Diseases of civilization are a common problem of our times. Inappropriate lifestyle, poor nutrition, low physical activity, addictions or living in a stressful and hurried life make many of us struggle with civilization diseases. What are the most common types of civilization diseases and, most importantly, how to prevent them?

Diseases of civilization , also known asdiseases of the 21st century , are a complex of ailments that spread all over the world as a result of the development of civilization. These are diseases of a global nature, occurring both in a highly developed and developing society. While not contagious, they are spreading at an alarming rate, leading to premature deaths.

What causes civilization diseases?

Civilization diseases are related to environmental pollution, the spread of highly processed food and exposure to chemical agents. Industrialization is a big problem for various areas of everyday life. We often focus on the quantity and not the quality of the products. The daily diet includes too few vegetables, fruits and products with fiber, and sugars and unhe althy fats dominate.

Stress, life in a hurry and noise are also important. Additionally, the following factors contribute to the development of civilization diseases:

  • lack of physical activity,
  • sedentary lifestyle,
  • spending time indoors,
  • smoking,
  • alcohol abuse,
  • tendency to stimulants,
  • and no rest.

The scary fact is that more and more often these diseases are diagnosed in children and adolescents.

The most common civilization diseases

Diseases of civilization are a growing threat to modern society. They affect many systems and organs. The most common civilization diseases include:

  • Cardiovascular diseases- along with the development of civilization, there has been an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, e.g. hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, myocarditis , coronary heart disease or heart failure.
  • Diseases of the digestive tract- caused by stress, inadequate diet,eating too many processed foods and eating too little vegetables and fruit. They contribute to lowering the level of good HDL cholesterol and increasing the level of triglycerides. These diseases cause diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, intestinal, stomach and duodenal diseases.
  • Diabetes- is a metabolic disease affecting over 270 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, its incidence continues to increase, especially in developing countries.
  • Cancer- result from increased exposure to harmful carcinogens, e.g. harmful radiation, cigarette smoke or various chemical substances.
  • Mental disorders- constant stress, increased pace of life, constant race, as well as the harmful influence of social media and a sense of loneliness contribute to the development of mental diseases, e.g. depression, schizophrenia, workaholism , neurosis and anxiety disorders.
  • Overweight and obesity- hardly anyone knows that overweight and obesity are among the civilization diseases of the 21st century. Excessive body weight contributes to disorders and malfunctioning of the whole organism. Obese people are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease, the occurrence of hormonal disorders and mental disorders. Unfortunately, obesity affects a huge number of children under the age of 18.

How to prevent civilization diseases?

Once we know what civilization diseases are, it is worth taking a close look at how we function and what our life looks like. In order to be able to fight civilization diseases, not only new methods of treatment are necessary, but most of all appropriate prophylaxis.

The key isintroducing he althy eating habitsbased on a he althy diet rich in fiber, vegetables, fruit and he althy unsaturated fatty acids. Eat five meals a day, avoid sugar, processed foods, and avoid s alt.

It is very important toanalyze the composition of the products you buyand choose those without unnecessary preservatives and artificial substances.

It is worth taking care of adequate physical activity, effective rest and he althy sleep.Playing sport (especially outdoors), adapted to our he alth condition, will help in the fight against extra pounds and supports the proper functioning of the body.

In order to prevent diseases of civilization, you should regularlycheckup . Their scope and frequency depend on the age and he alth of the patient.

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