Healthy Life
Fighting chronic diseases: nutrition and movement are the key weapons
by Mathieu Meeûs
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease have become a serious public health problem worldwide. These diseases have complex causes, but diet and lack of physical exercise are often considered important risk factors.
Therefore, it is important for people with chronic conditions to understand the importance of diet and exercise in managing their condition.
LET’S START WITH FOOD
A balanced and healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic disease. Nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while providing fiber and vitamins needed to maintain good health. It’s also important to limit the intake of saturated fats, added sugar and salt, which can contribute to weight gain and heart disease.
Nutrition is also a major issue for people with diabetes, they must watch their sugar and carbohydrate intake, so it is important to favor foods with a low glycemic index and to consume foods rich in fiber to help stabilize the blood sugar levels.
REGARDING PHYSICAL EXERCISE
It is crucial for people with chronic illnesses to maintain regular physical activity. Physical exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve mental health. Exercise can also be beneficial for people with diabetes as it can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is recommended that you do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
It is important to note that it may be helpful to consult a physician, dietician and/or movement specialist such as a physical therapist before drastically changing your diet or starting an exercise program. People with chronic conditions may have specific nutrition and exercise needs and it is important to ensure that any changes to their diet or exercise program are safe and appropriate for their needs.
IN SUMMARY
Diet and exercise are key aspects of chronic disease management. A balanced and healthy diet, as well as regular physical activity, can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve the quality of life of people with these diseases. It is important to consult a health professional for personalized advice and to maintain regular monitoring to ensure that the changes made have a positive impact on health.
