When you get physically sick, you probably take some medication and make plans to see a doctor as soon as possible. Yet, there are many mental and physical conditions that people just accept as a part of everyday life.
You may take it for granted that these problems are a sign of getting older, or you may assume there’s nothing that can effectively treat the condition.
However, failing to address the following problems can put you at risk for other health conditions or decrease your overall quality of life.
Chronic Stress
Stress is cumulative because your brain will continue to release the stress hormone cortisol for as long as you feel pressure, tension, and anxiety.
If you’re not relieving stress consistently, those hormones will build up and force your immune system to focus on attacking those hormones.
As a result, your immune system will be compromised, and it will be less effective in fighting off health threats, such as cancer.
Higher stress levels also increase the risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
You can easily alleviate stress by taking time to relax and enjoy your life. Try meditating, playing a game, or taking a warm bath to help you feel less stressed.
Insufficient Sleep
While there are many sleep disorders that people experience, insomnia and sleep apnea are among the most common.
When you’re not getting enough sleep, or when your sleep is disrupted by frequent periods of wakefulness, your mental and physical health are affected.
During sleep, your mind recharges, processes the experiences of the previous day, and distributes various hormones that help the body function.
The body uses those hormones to repair tissue, build muscle, and protect against illness. You can sleep better and stay healthier by making sure your bedding is comfortable.
In addition to getting softer sheets and blankets, this may include wearing a sleep mask, putting in earplugs, and lowering the thermostat to 65 or 70 degrees.
Untreated Allergies
If you feel congested, experience runny eyes, or develop a skin rash, you may be suffering from some type of allergy.
While a doctor can diagnose this condition, it’s important to take steps to alleviate the symptoms to ensure they won’t worsen.
While there isn’t a cure for allergies, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
For example, getting an air purifier for the home can help reduce the allergens in the air. You should also vacuum carpets regularly and keep tiled or wood floors swept.
It can also help to change your clothes after returning home each day. Look for more ways to reduce the amount of pollen and other respiratory contaminants that may be in the air.
Back Pain
Treating back pain requires taking more care before you experience pain in your spine or back muscles.
In most cases, back pain is experienced by older adults who have spent their lives working in a sedentary position or spend most of their lives in a seated position.
You can avoid ending up with back problems later in life by taking better care of your back health now.
Concentrate on sitting with good posture, spend at least 30 minutes of each day engaged in high-intensity exercise, and use proper lifting and carrying techniques.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Digestive problems are rarely diagnosed because people feel uncomfortable discussing the symptoms with their doctors. Frequent diarrhoea is something that people don’t want to discuss.
The condition of irritable bowel syndrome is largely caused by mental health problems and stress, but poor gastrointestinal health also plays a significant part.
If you believe have IBS, you should consult your doctor for treatment. In the meantime, limit your consumption of carbonated beverages, large meals, and fried or high-fat foods.
You can also improve your digestive health by building up a more diverse gut microbiome. This involves eating more natural foods that contain helpful bacteria, such as probiotics and prebiotics. Look for fermented foods and foods high in natural fiber.
If you have tried to treat these conditions on your own with little success, talk to your doctor about your experiences.
A trained caregiver may have additional knowledge that can help you alleviate the symptoms of these conditions. Whether they prescribe medication or suggest natural lifestyle changes, your doctor can help you find better relief.
You can find much more information on living a holistic lifestyle in these free magazines and on our YouTube channel.
About the author: Sierra Powell graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Writing. When she’s not writing, she loves to cook, sew, and go hiking with her dogs. She recommends that everyone have an air purifier for home as they help keep the air clean and pure.
