causes of diseases
Disease can be caused by a wide variety of factors and variables, but let’s focus on the more obvious ones first. These are some of the most common causes of disease and illness in humans.
Environmental factors
Many diseases have their origins in environmental factors, from how we take care of our bodies to how we live, work and play. Whether it’s obesity or cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, there are many causes for which we can work to find solutions.
Diet
A healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is great for your health. It also helps prevent disease, thanks to all those vitamins and minerals. However, you should avoid eating too much fat or sugar, as these can lead to illness. The best diets have a mix of fresh fruit and vegetables and lean meats like chicken or fish. You should also consider adding some whole grains to your meals - they are packed with fiber and help keep you full for longer.
Exercise habits
More than anything else, having a regular exercise habit is what protects your health from disease. Along with daily exercise, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and sticking to a healthy diet. These habits—not genetics—are primarily responsible for our health as we age. If we break any one of these habits, chances are we will develop a disease in time.
Medication Side Effects
Don’t take medication without consulting your doctor about potential side effects. While it’s true that many medications have unpleasant side effects, in some cases these symptoms will be worth enduring if they make a bigger difference to your health. For example, some cancer patients will risk severe nausea if it means they can continue with their treatment plan. Never stop taking medication without first consulting your doctor as you may need to gradually reduce a dosage before stopping altogether.
Aging
As we age, our cells become damaged by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is when a cell’s DNA and proteins are damaged by reactive oxygen species that have leaked out of our mitochondria during energy production. This contributes to many diseases in aging adults like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. Exercise, limiting sugar intake, and eating foods rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in our bodies. These simple lifestyle changes can help us live healthier lives as we get older and beyond!
Pesticides and Chemicals
In a report from 2013, scientists from Johns Hopkins University estimated that about 2.4 billion people—more than a third of Earth’s population—drink water contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, lead or other toxins. And every year, 1.8 million people die from diseases linked to contaminated water and poor sanitation.
Other causes
Diseases can be caused by a large number of factors. Health is not just about your physical well-being; it’s also about your mental, emotional and social well-being. A lack of any one factor (or a combination) will affect how healthy you are as an individual.