When We Ask if You're on Drugs, it's Not What You Think.

There is a very simple question that we ask our patients during an office visit:  Are you taking any medications right now?  For some reason, the longer someone takes a drug, the less they consider it a "medication."  This happens most often with patients taking blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs. These drugs serve a short term purpose to make your body think your levels are under control, but staying on them for the rest of your life isn't a good long term health plan.  And just because you're used to them, doesn't mean you're not taking "medicine."

According to johnshopkinshealthalerts.com, blood pressure meds have some pretty rotten side effects, including: Constipation, dizziness, frequent urination,  potassium loss, swollen or bleeding gums, upset stomach and more.  According to WebMD, cholesterol drug side effects are even worse: Abnormal liver function, muscle aches, skin rashes, and even decreased sexual drive.  Feeling any of these side effects shouldn't be normal. So what if you could stop taking those medications?  It's possible.  Really.

The way to kick this drug habit for many people is simply living a healthier lifestyle.  That means eating better, exercising, and getting the right vitamins and mineral balance in your body. That's really what chiropractic care is all about.  So many of the symptoms of high blood pressure and high cholesterol are directly related to what you do with your body.  Eating high fat meals, smoking, too much sodium in processed foods, being overweight; these are some of the root causes of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  Change your lifestyle, and you'll change your life.

Taking a pill might be easier, but in the long run you'll still be unhealthy. Why do patients agree to a lifetime commitment to a drug, but won't make a lifetime commitment to themselves?  It is hard.  We know that.  But that's why we're here.  As Chiropractic Physicians, we treat patients so that their body can find a balance and work at its best.  Why not make being healthy your new "drug."  Then when we ask if you're on any medications, you can say "no" and really mean it.