It's a fact that individuals with common health conditions take drugs to alleviate pain or treat other conditions. Aside from the fact, that these drugs are expensive, they may also bring unwanted side effects. The side effects of over-the-counter and prescription drugs vary depending on the condition that is treated. Nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, vomiting, and upset stomach are some of the common conditions that may be encountered with drug use. In addition to these effects, many medical researches show that in the long run, frequent use of medication for various ailments may lead to the development of terminal illness like liver disease. Instead of taking medicines, individuals with certain ailments may try non-pharmaceutical approaches like engaging in exercise and partaking in healthy diets. Below are some of the conditions whose symptoms can be alleviated by exercise and diet.

Arthritis

By exercising and dieting there's a good chance that weight loss or maintaining ideal weight will make arthritis less painful. This is because excess weight may put excess pressure and tension on the joints and cause additional pain. Weight loss may also increase mobility. Individuals with arthritis may engage in aquatic workouts to receive the benefits of exercise without putting too much pressure on the joints. Even for those who don't need to lose weight, exercise that doesn't put ?load? on the joints reduces pain.

Cholesterol

The Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) may be reduced by up to five percent if foods that are high in saturated fat are avoided. Consuming food that are high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, whole wheat products, among others may reduce LDL levels and increase High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL).

Cognitive Decline

Maintaining a physically active lifestyle by engaging in aerobic exercise may not only enable one to attain their ideal physique but also keep the mind sharp. Many researches suggest that about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, three days a week may reduce cognitive decline in older adults. Memory training and other ?brain exercises? seem to help healthy older people stay sharp.

Depression

Studies show that regular physical activity may reduce depression and anxiety by promoting the release of hormones called endorphins. Short for endogenous morphine, these hormones help promote a sense of bliss and well-being. This effect is called by many health and fitness experts call this effect the ?runner's high.?

Diabetes

Regular physical activity may regulate the blood sugar levels because exercised muscles may become less receptive to the insulin that helps it eliminate sugar from the blood stream. Cutting down the sweets and bad carbohydrates from one's diet may also help.

High Blood Pressure

Weight-loss coupled with regular physical activity and eating less sodium may lessen blood pressure.

Osteoporosis

Engaging in weight-bearing or resistance exercises also help strengthen the bones and slow-down the osteoporotic process. Maintaining a diet high in calcium and vitamin D may also help.

Exercise and diet do not work like magic. It takes time to attain its health benefits, so one should never be discouraged. In addition, individuals who want to make changes in their physical and eating regimens are advised to seek a doctor's approval to achieve optimum effects of such changes.