The Mediterranean Diet has been getting a ton of recognition by health experts over the last few decades–and for good reason. Research shows it not only supports weight management but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases, paving the way for a longer, healthier life. But what exactly is it, and how can you make it a part of your healthy lifestyle routine?
Use this guide to discover how to start the Mediterranean Diet, what health benefits it has to offer, and some delectable meal ideas to kickstart your journey.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet–inspired by the culinary traditions of Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece–prioritizes whole, natural foods, lean animal protein, and healthy fats.
Here’s the essence of this approach to eating:
- Plenty of plant foods. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Opt for minimally processed, seasonally fresh, and locally grown when possible.
- Olive oil. Make this your primary source of fat.
- Cheese and yogurt. Enjoy small to moderate amounts of low-fat dairy daily.
- Fish and poultry. Consume a few times a week in small to moderate amounts.
- Limited red meat. Eat red meat like beef and lamb occasionally, in small amounts.
- Fresh fruit for dessert. Enjoy fruit as your primary dessert, and limit sweets containing added sugars or honey to a few times a week.
- Wine in small to moderate amounts. If you indulge, do so moderately and with meals.
As you can see, the Mediterranean Diet doesn’t outlaw specific foods. Rather, it suggests making fruits, veggies, and other plant foods the cornerstone of your diet while allowing other foods in moderation. It’s a balanced and sensible approach to healthy eating.
Mediterranean Diet health benefits
What does the Mediterranean Diet help with? A number of studies show it benefits many systems of the body and may reduce your risk of:
- Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
- Metabolic syndrome, or conditions that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
- Diabetes
- Certain cancers, including breast, colorectal, and prostate
- Depression
- Frailty and impaired mental and physical functioning in older adults
The beneficial effect of the Mediterranean Diet doesn’t hinge on any single food, but rather the synergy of its varied nutritious components. Just as a well-coordinated team achieves more than individual players working in isolation, this diet’s mix of nutrients promotes well-being collaboratively.
Here are some specific ways the Mediterranean Diet contributes to a longer, healthier life:
- Limits saturated and trans fat: Excess consumption of these fats can hike up LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, causing plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis) and triggering inflammation.
- Prioritizes unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids: Healthy, unsaturated fats help maintain optimal cholesterol levels, boost brain function, and counteract inflammation, which has been linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions. Studies show a diet that’s rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats can also help stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Limits sodium: A significant aspect of the Mediterranean Diet is its low sodium content. Consuming too much sodium can ramp up blood pressure, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Cutting down on sodium can lower your blood pressure and keep your heart strong and healthy.
- Limits simple sugars and refined carbohydrates: Refined carbs, such as white bread and sugary pastries, cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. Over time, these repeated blood sugar spikes lead to insulin resistance and raise blood sugar levels–both major factors contributing to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. High refined carb intake can also lead to problems with your kidneys, eyesight, or even nerves, causing issues like neuropathy. These foods also tend to lack essential nutrients like fiber.
- Encourages foods rich in fiber and antioxidants: Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health, ensuring smooth elimination of waste through the intestines, as well as supporting gut health. Meanwhile, antioxidants provide a defense mechanism against cancer by protecting the body from harmful free radicals (unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and DNA).
How to start the Mediterranean Diet
Ready to start making the Mediterranean Diet a part of your healthy lifestyle but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of making what may feel like a drastic change?
Instead of diving in headfirst, try introducing one minor dietary change each week to make it easier. Start with the changes you think will be easiest.
- Start transitioning to extra virgin olive oil (EVO). Incorporate EVO in your cooking, drizzle over salads, create your own vinaigrettes or sauces, and use it as a butter alternative for bread.
- Incorporate nuts and olives. Enjoy a handful of raw nuts with olives daily as a healthier alternative to processed snacks.
- Integrate whole grains. Choose hearty, country-style breads free from added sugars and fats. And explore whole grains like quinoa, bulgur, and couscous as side dishes.
- Make salads a meal staple. Start or follow up each meal with a salad made with fresh, dark greens and seasonal veggies.
- Enhance your veggie intake. Add an extra veggie serving to both lunch and dinner, targeting three to four servings daily, and try making them the centerpiece of some of your meals. Experiment with a new vegetable each week.
- Add legumes at least three times weekly. Think lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas.
- Cut back on meat. Opt for lean poultry in 3- to 4-ounce portions. Reserve red meat for rare instances, or use it sparingly in dishes packed with vegetables, such as stews or stir-fries.
- Eat more fish, aiming for two to three servings weekly. Both fresh and canned options work, although fresh fish typically retains more nutrients and adds less sodium to your diet. It’s also worth noting that, despite typically being BPA-free, canned goods may still contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol S (BPS). So moderation is key.
- Swap beer or liquor for wine. Enjoy in moderation, having no more than two 5-ounce glasses daily for men and one 5-ounce glass for women.
- Eliminate sugary drinks. Make water your go-to beverage instead of sodas or juice.
- Limit desserts high in fats and sugars. Enjoy poached or fresh fruit, targeting three daily servings. Reserve cookies, cakes, and pastries for special occasions.
- Opt for higher quality food choices. Check out farmers markets for a fresh and local selection, and/or visit your local grocery’s organic sections.
As a bonus, try to have dinner with your family as often as possible. Food as a communal, shared experience is a big part of the Mediterranean approach and may boost this diet’s benefits for your mental health by increasing positive feelings and connection with loved ones.
Mediterranean Diet meal ideas
Here are some Mediterranean Diet menu ideas to get you started, as recommended by Dr. Katherine D. McManus, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Director of the Dietetic Internship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
Breakfast:
- Toasted whole-grain bread with a touch of low-fat cheese and fresh tomato slices, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil
- A vegetable omelet filled with mushrooms, spinach, and onions sautéed in olive oil, accompanied by crusty whole-grain bread
- Unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt topped with nuts and fresh berries
Lunch:
- A Greek salad filled with mixed greens, kalamata olives, tomatoes, fresh parsley, and feta cheese, tossed with extra virgin olive oil dressing and a splash of fresh lemon juice
- A hearty chickpea and farro salad with red peppers and onions, accentuated with fresh oregano and dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice
- Vegetarian pizza with whole-grain crust, topped with part-skim mozzarella and roasted veggies like broccoli, onions, green peppers, and carrots
Dinner:
- Grilled shrimp and vegetable kabobs on a bed of toasted quinoa, with a mixed green salad sprinkled with pine nuts
- Chicken stir-fry cooked in olive oil, packed with broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and yellow peppers over brown rice
- Freshly steamed mussels, with a side of spinach-orzo salad and minestrone soup
Supporting your physical, emotional, and social well-being through nutrition is vital. The Mediterranean Diet is a science-backed approach to healthy eating that provides a holistic approach rather than dictating specific food items. It encourages broad eating patterns without requiring you to obsess over every food detail or exclude certain foods.
This flexibility means you can adapt the Mediterranean Diet to your tastes and cultural practices. Whether it’s retaining traditional recipes for special occasions or simply making minor adjustments like using olive oil instead of butter, there’s quite a bit of space for personalization.
If you’re contemplating modifications, consulting a dietitian or healthcare provider can help you make this diet your own and reach your goals.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466433/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4663587/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7056467/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9317652/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5902736/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556523000426
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7190876/
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313348
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18196989/#:~:text=Summary%3A%20Mounting%20evidence%20suggests%20that,diabetes%20and%20the%20metabolic%20syndrome.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468821/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770822/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27014505/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536728/
https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-021-01227-3
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556523001018#:~:text=The%20pooled%20estimates%20from%204,0.72%2C%20p%20%3C%200.001).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2997798/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247279/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6120115/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6448040/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4036853/#:~:text=Replacement%20of%20saturated%20by%20polyunsaturated,very%20low%2Ddensity%20lipoprotein%20triglycerides.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654180/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4951141/#:~:text=The%20findings%20suggest%20exchanging%20dietary,the%20regulation%20of%20blood%20sugar.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8153313/#:~:text=High%20dietary%20fibre%20consumption%20is,in%20these%20individuals%20%5B196%5D.
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The post Guide to Eating Mediterranean: Health Benefits, Meal Ideas, and How to Start the Mediterranean Diet appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These therapies include herbs, mind-body treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Many CAM practitioners use treatment methods that aren’t part of conventional medicine’s standard system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Use of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals
- The healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Is holistic medical safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. Most common side effects are headaches, dizziness (drowsiness), nausea, dizziness or dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, and constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
How safe can holistic medicine be?
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. Chiropractic care, herbal therapies, massage therapy. yoga. meditation. Biofeedback. These therapies treat the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.
Some cancer patients choose complementary medicine over chemotherapy, believing it will be easier for them to manage side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
doi.org
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments work.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
- It is not easy to learn holistic treatment.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. For example:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Guide to Eating Mediterranean: Health Benefits, Meal Ideas, and How to Start the Mediterranean Diet
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/is-the-mediterranean-diet-a-healthy-diet/
Published Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2023 14:57:53 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These therapies include herbs, mind-body treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Many CAM practitioners use treatment methods that aren’t part of conventional medicine’s standard system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Use of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals
- The healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Is holistic medical safe?
Holistic Medicine may not be as dangerous as you might think. However, there are many risks involved in using this treatment. Most common side effects are headaches, dizziness (drowsiness), nausea, dizziness or dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, and constipation. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
How safe can holistic medicine be?
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. Chiropractic care, herbal therapies, massage therapy. yoga. meditation. Biofeedback. These therapies treat the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.
Some cancer patients choose complementary medicine over chemotherapy, believing it will be easier for them to manage side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
doi.org
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. The majority of researches show positive results.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments work.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
- It is not easy to learn holistic treatment.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. For example:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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