Not long ago, a couple in their mid-fifties came to see me for help with their health. Both were overweight, both were on a laundry list of medications… and both were sick of being sick!
Their New Year’s resolution? Get healthy and get off the drugs. That’s what brought them through my door.
Step 1: Information First, Action Second
Our first meeting was all about gathering information — understanding their history, lifestyle, and health status. In the second session, we sat down to discuss nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle strategies they could implement right away.
One of the big takeaways from that meeting was understanding the difference between managing symptoms vs. addressing root causes.
Take medications, for example — it’s often a game of “this for that.” Take this drug for that symptom. But rarely does it fix the actual problem.
Case in Point: The Husband’s Meds
Among his list of medications were:
- Insulin (for diabetes)
- Crestor (a statin for cholesterol)
- Aspirin (for heart health)
Here’s the irony: statins like Crestor have been linked to increased risk of diabetes. Look up “statin-induced diabetes” — it’s a real thing.
And while aspirin is often recommended for heart health, long-term use — even in small doses — can damage the lining of your gut, which was a major issue for him already.
Fast Forward One Week…
They started making changes immediately — mainly nutritional adjustments based on a natural, whole-food (paleo-style) approach.
By the end of the week, the husband went back to his doctor for blood work. The result?
→ Off insulin.
→ Off aspirin.
→ Blood sugar now in a healthy range.
→ 10 pounds lighter (mostly inflammation and water weight).
→ Feeling “a million times better!”
He even decided (against his doctor’s advice) to stop taking Crestor — and noticed he felt far better without it.
Bottom Line: Mother Nature Knows Best
Drugs have their place — especially in acute situations — but when it comes to chronic conditions, lifestyle intervention should always be the first line of defense.
Move well. Eat well. Live well. Let your body do what it was designed to do.
