Chronic diseases and healthy diet

ROLE OF A HEALTHY DIET IN DELAYING THE EMERGENCE OF CHRONIC DISEASES

By T.A. Alonge & B.M Oladimeji

• “Let Food be thy medicine and medicine thy food”

• What we eat can put our body in serious conditions of chronic diseases.

What are chronic diseases? 

• Long-term illnesses that are non-communicable and largely preventable. 
• Examples include diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, dental diseases etc.
• They remain the leading cause of death in the world1.

Causes of chronic diseases? 

• Poor nutrition, age, physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol etc 2. 

How can chronic diseases be prevented? 

• Healthy Diet

• A diet that maintains or improves one’s overall health. 
• A diet that provides the body with all the necessary macro and micronutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, healthy fat, mineral, vitamin and antioxidants. 
• Diet rich in nutrients help build the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. 

• As a result of urbanization and the global economy, there has been a significant change in the eating pattern and lifestyle of individuals, which has influenced the population, health and nutrition.
• Avoid foods with: high-fat content (saturated fats), food additives, high amounts of salt, and refined carbohydrates (sugar), 
• Embrace balanced nutrition (unsaturated fats – olives, nuts, oily fish, shellfish, lean protein foods, lean beef, dairy, legumes -beans, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables), 
• Embrace physical activity.

In summary

Diet plays a key role as a risk factor in the emergence of chronic disease. A healthy diet in conjunction with healthy life choices can help reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases and improve quality of life.