Poor nutrition, fast-paced lifestyles, and escalating amounts of environmental pollution are some of the leading reasons why chronic diseases show an upward trend in modern society. Almost all chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and thyroid-related problems are lifelong health conditions and mostly require persisting health check-ups and management. Evan Bass Men’s Clinic considers, that having a thorough understanding of the role of nutrition and incorporating them in daily diet can be extremely healthful to battle chronic diseases.
As stated, consuming too much amount of unhealthy foods containing preservatives, added sugars, and processed salt, unhealthy fats can upsurge the risk of different health complications. The deficiency of nutrients is the root cause that weakens the immunity system of the body and thereby impedes one’s ability to combat the viruses optimally. Following are some examples of nutrition-linked chronic diseases.
Heart Disease: Unhealthy food habits, such as eating foods rich in sugar, cholesterol, and processed fats are the primary causes of heart disease. Incorporating a heart-healthy diet plan, that includes, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats, can lessen the chance of developing heart disease as well as managing the existing conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes: This chronic health condition has a strong connection to poor food habits such as the consumption of excessive sugar, and foods rich in carbohydrates which result in insulin resistance. Having a well-balanced diet, low in sugar, and rich in fiber is great for managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.
Obesity: Obesity which has become a widespread health problem in society is a consequence of eating too many calories and deficient physical activity. A balanced diet in combination with regular workouts can help avoid and manage obesity.
Key Nutrients and How They Impact on Chronic Diseases
When it comes to chronic diseases, nutrients take a significant place in the diet plan to lessen the possibility of developing these chronic health complications. To explore the fundamentals of the vital nutrients that are most sought-after for overall physical and mental well-being, knowing about micro-nutrients and macro-nutrients is important.
Micronutrients and Macronutrients: In fact, these are the two most important types of nutrients that the human body needs for optimal functioning.
Micronutrients refer to minerals and vitamins, which are much needed but in smaller amounts because of their vital role in maintaining overall well-being. On the contrary, consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, macronutrients are vital to providing the needed energy to human bodies and fuelling them to perform daily activities.
Role of Nutrients in the Prevention of Chronic Disease and Overall Health
According to Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, intake of a well-balanced mix of both micronutrients and macronutrients is vital for maintaining overall health and avoiding chronic diseases. Following is a list of key nutrients that contribute immensely to preventing chronic health conditions and managing them.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids known great for lowering the risk of cardiac diseases, and lessening inflammation are found in sea fish like salmon, tuna; walnuts, and flaxseed. Apart from keeping the heart healthy, consuming healthy fats helps lessen triglyceride levels and blood pressure
Fiber: Foods that are rich in can fiber help immensely to manage type 2 diabetes. Some of the foods rich in fiber include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc.
Potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral to help regulate blood pressure, hypertension, and stroke. Potassium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, spinach, bananas, etc.
Apart from the above, nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and others play a major role in managing chronic diseases like osteoporosis, and migraines respectively.
