The human body is the amazing result of millions of years of biological evolution. As the dominant species on this planet, we’ve been able to shape and reshape our environment to suit us better for survival. But, when it comes to our own health, we seem to still be learning a great deal.

If you have ever stayed up late at night watching TV, you’ve probably viewed numerous ads and infomercials that set out to market and sell over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs. If you have any ailment, there’s probably a pill, a cream, or a dose of some medication that claims to alleviate your symptoms. 

In the world of OTC medication, we also find that most of these medicines are placed on the market without intensive clinical trials, which is why ads listing the side effects of some medicines are common.

But, instead of relying on OTC or prescription drugs (and their side effects), you might want to consider time-tested, natural healing methods instead.

Take the Health Journey

Health is not simply a word that means a state of being, free from injury or illness. Though the aforementioned is the definition of health, to be healthy or to live a healthy lifestyle is one that requires effort. And, to do this, you might consider taking a health journey.

It’s often said that healing is a journey, not a destination. This is true in the sense that you cannot expect to become healthy overnight. First, you must take the necessary steps to get to this place, and this is what the health journey is all about.

Become aware of your bodily rhythms. This is the first step in recognizing the areas that you wish to improve. After you’ve isolated the areas of your life and body that you wish to make better, outline a plan to get you there. 

A health journey can include, but is certainly not limited to, the following:

• Regular Exercise 
• Wholesome Diet
• Reducing Exposure to Stress
• Practicing Cleanliness
• Meditation Exercises 
• Spiritual Healing
• Holistic Healing
• Homeopathic Therapy

No matter the path you choose, these are all options you can consider and implement in order to bring yourself into a much healthier lifestyle.

Eliminating Side-Effects

Nobody likes to hear the term “oily discharge.” Yet, this is a side-effect common with numerous medications, prescription or OTC. Other side effects can include itching, burning, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, and the list goes on. In some cases, it’s almost as if the medication actually causes an illness when considering the side effects.

Popular OTC medications are also the subject of extensive lawsuits. Zantac for instance, a heartburn medication, is one of the more recent examples. Some individuals who have taken this medication have developed cancer and are considering class-action lawsuits against the company.

Instead of worrying about side effects, consider checking into holistic and natural healing remedies, an often unexplored avenue that has little to no hazardous or life-threatening side effects at all. The leading contributor to heartburn is the foods we consume. Drinking water, eating a well-balanced diet, and eliminating alcohol from your diet, will drastically reduce the uncomfortable side effects of heartburn.

Meditation Benefits 

Meditation might seem like something a little “far out” or something out of the New Age movement, but it’s actually far from it. 

Meditation practices here in the West have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly within the past decade. Scientific studies have even proven the health benefits of regular meditation, and it’s becoming one of the more attractive options for reducing health problems. 

Meditation reduces stress, a key factor that contributes to chronic illness. The practice helps to improve brain activity, memory, motor function, and actually helps keep the immune system healthy (largely due to reduced stress).

Chances are, you have access to tools, books, and individuals who can guide you into learning a meditation routine. With this practice at your side, you’ll find yourself in a much healthier state of mind, and you probably soon won’t have to worry about the side effects associated with taking OTC or prescription drugs. 

Health is essential for living life to your fullest potential. Without health, you’re sure to miss out on a whole array of wonderful opportunities and activities that life has to offer.

Instead of relying on medication to get you through your ailments, it might be worth looking into natural remedies and practices. Even if you decide against these methods, you’ll at least know that you have natural options.