close up shot of a person holding medicines

Dependence On Multiple Medications? – Risk Of Polypharmacy And How To Prevent It.

thenny

“Polypharmacy refers to using five or more medications based on a review of current data…”

(Varghese, 2023)

Seen someone swallowing a handful of Pills before?

Growing up, I’ve seen my family taking handfuls of Pills after meals over the day. I came to realise they have conditions that require constant medications as I grew older.

Such is a familiar sight for me. Witnessing them practice such a complex medication regimen always sparked my curiosity and FEAR.

The fact that they warn us as children to avoid consuming sugary drinks just to avoid falling in their footsteps.

Polypharmacy thing is going to be my main concern in life, this is why I want to prevent or delay it, for as long as I can.

Medication is crucial for managing health, but taking too many of them is pretty bad.

Even though I came to understand that some of them were supplements for their health conditions, I want little to do with it.

Such is a common thing, especially among older adults coping with various health conditions. But what if we can do something about it?

The Hidden Dangers of Polypharmacy:

The main concern I have with polypharmacy is the increased risk of side effects. Their side effects can range from mild, like fatigue or dizziness, to more serious complications.

Allergic Reaction:

As every individual differs, they may have allergic reactions to certain medications. Which could be due to the combination of these.

This is why they require constant monitoring from doctors. So they can find out the best medication regime that suits you best.

Cognitive Decline:

Polypharmacy can potentially lead to cognitive decline, which can affect memory, judgment, and decision-making abilities. (Nevado-Holgado, 2016)

While our minds won’t be as sharp as we age, medications affect them further.

Affecting Balance and Coordination:

Medications that affect our balance and coordination also lead to falls, and this can be more serious for the elderly.

Needing more Medications:

When the medications bring around new conditions. Or side effects from the medicine itself, more meds are then prescribed to treat those.

The Kidneys, A Silent Victim:

Our kidneys function to filter waste products from our blood. Taking multiple medications increases their workload, increasing the risk of kidney damage. Which could progress to kidney failure.

As this goes on it leads to the need for dialysis, a life-altering treatment which affects livelihood.

Having to show up for the treatment several times a week. The need to control liquid intake. And the loss of nutrients and minerals from the body.

As I lost someone due to dialysis complications, I wish no one had to go through such treatment.

pexels-photo-208512.jpegvegetable salad

Breaking the Cycle: A Journey of Self-Care

The thought of becoming dependent on medications at a young age was my wake-up call.

I knew I had to take charge of my health and explore ways to delay, or hopefully prevent, the need for a complex medication regimen later in life.

But the warning of Prediabetes from neglected health for several years further cement my life goal – To Live a healthier lifestyle.

Here’s what I did:

  • Embraced Healthy Eating:
    • Neglecting the Daily Greens was my first vice. When you’re young eating fewer veggies and fruits won’t affect you much. But there will be a time when your need for a balanced diet rich in fruits, and veggies matters. A meal that is balanced in its Macro.
  • Made Exercise a Habit:
    • Regular exercise can help with several issues on its own. I was wrong to neglect it for several years. Imagine living longer sedentarily.
  • Prioritized Stress Management:
    • Modern lives are always stressful. Most experts recommend meditation or yoga for overall health balance. Sleeping more has helped me manage some of this.
  • Regular Checkups:
    • As we go into our 30s, medical checkups should be mandatory. Find out about our health, and address the problems quickly.

Looking Forward: Continuous Improvement

My journey toward healthy living is my ongoing journey. I’m constantly learning and exploring ways to further optimize my health. Perhaps you could consider:

  • Low-sodium Diet:
    • We mentioned medications’ effect on Kidney, our sodium intake too affects kidney health. I’m learning to eat less sodium from now on.
    • By learning to read labels and trying to limit its uptake. And hydrating properly by drinking plenty of water. (Please drink less Sweetened Sodas.)
  • Exploring Alternative Therapies:
    • Consider complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage therapy, which potentially reduce reliance on medications.
    • Popping a pill for all your problems may be quick but their effects accumulate.
  • Open Communication with Doctors:
    • Never hesitate to discuss your concerns about your health with your doctor. They are the first person you should seek help to understand your medications.
    • They can also help you explore alternative management options.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Health

I am considering the use of a Continuous Glucose Monitor(CGM) to track my blood glucose. See what may spike my blood sugar around meals. Since preventing Type-2 Diabetes is my main goal. If you’re interested in finding out about it please consider giving the blog a follow.

By trusting myself in the power of preventative measures and lifestyle changes.

Prioritizing healthy habits, regular checkups, and open communication with healthcare professionals, I know we can potentially delay or even avoid the need for polypharmacy later in life.

It’s all about adopting a proactive approach and taking charge of our health for a longer, healthier future. Let’s all set a path towards healthier lifestyles, and age healthily.

Discover more from Max Wholesome

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.