For most of us, work priorities fill our day and finding time to eat, drink and sleep can be quite a chore. It just seems easier to pull up into a fast food restaurant and grab something on the go, instead of taking the time to shop for the week and bring a healthier alternative to work.

As we age, our bodies don’t seem to handle the stress of life as it did when we were younger. Going to the doctor for medications, shots and possible surgery seems like the mainstay in our Western culture in order to manage pain, inflammation and disability. But it doesn’t have to be. If we just learned a few healthy alternative approaches to take care of ourselves, we might not need as many doctor’s visits.

The easiest place to start is to watch what you put in your mouth. Choosing an anti-inflammatory diet is key to losing weight, feeling great and increasing longevity. The Paleo and Keto diets are two of the more popular nutritional plans to help reduce inflammation by eating more proteins and healthy fats, and less carbohydrates. Many find that eliminating or reducing carbs lowers inflammation, and aches and pains start to disappear.

Working out regularly, either with weights or doing HIIT training, helps to build lean muscle, reduce fat and add years to our lives. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced athlete, working out regularly improves overall health, reduces stress, improves sleep, and it makes us want to eat healthier.

We are now aware that inflammation is the main culprit in promoting age-related diseases. As such, taking further steps to reduce inflammation is an important part of preventing those diseases. Fortunately, today’s technology makes it easy and affordable. Here are a few therapies to consider:

Acupuncture. Instead of pills and shots, try this holistic therapy which involves the insertion of very thin needles into your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, as well as for overall wellness and stress management.

Homeopathic medicines. A safe, gentle and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore and improve overall health, homeopathy has no side effects, is very affordable, and incorporates natural substances which are FDA-regulated.

Massage Therapy. Therapeutic massage can be highly effective at relieving anxiety, pain, and inflammation while promoting more blood flow to the tissues and organs.

Meditation. Meditation is a highly effective form of relaxation and body/mind centering. Setting aside 20 minutes a day can be a challenge, but prioritizing this time for yourself is important for the healing process of the body.

Cryotherapy. There are many forms of ICE therapy to alleviate inflammatory conditions. At our center, we have seen incredible results with the cryo chamber which cools to negative 270 degrees in sessions lasting up to 3 minutes.

PEMF Therapy. Microcurrent machines are very popular, portable and highly effective in improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation. The technology is very therapeutic, comfortable and relaxing while increasing blood flow and aiding detoxification.

Starting a journey towards better health can be overwhelming; however, taking simple steps towards change can provide the inspiration you need to live your healthiest life.

Mike Butler is co-owner of Kinetix Health and Performance Center in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 200.1719 or [email protected].