Japanese Doctor’s Health Strategies (11–20)

11. Many Medical Tests Are Unnecessary
Routine health check-ups often include an array of medical tests that may not always be necessary. Studies show that excessive screenings can lead to false positives, unnecessary anxiety, and overdiagnosis. Dr. Makoto Kondo warns that some tests do more harm than good by leading patients into a cycle of unnecessary treatments.

12. Annual Check-Ups Don’t Always Prolong Life
A large-scale study published in the Cochrane Library found that routine health check-ups did not reduce mortality rates from cancer, heart disease, or other major illnesses. Instead, many individuals end up undergoing unnecessary treatments for conditions that were not life-threatening in the first place.

13. Cholesterol Medications Are Overprescribed
The pharmaceutical industry has long pushed cholesterol-lowering medications, yet research indicates that high cholesterol alone does not necessarily lead to heart disease. In fact, elderly individuals with higher cholesterol levels often live longer than those with lower levels. The key is not medication but a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

14. Overuse of Antibiotics Weakens the Body
Antibiotics are lifesaving when used appropriately, but their overuse has led to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, frequent antibiotic use weakens the body’s natural immune system, making it more susceptible to future infections. Dr. Kondo advises taking antibiotics only when absolutely necessary and allowing the immune system to fight mild infections naturally.

15. Painkillers Can Lead to Chronic Illness
While painkillers provide short-term relief, long-term use can cause liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even addiction. Many patients become dependent on pain medications rather than addressing the root cause of their discomfort through physical therapy, exercise, or lifestyle adjustments.

16. Overreliance on Psychiatric Medications Is Dangerous
Mental health conditions should be taken seriously, but excessive reliance on psychiatric drugs can have severe side effects, including dependency and cognitive impairment. Dr. Kondo argues that therapy, meditation, exercise, and social engagement can be more effective in treating mild to moderate mental health issues than medication alone.

17. Fever Is Not an Enemy
Many people rush to take fever-reducing medications at the first sign of a temperature spike. However, fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection. Suppressing a fever unnecessarily can prolong illness and reduce the body’s ability to fight infections naturally.

18. Hospitalization Can Be Riskier Than Staying Home
Hospitals are meant to heal, but they are also breeding grounds for drug-resistant bacteria and hospital-acquired infections. Studies show that prolonged hospital stays increase the risk of complications, making home-based recovery a safer option in many cases.

19. Cancer Treatment Can Be More Harmful Than Cancer Itself
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are widely used cancer treatments, but their effectiveness is not as high as many believe. These treatments often weaken the body’s immune system and reduce quality of life. Dr. Kondo suggests that in some cases, a balanced diet, stress management, and non-invasive therapies may offer better outcomes than aggressive medical interventions.

20. Second Opinions Can Save Your Life
Many patients accept a doctor’s diagnosis without question, but medical errors are common. Seeking a second or even third opinion can prevent unnecessary treatments, misdiagnoses, and surgical interventions that may do more harm than good.

Prioritize Prevention Over Treatment

The best way to avoid unnecessary medical interventions is to stay as healthy as possible.

• Exercise regularly to maintain cardiovascular health and strengthen the immune system.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, avoiding excessive sugar, processed foods, and artificial additives.
• Manage stress through mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
• Question medical advice and do your own research before agreeing to invasive treatments or lifelong medications.

By being proactive about health and skeptical of unnecessary medical interventions, you can reduce the risk of suffering from preventable medical harm and enjoy a longer, healthier life.