7 Most Harmful Chronic Diseases That You Should Be Aware

1. Heart Disease:

It is the leading cause of death globally. Some of the common heart diseases are Coronary artery disease, Heart failure, Arrhythmia, etc. They usually develop when there’s some heart damage, genetic and age factors, and due to an unhealthy lifestyle. But, these factors are controllable with proper heart care measures.

Despite being challenging, there are natural ways to prevent heart diseases.

• Eat a healthy diet and ensure some physical activity
• Keep your blood pressure in check
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be controlled with relevant food intake.
• Consuming Omega-3 rich food
• Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption

2. Cancer:

This is one of the deadliest chronic illnesses with no measurable cure. Though deadly, it has become a common illness and happens to people irrespective of their age. The most common types in India are Breast Cancer and Cervical cancer. The risk of cancer increases with age. The chances of survival are low in India because of late detection of the disease. Although there’s no particular cure for it, today’s advancement of Medical Science has been able to find suitable treatments for it.

Though cancer is deadly, there are natural ways to reduce the probability of its occurrence:

• Do not use tobacco
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying physically active
• Practice safe sex and do not share needles
• Get vaccinated and regular medical check-ups

3. Diabetes:

It occurs when our pancreas fails to produce insulin itself or if the body is unable to use the produced insulin effectively.

Diabetes is one of the most dangerous chronic illnesses. If not taken proper care of, it can lead to other severe complications like heart or kidney diseases. It even leads to death in some cases.

The chronic disease symptoms of diabetes are easily notable. They may include increased thirst, hunger and urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and many more. In India, most of the diabetic patients were in the age group of 55-70 years. But today, even the youth can suffer from type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes may be a serious disease, but it can be prevented naturally:

• Make water your primary beverage
• Cut down sugar and carbs from your diet
• Work out for at least 30 minutes
• Do not smoke and follow a healthy diet

4. Thyroid:

Thyroid diseases range from simple goitre to life-threatening cancer. Excessive thyroid hormones cause hyperthyroidism. The deficiency of it causes hypothyroidism.

The thyroid controls our bodily metabolism, so an imbalance in the hormone level disturbs the overall body functions. You are at a higher risk of suffering from thyroid if there’s a family history, deficiency of iodine, or if you suffer from another medical condition. But it can be controlled and taken care of with suitable treatment.

Thyroid can be prevented by taking the following precautions:

• Add selenium and Vitamin-B to your diet
• Adopt a gluten-free diet
• Take Iodine supplements
• Regular practice of Yoga Asanas like Ujjayi Pranayama

5. Obesity:

When the Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than the traditional value, the person is considered overweight or obese.

Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, etc., irrespective of age. It occurs due to several genetic, behavioural, and hormonal factors. It shouldn’t be taken lightly as proper treatment can control it and make it possible for the individual to live a healthy life.

Obesity may look dangerous, but it is easy to prevent naturally:

• Consume protein-rich food like lentils and eggs
• Avoid processed foods and refined carbs in your diet
• 30 mins of brisk walking or 15 minutes of running along with an active lifestyle
• Avoid liquid calories.

6. Hypertension:

The condition in which the force of blood flow is too high against the artery walls. It usually happens by stress, excessive salt intake, but it can also develop slowly through the years. There are usually no symptoms, and eventually, almost everyone suffers from it. But if not controlled through medication, it can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Hypertension can be prevented naturally by these following methods:

• If you’re overweight, lose the extra pounds
• Less sodium and more potassium in your diet
• Exercise regularly and stay physically active
• Managing stress

7. Asthma:

It is a respiratory condition in which one’s airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult. The most common symptoms include wheezing, whistling, or squealing sound when breathing. It can be both a minor interference and a life-threatening attack. Though fully incurable, it is controllable through medications and rescue pumps. You should visit your physician regularly if suffering from it.

Asthma is an easily preventable disease, all with a little extra care and effort!

• Manage your diet and look out for the food items that can cause allergies
• Regular breathing exercises and yoga too can help
• Acupuncture therapy
• Steam baths