Nowadays, it seems that there's a medication for every ailment known to man. Whether we use Tylenol to cure our headaches, or Robitussin to cure a bad cough, these medicines serve the purpose of making us feel better when our bodies are just not cooperating. What is more concerning, however, is that this concept of "treat everything with a pill" is seemingly causing people to avoid getting down to the root of the problem.

For example, let's say you are sad a lot. You go see a doctor, tell him your issue, and he prescribes you antidepressants. You are now essentially reliant on that medication to function day to day. It becomes your crutch, so to speak. Now, there is nothing wrong with taking medication as prescribed by your doctor, his job is to help you feel better and he is doing it. I think though, far too often, people seem to give up/not put enough effort into getting into the root of the issue before immediately reaching for a pill.

I would say that a lot of exploratory introspection is necessary to understand how and why we suffer from the problems we do. Are these problems truly within ourselves and out of our control? Or is there clearly something that we're missing here. Many people are convinced that a pill will solve all their problems, but really, it merely suppresses them. The most important factor (in my opinion) in maintaining your health? Diet.

If you're eating a lot of unhealthy carbohydrates (bread, cereal, chips, rice) and processed foods (everything from protein bars to snack foods), and you suffer from fatigue, weight gain, mood disorders, etc. your diet may be to blame. These foods are well known to cause havoc in people due to the constant release of insulin required to digest the foods. I would also get checked for any food allergies or sensitivities and monitor your reactions to foods. Do you feel groggy after a dose of sugar? That's a good sign you are insulin resistant, and your blood sugar spike is also causing you weight gain as well. Anxiety and depression are also known symptoms of increased sugar consumption. Fun fact, all refined carbohydrates turn to sugar in your body.

As long as you listen to your body, and really examine everything you put into your body and every action that could be effecting you, you will get to the root of the problem. While I don't deny that much medication is most certainly required and no change in diet, exercise, or any of the above could fix the condition, don't rule out your own actions as well.