Regular Exercise, Natural Treatment or the Medicines, Which option is better to stay healthy

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining good health, there are two primary methods: taking medication and exercising regularly. Both treatments are found to be effective in treating various health conditions. However, an increasing number of people believe that regular exercise and natural treatment are better than taking medications. This paper will elaborate on why regular exercise and natural treatments are better than medicine.

Healthy Life Habits

Leading a healthy lifestyle is one way to prevent diseases, and physical exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in regular exercise helps manage and prevent common chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes (Dai et al., 2019). Exercise has also been found to reduce the risk of developing cancer, depression, and anxiety disorders (Craft & Perna, 2004).

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide (WHO, 2021). Physical exercise is thus a crucial factor in promoting good health and preventing diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle by choosing to engage in regular exercise is the better choice compared to relying on medicine to cure diseases.

Side Effects

Many medications prescribed to treat various diseases have side effects that can negatively affect the patient’s health. Some medication side effects can cause severe discomfort or medical emergencies that require immediate intervention. Additionally, many people are allergic or sensitive to specific medications, making them unsuitable for use.

Regular exercise, on the other hand, does not have any harmful side effects; instead, it has numerous benefits to the body. Exercise improves overall health, including cardiovascular health, bone strength, muscle strength, and flexibility. Regular exercise is also found to have multiple psychological benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, and increased self-esteem (Mandolesi et al., 2018). For patients who are medicine intolerant or have allergies, exercise is a safer option that can benefit their health without harmful side effects.

Healthcare Costs

The cost of healthcare in most countries has been rising at an alarming rate over the last decade. According to the National Health Expenditure Data, healthcare spending in the United States is steadily increasing, with a total of $3.6 trillion spent on healthcare services in 2018 (INPO, 2021). Many treatments and medications are costly, with some medications costing thousands of dollars per month.

Regular exercise and natural treatments, on the other hand, are cost-effective. Exercise is a low-cost method of preventing and managing chronic diseases, making it a preferred alternative to costly drugs. Natural remedies such as herbal treatments, acupuncture, and massages are also less expensive and have no negative impact on the body. People with a limited budget can opt for natural remedies and regular exercise instead of costly medications.

Dependency on Medications

Dependence on prescription medication is a growing health concern. Many people have become reliant on prescription medication, leading to addiction or long-term adverse effects on their health. Dependency on painkillers is one of the most common, with many people suffering from addiction, overdose, and death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 130 people in the United States die each day from opioid overdose (NIDA, 2021).

Regular exercise and natural remedies can help reduce dependency on prescription medication. Exercise has been found to decrease the feeling of pain and reduce the need for painkillers (Hassan et al., 2015). Natural remedies such as herbal treatments can also help manage chronic pain and reduce dependency on prescription medication. By opting for regular exercise and natural remedies, people can avoid becoming dependent on medication and experience fewer health risks.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer are common worldwide. These diseases require long-term management and medication. A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and natural remedies, can help prevent and manage chronic diseases.

Studies have shown that regular exercise can help manage chronic diseases such as diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and increasing insulin sensitivity (Borgnakke et al., 2012). Exercise is also effective in managing heart disease by reducing the risk of heart attacks and improving cardiovascular health (Chen et al., 2011). Natural remedies such as acupuncture have also found to be effective in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and allergies (Madsen et al., 2009).

Treatment

Regular exercise and natural treatments are better than medicine for several reasons. Exercise is a safer option that has numerous benefits to the body without harmful side effects. Exercise and natural treatments are cost-effective and help reduce the dependence on medications, which is a growing health concern. Natural remedies and regular exercise can also prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Leading a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and natural remedies is the preferred alternative to relying on medication to treat or manage diseases.