In an era characterized by medical advancements, the significance of lifestyle factors in shaping overall health can’t be overstated. Even though medical technologies and treatments have improved dramatically, it is vital we all implement the right lifestyle factors to prevent medical conditions. Lifestyle factors such as: diet, exercise, alcohol, and smoking all have a huge role to play in overall health.
You may have been told to reduce eating saturated fats and salts, but why? For one, a high salt intake increases the risk of blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. This is because a high salt intake increases fluid content of the blood, which causes an increase in blood volume, resulting in increased blood pressure. High salt intake can also cause calcium loss. The recommended salt intake is about 2,300mg per day – this is equal to about 1 teaspoon of salt. Furthermore, saturated fats increase risk of CVD. This is because the saturated fats cause an increased deposition of LDL into the blood stream which in turns increases risk of damage and blockage to the blood vessel. Eating an excess of sugar can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, which increases risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Regular physical activity has been proven to prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and several types of cancer. The recommended amount of exercise for adults is at least 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity, or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Exercise improves circulation and increases HDL’s which lowers LDL’s. Low amounts of exercise make the heart inefficient, due to the cardiac output being reduced. The walls of the artery become less elastic and the heart rate increases. Not only does exercise have physical benefits, it also has mental benefits, such as improved mood and mental health, as exercising releases serotonin. In children and adolescents, physical activity improves cognitive outcomes, such as academic performance and executive function.
Smoking greatly affects one’s health. Smoking increase’s chance of CVD and lung cancer. Smoking reduces levels of HDL’s, which is linked to increased risk of heart disease. Furthermore, the carbon monoxide in the cigarette increases deposition of cholesterol, increasing risk of an atheroma forming. Smoking increases heart rate and causes vasoconstriction, once again increasing risk of CVD. The free radicals in the smoke can get into the blood stream and damage blood vessel lining. Carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin meaning less oxygen is transported around the body, so the oxygen- carrying capacity of blood is greatly reduced. Nicotine also increases stickiness of platelets, increasing risk of blood clots. The poisons in tobacco smoke can cause damage to the DNA which can lead to cancer.
Heavy drinking can have numerous effects on the body. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain works. These disruptions can change someone’s behavior and mood. Drinking over a long period of time can damage the heart, causing cardiomyopathy – which is the stretching and drooping of t the heart muscles, arrhythmias- irregular heartbeat and more. Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can lead to pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Lastly, drinking too much can weaker your immune system, making it easier for your body to contract diseases.
In conclusion, the impact of lifestyle factors on overall health can’t be talked about enough. Through examining various aspects, it becomes evident that the choices we make contribute greatly to our overall well-being. By prioritizing our health and making an active choice to choose healthier things we can greatly decrease the risk of chronic disease and improve our quality of life. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness helps us live a longer, happier life.
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