Unveiling the Hidden Triggers of Modern Lifestyle Ailments

Lifestyle-related diseases predominantly stem from adjustable habits concerning nutrition and daily activities. However, altering these habits necessitates precise and trustworthy information. Regrettably, a significant portion of the information circulated in contemporary social and print media is muddled by the self-interests of various industry lobbyists, complicating the task of reaching clear conclusions. This blog post endeavors to demystify and elucidate the primary contributors to lifestyle diseases, which can be condensed into five fundamental areas:

1. Substance Misuse

2. Unhealthy Eating

3. Insufficient Detoxification

4. Misalignment of Circadian Rhythms

5. Sedentary Lifestyle

Substance Misuse

Substance misuse, which includes tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, ranks among the leading contributors to lifestyle diseases. For instance, in nations such as the United States, smoking prevalence has notably declined over recent decades due to public awareness initiatives; nevertheless, tobacco use persists as a primary cause of mortality. Annually, tobacco consumption is responsible for more than 8 million deaths in the U.S., encompassing fatalities attributed to second-hand smoke exposure.

Unhealthy Eating

A calorically dense diet devoid of essential nutrients constitutes the second most prevalent cause of lifestyle diseases globally. It contributes to health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular ailments, and diabetes. The difficulties associated with poor nutrition can be delineated into three categories:

2.1 Inflammation

Inflammation serves as the body’s inherent reaction to a perceived threat, such as an injury or harmful substances. However, the long-term intake of inflammatory foods leads to enduring damage, especially to the endothelium—the internal lining of blood vessels, which is roughly the size of 6–8 tennis courts.

Inflammatory foods engage with endothelial cells post-digestion and absorption, causing the body to regard these foods as detrimental. Regular consumption of such items—three times daily, seven days weekly—can lead to chronic inflammation, resulting in significant harm to the endothelium over time.

Why Are Certain Foods Inflammatory?

The explanation is rooted in human evolution. Over millions of years, humans have primarily subsisted on a plant-based diet. Foods like dairy, oils, and sugars have constituted a part of our diet for less than 0.1% of our evolutionary timeline. Even animal-derived foods became a notable dietary component only with the rise of Homo erectus. Contrary to popular belief, animal-based foods constituted a minimal portion of the paleo diet. Fossilized waste indicates that less than 5% of this diet comprised animal-sourced foods, with the paleo epoch itself being a relatively recent phase in human evolution.

Anatomical evidence further supports the notion that humans are inherently suited to a plant-centric diet. Our jaw structure, dentition, and elongated digestive tract align more with herbivorous species. A significant concern with animal-based foods is their elevated levels of IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1), a growth hormone associated with cancer, tumor development, and chronic diseases.

Acute versus Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is crucial for healing, usually subsiding within a few days following an injury. For instance, minor injuries to toes or knees generally heal without lasting consequences. Conversely, chronic inflammation arises when the same area sustains repeated harm. This phenomenon is precisely what occurs to the endothelium when inflammatory foods are consumed daily.

Combating Inflammation

The most efficient method to tackle inflammation involves eliminating its origin by steering clear of inflammatory foods and chemicals. Furthermore, incorporating anti-inflammatory items can facilitate healing. All animal-based foods are inflammatory, whereas fruits, vegetables, and whole plant-based foods exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, some vegan options—particularly those heavily processed—may also exacerbate inflammation. Below are examples:

Inflammatory Foods

• All animal-derived products such as meats, eggs, and dairy.
• Refined sugars and High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) (e.g., sodas and canned juices).
• Refined oils (e.g., packaged snacks such as chips).
• White flour (e.g., white pasta, pancake mixes).
• Hydrogenated oils (e.g., margarine), which are particularly harmful and now prohibited in the US and various European nations.

Anti-inflammatory foods:

Fruits, vegetables, and whole plant-based foods possess anti-inflammatory qualities.

2.2 Nutrient Deficiency

Limited dietary diversity and a heavy reliance on staples like wheat, rice, or millet can lead to nutrient insufficiencies. Children introduced to family diets with these restrictions may inherit similar deficiencies, often misattributed to genetics. Common deficiencies include:

• Fiber
• Nitric oxide-releasing green leafy vegetables
• Vitamins B12, D3, K2
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Iodine

2.3 Nutrient Excess

Overconsumption of specific nutrients can also contribute to lifestyle diseases. Examples include:

• Animal protein
• Saturated fats
• Refined sugar
• Omega-6 fatty acids

Insufficient Detoxification

Even with proper hygiene, toxins gather in the body and require specific methods for removal. Examples of such toxins include:

• Dead and injured cells
• Senescent cells (aging cells)
• Misfolded proteins
• Harmful substances initially recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), like hydrogenated fats
• Visceral fat deposits around our vital organs in the abdominal cavity, impairing their functionality

These toxins are not expelled through routine hygiene practices and necessitate dedicated efforts. Recent research that earned Nobel Prizes (in 2016 and 2018) has underscored the significance of fasting protocols for detoxifying the body. Approaches such as daily intermittent fasting, biweekly Ekadashi fasting, or twice-yearly Navratri fasting may help avert lifestyle diseases like diabetes, fatty liver, and chronic kidney issues.

Circadian Misalignment

Numerous aspects of contemporary life create discrepancies in the hormones within our bodies, leading to either deficiencies or surpluses. These imbalances impact our health in ways we are just beginning to comprehend. Two primary examples are cortisol and melatonin. Since the introduction of electricity 150 years ago, our schedules for various activities have become erratic, disturbing the natural rhythms of these vital hormones.

The 2017 Nobel Prize-winning study revealed that every cell in the body possesses an internal clock that governs functions according to a specific rhythm. Disrupting this rhythm—by waking up late, eating late, or remaining active late at night—can disturb the body’s natural equilibrium, resulting in hormonal disorders and health complications.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Technological progress has greatly diminished the necessity for physical activity.

Without deliberate effort, a majority of individuals tend to be inactive, which elevates the likelihood of health-related issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Lack of physical activity is attributed to around 830,000 fatalities each year in the U.S.

Conclusion

Health-related issues stemming from lifestyle are mainly triggered by inadequate nutrition and daily practices, rendering them entirely avoidable. By tackling these perilous factors and implementing preventive health strategies, individuals can notably enhance their wellness, boost health, and prolong lifespan.

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