Maintaining good health can be complicated. With the rush of the workday, the lack of time in daily routine, and the ability to ignore discomfort, many people are finding themselves stuck in a downhill spiral.
What’s worse is that a Band-Aid type of solution often feels like the only thing we have time for.
Afterall, it is easy to pop a couple of anti-inflammatory medications for a headache rather than ask yourself where the headache is coming from in the first place. What we fail to remember is that this temporary fix is, well, only temporary.
What’s the solution? Functional Medicine offers some insights.
Functional Medicine addresses the actual problem rather than treating the symptoms itself. Plus, many functional medicine treatments are natural, which means you can adopt these simple habits yourself.
Here are a few Functional Medicine ideas that will improve your overall health and curb some of those pesky issues you might be dealing with.
Proper Hydration
Studies have shown that the average human being does not consume the recommended 2.7 Liters of water daily. Dehydration can lead to many discomforts, such as headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, and in severe cases, decreased kidney function. One way to ensure good health is to be mindful of your daily water intake.
Pack Your Lunch
Even the most health-conscious among us are guilty of running late and resorting to fast-food. Though some restaurants offer healthier options, when those cravings take over it’s easy to choose those not-so-nutritious menu items. By carefully planning and bringing your lunch from home, you take charge of your nutrition which impacts your workday and your overall health. Plus, you’ll save money when compared to the expense of take-out.
Manage Stress
Our mental and emotional health can have a negative effect on our physical health. For example, during stress your body releases higher amounts of cortisol, and this chemical can lead to stomach ulcers, joint pain, and other health issues. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, a new hobby, or counseling can help reduce these effects.
Quit Smoking
You probably know this already, but smoking is bad for your health and those around you who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Although quitting is hard, the immediate benefits are worth it such as a lowered risk of lung and heart disease. If you want to kick the habit, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to you that will help you curb those cravings in a healthy and effective manner.
Exercise
Finding the time to exercise during your busy day is key to maintaining your health. By exercising, you are improving brain function while drastically reducing your risk for diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and many others. Set some time aside in your busy schedule for brisk walk, a bicycle ride, or another activity you love. Your body will thank you for it.
Making changes to your lifestyle can be difficult, but one small step in the right direction can work wonders—and these changes are bound to change your health for the better naturally, which is what Functional Medicine is all about.
