minutes per session is a good way to reduce depression, anxiety and pain. The practice of daily mediation also offers emotional regulation benefits, which makes it a good resource for people with Asperger’s syndrome.
Perhaps the best part of utilizing mediation is that anyone can do it, and you do not need any special tools or equipment. However, many people find that it is easier to enter a meditative state if they listen to calming music or burn a specific scent of incense during their mediation session.
7. Water Can Help Alleviate Headaches
Headaches are a major indicator of dehydration, so the next time you feel this type of pressure starting in your head, reach for a glass of water instead of a painkiller. Keep in mind that it is important for people to remain hydrated throughout the day.
In other words, if you frequently experience headaches at a specific time of day, take the time to review your drinking habits. It is highly likely that your headaches are preceded by an extended period of time without water. If you work in an environment that won’t allow you to have water on hand, be sure to take breaks at the water cooler.
8. Reading Has Been Shown to Reduce Cognitive Decline
Keeping your brain active throughout your entire life is one of the best ways to stave off the potentially devastating effects of cognitive decline. There are several things that you can do to ensure that your brain remains engaged, including reading, writing and solving crossword puzzles. Combining these techniques with regular exercise and a healthy diet will give your brain the best possible chance at avoiding dementia or other serious forms of cognitive decline.
9. Frankincense is a Natural Pain Reliever
Arthritis can be very painful, and numerous studies have been conducted in an effort to find a suitable natural pain reliever than can help people who are afflicted with this condition. Some of the most interesting research centers on the usage of frankincense to provide natural pain relief.
The active component in frankincense, boswellic acid, has shown a marked reduction in pain for people with osteoarthritis and knee problems. Mobility improvements were also experienced by test subjects who were given a daily frankincense supplement.
10. Green Tea Helps Prevent Coronary Heart Disease
Green tea has been repeatedly linked to health benefits, including a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Researchers believe that drinking three cups of green or black tea per day will naturally lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and your risk of having a heart attack will also drop by 11 percent. Although this is not an extremely high percentage, it is definitely noteworthy for people who have a family history of heart disease.
Along with walking, mediation and natural food options, you can also turn to massage therapy to significantly benefit your health. Now that you know some scientifically proven ways to manage health issues and risks without adding harsh chemicals into your system, you can begin naturally combating problems such as acid reflux and nausea.
Featured photo credit: Krystal Hotels via flic.kr
BY HOLLY CHAVEZ
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