The Impacts of Lifestyle Choices on Non Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that cannot be directly transmitted between people. Many are chronic diseases, meaning that they stay with people for life. NCDs are incredibly widespread and often have a life-limiting impact. Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, NCDs kill 41 million people yearly. This accounts for 71 percent of all deaths globally (1).
Statistics and Facts on Non-Communicable Diseases
- Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people yearly, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally.
- Each year, 17 million people die from an NCD before age 70; 86% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- Of all NCD deaths, 77% are in low- and middle-income countries.
- Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or 17.9 million people annually, followed by cancers (9.3 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4.1 million), and diabetes (2.0 million, including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes) (2).
Common examples of non-communicable diseases include:
- Alzheimer's Disease.
- Cancer.
- Epilepsy.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Osteoporosis.
- Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Coronary Artery Disease.
Primary Causes and Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases
Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors often cause non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The primary causes and risk factors of non-communicable diseases include (3):
Unhealthy Diet
Poor nutrition, including the excessive intake of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, can contribute to the development of NCDs such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle are major NCD risk factors. Insufficient exercise increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
Tobacco Use
Smoking tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke are leading causes of preventable NCDs, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases.
Harmful Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with various NCDs, such as liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and mental health disorders.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors like air pollution, water contamination, exposure to toxins, and workplace hazards can contribute to developing NCDs like respiratory diseases and cancer.
Genetic Factors
Genetic predisposition can increase an individual's susceptibility to certain NCDs. Some diseases, such as certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, can have a hereditary component.
Age
Advancing age is a significant risk factor for many NCDs. As individuals get older, the likelihood of developing conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders increases.
Chronic Stress
Prolonged exposure to stress can negatively impact physical and mental health, increasing the risk of NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, depression, and anxiety disorders.
It's important to note that these causes can interact, leading to a higher risk of developing multiple NCDs. Furthermore, socio-economic factors, access to healthcare, and supportive policies and environments also play a role in developing and preventing non-communicable diseases.
Signs and Symptoms of Non-communicable Diseases
The signs and symptoms of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can vary depending on the specific condition. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with NCDs:
- Chronic cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Chronic mucus production.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Wheezing.
- Chronic chest pain (4).
How to Prevent Non- Communicable Diseases?
Reducing the major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and the harmful use of alcohol – is the focus of WHO’s work to prevent deaths from NCDs. Non-communicable diseases, primarily heart and lung diseases, cancers, and diabetes, are the world’s largest killers, with an estimated 38 million deaths annually. Of these deaths, 16 million are premature (under 70). If we reduce the global impact of risk factors, we can go a long way to reducing the number of deaths worldwide.
Prevention of NCDs is a growing issue. The burden falls mainly on developing countries, where 82% of premature deaths from these diseases occur. Tackling the risk factors will, therefore, save lives and boost the economic development of countries (5).
Lifestyle Modifications to Reduce the Risks of Non-Communicable Diseases
Adopt a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is crucial in preventing NCDs. Focus on consuming various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, saturated fats, and sodium. Be mindful of portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, a significant NCD risk factor.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is essential for overall health and plays a vital role in preventing NCDs. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. Engage in walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing activities. Additionally, incorporate strength training exercises twice a week to improve muscle strength and bone health.
Avoid Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for several NCDs, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco use altogether is one of the most effective ways to prevent these diseases. Seek support from healthcare professionals, join cessation programs, and utilize nicotine replacement therapies to increase your chances of success.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to various NCDs, including liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. Guidelines recommend a maximum of one drink per day for women and up to two per day for men. Pregnant women, individuals with certain health conditions, or those taking medications should abstain from alcohol entirely.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of developing these conditions. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are the best way to achieve a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Additionally, limit the consumption of processed and high-calorie foods and drinks.
Conclusions
In modern society, NCDs are the main challenge in health systems. Risk factor management is essential in NCDs' management. Managing NCDs requires many strategies from several perspectives and on different levels, including the individual and country levels. Based on the hypotheses raised during the above scientific discussion, modern strategies for managing NCDs should be oriented toward the individual level, where the individual is responsible for their health by simply following a healthy lifestyle. It is important to combine modern scientific achievements and innovative decisions concerning the rationality of nutrition and its positive effects on human health.
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