What is a potential benefit of integrative medicine mentioned in the material?

• A. It increases dependence on multiple drugs
• B. It helps prevent polypharmacy by balancing medications with holistic approaches
• C. It eliminates the need for medications entirely
• D. It is applicable only in hospice care

Answer: (B)

Integrative medicine treats the person as a whole by combining evidence-based conventional care with holistic approaches such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mind–body techniques. A key benefit is preventing polypharmacy by balancing medications with these holistic strategies. When care teams coordinate drug therapy with lifestyle and non-drug interventions, the need for additional medications can be reduced, which lowers the risk of drug interactions and side effects while supporting overall health. It’s not about eliminating medications entirely or being limited to hospice care; rather, it’s about optimizing treatment so medicines and holistic practices work together.