It's hard to ignore the explosion of advertisements for new drugs. Magazines, newspapers, television, radio, bus shelters, commuter trains and more all feature ads for pills and potions that claim to be good for what ails you.

There's no doubt that medications have helped millions of Americans cope with chronic conditions and recover from serious illnesses. But we may have gone too far in seeking an immediate drug cure when something far simpler can have the same effect. Here are some food and exercise "prescriptions" that can help treat or prevent common health problems.

Stress and Anxiety
Although it's difficult to define stress precisely, you know it when you feel it. It's there when the boss adds one more project to your heavy workload, when the kids' activities require you to be in three places at once, and when the phone's ringing with yet another volunteer request. Anxiety, a common companion of stress, may instill a feeling of dread that can be debilitating. If chronic anxiety interferes with daily activities, then medication can be a lifesaver. But you may be able to relax without a capsule. If you wish to read more about anxiety, please visit this site. http://www.geocities.com/healthyoubbiesd/anxiety.html

Nutrition Rx
Knowing what to eat to help you remain calm is the first step to handling stress. Certain foods contain the nutrient tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical. Tryptophan-rich foods include turkey, whole grains, beans and vegetables, and yogurt, milk and cottage cheese.

There are also foods that you should avoid when you feel stressed or anxious. "Stimulants like caffeine only make stress worse." Instead of reaching for coffee, black tea and cola drinks, brew a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea, both of which have a relaxing effect.

Exercise Rx
Yoga is the ideal exercise to combat stress; the combination of physical exertion and controlled breathing can calm both body and mind. For years, men and women have been taught to use control their breathing to help control and cope with the stress of everyday life.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a ticking time bomb that can lead to heart attack and stroke. But experts believe that many people on high blood pressure medications may be doing themselves a disservice by relying solely on pills when attention to diet and exercise can have an enormous impact.

Nutrition Rx
You've probably heard that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. What you may not know is how quickly you reap the benefits. A study conducted at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and other medical centers found that a diet that included 9 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (about twice the amount in the average American diet), plus three servings of low-fat dairy products, reduced blood pressure in just two

About the Author: Author: Susan Rutter -- Publisher, Nutritionist, and Instructor who assists patients and the public make healthy choices and changes in their lives. Web Site: Healthy YOUbbies http://www.geocities.com/healthyoubbies/