Lifestyle diseases are diseases that appear to increase in frequency as countries become more industrialized and people live longer. They can include Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, asthma, cancer, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, Crohn's disease nephritis or chronic renal failure, osteoporosis, acne, stroke, depression and obesity.
Lifestyle disease also called diseases of longevity or diseases of civilization interchangeably.
Three modifiable lifestyle behaviors’ – smoking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are the major risk factors for lifestyle diseases.

Causes:

• Poor diet
• Lack of sleep
• Physical inactivity
• Stress
• Drug abuse
• Smoking and tobacco
• Alcoholism

Dietary recommendations:

• Poor diet is usually because of the wrong food choices. One can fight against most of the lifestyle diseases with balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
• Hydrate yourself. Drink at least 3 liters of water every day as it act as lubricant and essential for many body functions.
• Have at least 2 servings of fresh fruit and vegetable juices every day as they are the best sources of fortifying your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine and sodas from your diet.
• Avoid foods that are spicy, sweets, sugars and most importantly refined food products.
• Opt for monounsaturated fats.
• Limit your alcohol consumption as it interferes with your liver functions.
• Quit smoking as it can give you temporary relief and long-term health hazards.
• Stop self medication. Take medical professionals advise before stopping or starting any medication or supplementation.
• Loose excess baggage of your weight.
• Take good sleep of at least 6 hours every day.
• Take a break and engage yourself in your own hobbies.
• Get some time for your family.
• Reduce stress.
• Opt for some kind of exercise every day at least for 30 minutes.

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Basil Wellness
Understanding Your Health