When faced with common bodily ailments, reaching for medication can easily become an automatic response. What many people don’t consider, however, is the potential for a natural, drug-free treatment to provide similar benefits. Doctors, too, are often too quick to whip out their prescription pads to address health concerns without suggesting lifestyle changes or holistic alternatives first. Harvard and the London School of Economics researchers have identified exercise as a frequently overlooked yet highly effective treatment option. Not only is it free, but regular physical activity can also offer benefits on par with, if not exceeding, those of pharmaceuticals for various conditions.
Comparing exercise and drug interventions
Researchers analyzed data from 305 randomized, controlled medical trials comprising roughly 340,000 participants. Their findings revealed no distinguishable differences between exercise and drug interventions for certain conditions, such as secondary prevention of heart disease and prevention of diabetes. In the case of stroke patients, exercise was even more effective than drug treatment. Only for heart failure did diuretic drugs proved more effective than exercise and other types of prescriptions.
Despite these promising findings, the researchers argue that further studies into the benefits of exercise are necessary. Such research would help medical professionals and patients understand the specific situations in which drugs may only offer minor improvements, and exercise could yield more lasting and significant health gains.
Early indications suggest that exercise is potentially as effective as many drug interventions, and patients deserve to know the relative impact of physical activity on their conditions. Nevertheless, the current average American fills around a dozen prescriptions a year, while fewer than 20% of people in the U.S. exercise consistently.
Suggested forms of exercise for various conditions
When it comes to incorporating physical activity into your daily life, the type of exercise best-suited to you will depend on factors like personal preferences, physical abilities, and the condition in question. The following exercise recommendations are shown to be particularly beneficial for certain ailments:
- Arthritis: Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and yoga can help maintain joint mobility and manage pain.
- Asthma: Swimming is a popular choice for asthma sufferers, thanks to the warm, humid environment of most pools. Other options include walking, hiking, and cycling.
- Diabetes: A combination of aerobic exercises like jogging, dancing, or swimming and resistance training on at least three days a week can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Back pain: Movements that focus on strengthening, stretching, and maintaining the back’s flexibility, such as weight training, swimming, and yoga, can alleviate discomfort.
- Heart disease: Moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga provide cardiovascular benefits without straining the heart.
Tips for starting an exercise routine
If you’re not used to regular exercise, the prospect of implementing a new physical routine can be daunting. It’s important to start slow, set realistic goals, and consistently build on your progress. Begin with incorporating some form of moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or bike riding for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Once you feel comfortable with this level, try gradually increasing the intensity and duration so that these activities eventually become a daily habit.
Additionally, make the experience more enjoyable by involving friends, listening to music, or joining a club. Having a workout buddy not only increases your odds of sticking to an exercise plan but can also create social opportunities. Finally, be patient with yourself and remember that meaningful change takes time – stay consistent, and the results will follow.
Consult with a healthcare professional
While exercise has the potential to serve as an alternative to drugs for many health concerns, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to prescription medications. Discuss your specific circumstances with a doctor and inquire about the possible benefits of implementing an exercise routine as part of your treatment plan. With the right guidance, you may find that getting your body moving provides the same, if not superior, results compared to a prescription medication.
