Every day there’s a new report telling us how our much-loved National Health Service (NHS) is creaking under financial pressures and can no longer cope with demand. Isn’t it about time that we started to help out a bit? A new report shows that more and more of us are turning to natural remedies to remain healthy and subscribe to a ‘Natural Health Service’ lifestyle!
There’s no doubt that we live in an age that we can get information in little more than a few clicks. Millions of adults are taking advantage of this and are turning to natural remedies and therapies to maintain a normal healthy lifestyle over medical alternatives.
Instead of running to our doctor for any niggly issues, 48 per cent prefer to find their own treatment while 21 per cent take up natural alternatives such as homeopathy, nutritional therapy, therapeutic massages and herbal tonics. Add this to the fact that the average Brit takes nine vitamin and mineral supplements a month, it looks like we are beginning to prefer remedies that come from nature.
The report, which was commissioned by The School of Health and OnePoll.com in conjunction with World Health Day, highlighted that the difficulty of seeing a doctor and busy lifestyles is the cause of this shift. A spokesperson for the report said: “Busy waiting times and overloaded medical professionals mean many people find it easier to fend for themselves.
“Add to this a growing mistrust of pharmaceutical companies, and there’s little surprise many adults are looking for more natural solutions to stay well.
“People feel more empowered to take responsibility for their own health and do their own research, and the survey shows that many choose natural medicines because they feel they are safer, less toxic with little or no side effects.
“As we move into spring and summer, hay fever and allergies are at their peak and people are looking for ways to stay healthy and fend off itchy eyes and blocked sinuses.”
The most common natural remedy for adults to try and get themselves well is drinking lots of fluids – most likely a honey, hot water and lemon solution.
And more than a third will increase their intake of fruit and veg to fend off an illness, while one in 20 will turn to herbal medication.
Others take regular vitamin or mineral supplements, avoid processed foods and enjoy walks in nature.
The report also found that one in 20 would even be willing to give Ayurvedic medicine – which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago – a go the next time they got unwell.
The School of Health’s spokesman added: “It was good to note that beyond physical pain, people understand that being able to enjoy life with good energy ‘inside and out’ and being creative are vital in terms of health and wellbeing.
“We were also happy to see how many people recognise the importance of a good diet, drinking habits and regular exercise in maintaining their wellness.
“In this age of fast-food and processed meals, it’s heartening that many realise their health could be improved by changes they could make themselves, rather than relying on an overstretched NHS.”
So, if you’re inspired to turn to Natural Health Service, here are the top 20 simple ways that you can reduce illness in your life.
TOP 20 WAYS TO PREVENT ILLNESS
1. Eat a lot of fruit and veg
2. Drink lots of fluids
3. Take supplements (vitamins/minerals)
4. Get eight hours sleep a night
5. Walk in nature
6. Regular weekly exercise
7. Get lots of extra sleep
8. Drink honey and lemon
9. Take regular holidays
10. Eat spices (turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon)
11. Limit alcohol intake
12. Eat fish several times a week
13. Eat herbs (garlic, coriander, basil, rosemary)
14. Eat foods rich in vitamins (E.g. B12 and folic acid)
15. Don’t drink alcohol at all
16. Don’t eat processed foods
17. Limit caffeine intake
18. Drink veg/fruit smoothies
19. Drink herbal teas (peppermint, camomile, green tea, red bush)
20. Limit chocolate intake
