What are lifestyle-related diseases? Preventive measures you can put into practice right away ~ Nutritionist's Column Vol. 121

What are lifestyle-related diseases?

Lifestyle-related diseases are a general term for illnesses caused by a combination of daily habits such as unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking.
There are no clear standards for the definition or scope of lifestyle-related diseases, but typical diseases include high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and gout, and they are considered ``national diseases'' that anyone can get in modern times.

What are the three major adult diseases?

The three major adult diseases that were once referred to as cancer, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease were serious illnesses that mainly affected adults.
However, it was discovered that these diseases are not only caused by aging, but also by long-standing lifestyle habits, and since the 1990s the name has been changed to "lifestyle-related diseases."

What are the seven major lifestyle-related diseases?

The "seven major lifestyle-related diseases" are cancer, myocardial infarction, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic renal failure, diabetes, and hypertension, and are seven diseases that are given particular importance among lifestyle-related diseases.
These diseases are caused by long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits, so early detection and lifestyle changes are important.

The term "three major adult diseases" has come to be used in Japan to raise public health awareness, and the term "seven major lifestyle-related diseases" has become widely known, recognizing that lifestyle-related diseases include a wide variety of illnesses.
These words are used to spread awareness of the importance of preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases.

How to prevent lifestyle-related diseases 

Early detection and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases is important, and they can be prevented by reviewing your daily life.
The following unhealthy eating habits often increase the risk, so if you're concerned, check them out.

▼ High-calorie, high-fat meals
Fried foods, fast foods, and processed foods are high in calories and unhealthy fats, which increase the risk of obesity, dyslipidemia, and heart disease.

High-carbohydrate diet
Sugary drinks and sweets can cause blood sugar levels to spike and lead to diabetes.

▼Excessive salt intake
Instant foods, processed foods, and eating out tend to be high in salt, which increases the risk of high blood pressure.

▼Low-nutritional diet
Lack of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and weaken the immune system.

▼Irregular eating habits
Irregular meal times disrupt the body's internal clock, disrupt metabolism, and lead to obesity.

Recommendations for a healthy diet

To prevent lifestyle-related diseases, it is essential to have a healthy diet, including the following:

▼ Balanced diet
Eat a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

▼ Vegetable and fruit intake
Eat enough of it every day to get your vitamins and fiber.

▼ Whole grain selection
Choose brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal over white rice and white bread, and try to eat foods that keep your blood sugar levels down.

▼ Adequate and healthy fat intake
Consciously include foods that contain omega -3 fatty acids.
Choose fish, olive oil, avocados, and nuts, and avoid saturated and trans fats.

▼ Carbohydrate selection
Avoid refined sugar, processed foods, and sugary drinks, and focus on eating fruits and foods with natural sugars.

▼Restricting salt intake
Check food labels, limit your salt intake, and try to eat lighter flavors. Use natural seasonings such as soy sauce and miso, as well as herbs and spices to enjoy the flavor.

▼ Proper hydration
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.

Regular meal times
It is especially important to eat a good breakfast.

Lifestyle-related diseases can be prevented by reviewing your daily habits, and living a healthy life can improve your quality of life.
Furthermore, lifestyle-related diseases are closely related not only to diet, but also to lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking.
It is not just a disease, but something that is deeply connected to our lives.
Let's practice prevention and measures against lifestyle-related diseases to maintain our physical and mental health!

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It is characterized by its natural sweetness, as it does not contain refined sugar.

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