Breakfast

Reduce Medications Through a Healthy Lifestyle and Reclaim Your Zest for Life

Are you feeling like you’re stuck in a cycle of more medications to treat your chronic conditions? At Lifestyle Medical, we can help you reduce medications by making lifestyle changes. Instead of adding prescriptions, we’ll show you how to incorporate the four pillars of health so you can reach your goals and enjoy all the activities you love.

I’d like to share Joe’s* story with you.

Joe underwent a remarkable transformation on his journey to better health.

When Joe’s previous physician said he would need medication every day for the rest of his life, it was a shocking wake-up call.

At the time, Joe was 61. He weighed over 210 pounds and had been diagnosed with diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure and extremely high cholesterol levels. He suffered from chronic pain and IBS. He had a family history of stroke and complications from diabetes and was at very high risk of cardiovascular disease. Joe was deeply unhappy and could not enjoy the things he loved.

Joe was determined that he would reclaim his quality of life, without being condemned to a lifetime of daily pills.

He is not alone! Data from the Center for Disease Control’s National Centre for Health Statistics reveals that more than 80% of Americans over 60 are in the same boat as Joe. They have been prescribed at least one daily medication. Of these, 50% are taking five or more medications or supplements daily. While medication is prescribed to treat the symptoms of chronic conditions, it may not target the underlying causes. These drugs sometimes come with unpleasant side effects.

Tackling chronic conditions needs more than just a prescription.

In his research, Joe found that the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association both recommend abandoning the standard American diet. Highly processed foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat contribute to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Scientific studies show that positive diet and lifestyle changes can arrest – and even reverse – chronic diseases. As well as incorporating exercise and rest into your routine, there is significant research showing that a whole-food, plant-based diet has a hugely positive effect on chronic conditions.

Joe realized he could take control of his own health by taking control of his lifestyle choices. Equipped with this knowledge, he began his journey to wellness.

In less than one year, Joe was transformed. His blood sugar and cholesterol levels were back in the normal range. His chronic pain and IBS had disappeared. He lost over 80 pounds and 8 inches from his waist. And no medication! Joe was able to fully enjoy life again.

But life doesn’t always run smoothly.

In 2013, Joe was diagnosed with prostate cancer covering a 15% surface area.

Joe was not discouraged. By working closely with his primary care team and having a solid healthy foundation, he was able to manage this new challenge and sustain the changes he had made. In 12 months, the cancer area had reduced to 10%. And by December 2016, Joe was cancer-free – without surgery.

The secret to Joe’s success?

A holistic approach to healthcare that empowered him to make the best decisions for his health.

By considering the four pillars of health – nourishment, movement, resilience, connectedness – Joe has created a healthy lifestyle that works for him. These four pillars are foundational to Lifestyle Medical’s approach to healthcare and can help you reduce medications.

Our nourishment principle is whole-food, plant-based. This type of

diet is high in fiber and essential vitamins while being low in saturated fats and sugars. Research shows that these types of food combat the causes of chronic conditions, including reducing cholesterol. For example, Joe’s favorite breakfast is oatmeal made with soy milk and topped with delicious spices, fresh and dried fruit, wheat bran, and flaxseed. His lunch is typically a big salad loaded with fresh greens from his garden. He adds mushrooms, roasted vegetables, fermented vegetables, and occasionally a small portion of animal-based protein. Dinner is the smallest meal of the day, as Joe found this gives him the best night’s rest. He says he can use leftovers for this, so it is also the easiest to make! Joe has found that he can reduce medications by enjoying plenty of healthy food.

As well as delicious nourishment throughout the day, Joe does yoga almost daily in order to stay flexible and to help him with balance. Additionally, he walks daily for at least 30 minutes, which has enabled him to connect with people in his local community.

By incorporating nourishment and movement, Joe’s resilience has improved. He reports sleeping better and feeling less stressed. Not only are they mood-boosters, improved sleep and less stress are great for helping the immune system operate at full function.

Joe is not the only patient we have seen who has been able to stop taking medication and see reduced impact, or even reversal, of chronic conditions. Through personalized care and support tailored for your needs, we can help you reduce medications and reclaim your zest for life.

At Lifestyle Medical, we focus on treating the illness, not just the symptoms. We empower you to make long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes that enable you to take control of your health. With regular check-ins with your dedicated doctor and access to group sessions, cooking classes, and more, there are a wealth of resources available for you to create your best lifestyle.

And Joe?

At 71, Joe is better than ever. With the Lifestyle Medical team’s support, he feels confident he is making the right choices for his health. Joe’s long-term goal is simple: “I don’t want these diseases to come back.”

We applaud you, Joe!

Take control of your health today. Contact us at [email protected] or 951-742-7324.

*name changed for privacy

By Ryan Herring, MD, MPH Dr. Ryan Herring utilizes a whole person approach in primary care to restore health and optimize wellbeing. He is originally from Central Illinois where he attended college and medical school at the University of Illinois. He completed residency training in Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University.