By:
Payal Jain, In
HealthHits - Today: 16, This Week: 0, Month: 0, Total: 0Updated: Tuesday, April 15, 2008
HEART ATTACK
A heart attack often leads to heart failure. Though the latter is often uncontrollable, heart attack, in most cases, can be brought under control or even avoided. In normal conditions, there is coordinated and synchronized motion of all four chambers of the heart. In case of a heart failure, the main pumping chambers lose coordination and the heart compromises its pumping action.
Heart attacks can largely be prevented through secondary preventive methods like smoking cessation, regular exercise, limited intake of alcohol and a sensible diet that avoids too much cholesterol and fat intake.
CANCER
We all know that cancer can be incurable if discovered in its later stages. Cancer is a lifestyle disease that can actually be prevented from spreading in your body. If you lead a fast-paced lifestyle that thrives on junk food, tobacco, alcohol, keeps you inactive all day and even includes a few hundred grams of groundnuts, you could be at the risk of getting cancer. Studies are now showing that certain foods and oils can cut the risk of cancer. Olive oil contains a number of compounds called phenols and monounsaturated fats which are believed to act as powerful antioxidants. Foods with high levels of Vitamins A, C or E are also good for preventing cancer. Natural products are really beneficial for the body. Turmeric, garlic, ginger, fish oil and herbal products like amla as well as citrus fruits, is also considered a preventive cancer food.
Vegetarianism is a good option as well, since red meat is a known cause of cancer and even causes obesity. Abstinence from alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, other major cancer causing agents, is also recommended by experts. Oral hygiene is very important. You must also avoid junk food and a sedentary lifestyle. Toss your veggies in olive oil instead of over-cooking them.
DIABETES
Diabetes, an incurable condition where the patient has excess glucose in the blood, is categorized as type one, type two and gestational. Type one begins in childhood or adolescence and the pancreas release no insulin at all because the body has destroyed the cells that produce it. Type two, the most prevalent form, begins in adulthood and is usually associated with lifestyle. Gestational diabetes is similar to type two but occurs during pregnancy in women who may be genetically predisposed to insulin resistance. Diabetes has enormous implications for patients who don't take measures to control their blood sugar levels. The most common problem is cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage and nerve damage. Changes of lifestyle and drastically cut down on their sugar intake can really benefit. Even though there are no preventive mechanisms for type one diabetes, Type two can be prevented through diet changes and physical activity. At least two and a half hours of exercise in a week along with restrained fat intake and a good amount of fiber and whole grains added in the diet can actually cut down the chances of diabetes and also is of great help to the patients.