In the rat race to survive, grow, and prosper, we’ve lost sight of the one thing that matters most: our health.
Despite the many advancements in medicine in recent years, chronic illnesses and infectious diseases remain prevalent. This rise in morbidity rates is due to several factors, but the primary cause lies in the unhealthy lifestyle adopted by the general population. So, while technology provided solutions and treatments for ailments once thought to be incurable, it also opened doors to newer problems.
In the past few decades, health professionals saw a significant transformation in the food production industry and the mobility of individuals. Because of this, the metabolic balance is no longer in equilibrium, making your body susceptible to various illnesses and syndromes. Research shows that your routine habits and behaviors link directly with the risk of developing diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, obesity, and even infertility.
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6 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is not just necessary for survival, but also for living a happier and more comfortable life as you age. And despite what most people think, adapting it is not all that complicated.
To help you transition into a healthier and more robust lifestyle, follow these six tips to benefit your body, mind, and also your surroundings.
1. Consume a balanced diet
You can’t overestimate the impact of a healthy, balanced diet on your overall well-being. Even if you’re suffering from a chronic illness, eating the right food can significantly improve the health outlook predicted by your doctor.
A balanced diet ensures your body receives all the essential nutrients in adequate amounts to survive and grow in a thriving environment. Your everyday meals must contain fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy products, and unsaturated fats. Avoid processed and junk foods rich in saturated fats, salt, and sugar. You can consult a nutritionist to help plan your diet according to your age, gender, height, and weight– for maximum benefit.
2. Limit caffeine intake
Millions of people worldwide rely on caffeine to help them wake up and stay alert for performing everyday tasks. But such dependence can cause severe health concerns down the road, especially if your caffeine intake exceeds the safe levels of 400 mg per day.
People who avidly drink coffee or energy drinks require more and more caffeine to stay alert as their body becomes immune to normal levels. However, since it’s a stimulant, it can impact your sleep cycle, cause insomnia, induce anxiety, and even result in chronic health concerns. To cut back on your intake, see if these tips help:
- monitor your daily consumption
- switch to decaffeinated drinks
- reduce the brew time
- gradually cut back
3. Exercise regularly
With the world rapidly digitalizing, most people are getting accustomed to sedentary lifestyles. While technology may have improved your life for the better, it may cause severe health issues. Regular exercise can combat this problem as it keeps you from gaining unnecessary body mass and developing heart diseases. Additionally, physical activity is known to improve mood, boost energy, and promote deeper sleeping patterns.
4. Practice good hygiene
The primary reason why occurrences of illnesses like cholera and influenza have gone down is because of cleanliness. Maintaining good personal hygiene is one of the best and easiest ways to stay safe from several infectious diseases. The simplest act of washing your hands with soap and water can kill off any microorganisms that may be pathogenic and cause sickness. Make a habit of covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading any infection you may have. Similarly, regularly and religiously brushing your teeth reduces the chances of acquiring dental caries or other oral health-related issues.
Besides keeping you safe and healthy, personal hygiene also ensures others around you remain in good shape. For maximum effect, train community members to implement these behaviors in their everyday lives so everyone can live in a cleaner and healthier environment.
5. Watch your salt and sugar intake
High salt and sugar intake significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes. Most people remain unaware and uncaring about the amount of salt and sugar they consume daily. This behavior can prove extremely harmful if they don’t keep a watchful eye. The WHO recommends using iodized salt of fewer than 5 grams per day, equivalent to one teaspoon. While this may seem impossible, it’s a necessary step for leading a healthier lifestyle.
Since processed food and carbonated beverages have high salt and sugar content, be careful with how much you consume daily. Try to reduce their consumption and prepare homecooked meals instead.
6. Stay hydrated
Every organ, tissue, and cell in your body depends on water for its proper function. Water plays a vital role in each process, from maintaining a stable body temperature to flushing harmful pathogens. Yet, alarmingly, around 75% of Americans remain chronically dehydrated. Doctors recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily, but this intake may vary depending on the type of work you do and the environment you live in. And while drinking plain water is the best source to stay hydrated, other fluids like milk, fresh juices, and herbal teas help too.
Conclusion
When you give your health the attention and priority it deserves, you’ll be surprised to see how it returns the favor. By making a few necessary changes and living a healthier lifestyle, you’ll feel better, stress-free, and more energized to tackle everyday tasks.
