The number of Americans choosing natural healthcare options, such as acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic care and other remedies, is increasing. A recent government study showed that during 2012, Americans spent:
- $14.7 billion out-of-pocket on visits to complementary practitioners like chiropractors, yoga instructors, acupuncturists, or massage therapists – almost 30% of what people spent on traditional medical services.
- $12.8 billion on natural product supplements, which was around one-quarter of what people spent on prescription drugs.
- $2.7 billion on books, CDs, videos, and other self-help materials related to complementary health.
This spending accounted for just over 9% of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures and approximately 1% of all money spent on healthcare in the United States. However, many natural healthcare options are free, and your body can yield quick results from simple changes in lifestyle.
Improving your health with natural care
Adopting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. For example, these simple changes to your exercise habits and diet can boost your heart and mind’s health:
- Engaging in brain teasers: Activities like crossword puzzles can stimulate brain activity.
- Taking daily walks: Physical fitness is important for overall health.
- Eating small meals frequently: Consuming five small meals per day helps prevent sharp drops in blood sugar.
- Eating more omega-3 fats: Found in fish and fish oil, omega-3 fats have numerous health benefits.
- Eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: These nutrients can help protect your body from diseases.
- Avoiding high-glycemic foods: Stay away from white bread, cakes, cookies, and other processed foods that spike blood sugar.
- Consuming low-glycemic carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, spinach, cherries, grapefruit, and other foods that have a low glycemic index.
- Controlling stress with relaxation exercises: Meditation can help you manage your stress levels better.
Implementing these lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your health in a short time.
The benefits of natural healthcare
Choosing a natural healthcare approach isn’t just about long-term benefits; you’ll likely see immediate results. Increasing exercise and eating more healthily can help you feel better very quickly. Plus, it could save you money on expensive medications, such as statin drugs, that come with possible health risks—like increased diabetes risk or muscle weakness.
By opting for natural healthcare methods, you and many others can achieve real, safe, and lasting results without breaking the bank.
