Losing weight improves physical appearance, helps in restoring self-confidence, and it can also do wonders for our psychological well-being. The positive impact of leading a healthy lifestyle, however, goes beyond achieving your dream summer body. Proper dieting can be your golden ticket to reducing the risk of several serious diseases. Some people even prefer to control some of their chronic conditions by implementing healthy lifestyle changes instead of depending on medications for the rest of their lives. There are others out there who have managed to recover completely by sticking to a healthy diet that has been proven to be effective for their bodies. Below, we will explore some of the different conditions that you can control or completely avoid by following healthy eating habits.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Complications
The exact cause of the polycystic ovary syndrome remains unknown to this day. Females and males have the same hormones, but with different levels; however, women who suffer from this condition have higher male hormones than normal levels. This hormonal imbalance can cause infertility and some annoying physical appearance problems, including excess body hair, difficulty in losing weight, adult acne, and irregular menstrual cycles. Even though polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common health problems among women, to the extent that it affects 1 in every 10 women. Yet, many people still have grave misconceptions about PCOS.
Many might be satisfied with only controlling their condition; yet, regulating periods by taking oral contraceptives and using laser sessions to remove body hair, aren’t and shouldn’t be your main concern. PCOS contributes directly to serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. This is why it’s crucial to follow an effective diet for treating insulin resistance to avoid any long-term health complications.
Obesity
During this era of body-positive advocacy, many people might forget how dangerous obesity can be. Obesity ranks on top of the leading death causes’ list, not only in the United States but also worldwide. Anyone who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is subject to many serious health conditions. Treating severe obesity might require more than just a healthy lifestyle. A clear indication that your case might require surgical intervention is having to shed more than 100 pounds of your body weight to reach a healthy, normal weight.
There are several requirements that you need to know about, and it’s important that you get this information from reliable sources. Determining your candidacy for weight loss surgeries based on these requirements is critical before you make your final decision to guarantee your safety. You should also keep in mind that the cost of bariatric surgery will vary from one country to another; Tijuana, Mexico, for instance, is known for offering cheaper costs.
Heart Disease
Regular consumption of red meat and following a diet that depends on fatty processed food is a major dietary risk factor that has been directly linked to a hike in different serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. Reduced blood flow that is caused by contrary artery types might cause heart attacks. Heart disease claims more lives -approximately 610,00 deaths in America alone- than all cancer types combined.
A balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients your body needs is one of the easiest ways you can ensure your heart’s health. Some people who are more at risk of heart disease or have already had a heart attack should consider stricter diets such as a plant-based diet or whole-foods plant-based diet. These diets shouldn’t be mistaken for veganism as they have more rules that focus on healthy eating habits than just consuming plants.
Osteoporosis
This bone disease causes the body to start losing bone density, which causes bone fractures to happen easily and have a severe impact. Your age, genes, or gender could cause an increase in the risk of Osteoporosis. However, these aren’t the only factors; unhealthy dietary habits might also affect your chances. Switching to a diet that depends on calcium-rich foods, including dark green veggies or dairy products can help greatly in preventing this disease.
Nutrition doctors always advise that you should get your vitamin D levels checked to ensure that they are of normal levels. This goes back to the fact that vitamin D is responsible for helping your body absorb calcium. If you find that you have a vitamin D deficiency, then you can either increase its level in your body by spending 10 to 30 minutes outdoors in the sunlight or you can take supplements.
We all know that our diets have direct impacts on our health. Practicing proper nutrition and healthy eating habits can drastically improve various areas of our lives. While your primary goal might be losing weight, a well-balanced diet can also help reduce the risk of many health complications. Together, these benefits will help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life.