Lifestyle diseases are ailments linked with one’s lifestyle. They are non-communicable diseases caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, alcohol, substance use disorders, and smoking tobacco, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, obesity, type II diabetes, and lung cancer. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma, cancer, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney failure, osteoporosis, PCOD, stroke, depression, obesity, and vascular dementia.
How it affects Human Life
Lifestyle diseases can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. They can lead to chronic non-communicable diseases, which can have near life-threatening consequences. These diseases can affect other body parts’ functions, resulting in coma or death. If not controlled, the rate of mortality in the world can increase.
Risk Factors for Other Diseases
Lifestyle diseases share risk factors similar to prolonged exposure to three modifiable lifestyle behaviors – smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity – and result in the development of chronic diseases, specifically heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some types of cancer.
What is Holistic Treatment?
Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions – in the quest for optimal health and wellness. According to the holistic medicine philosophy, you can achieve the best possible health by gaining proper balance in life. Holistic medicine practitioners believe that the whole person is made up of parts that depend on one another, and if one part isn’t working properly, all the other parts will be affected.
How Holistic Treatment Helps in Managing Lifestyle Diseases
Holistic care involves treating the whole of a patient—mind, body, and spirit—to address the root causes of illness, as well as symptoms. The goal is to use traditional medical practices and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help patients with chronic illnesses lead healthier, happier lives. Some of these treatments include nutrition counselling, yoga and meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and aromatherapy.
Scientific Details of the Role and Effectiveness of Integrative of Treatment for Controlling Lifestyle Diseases
Lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, are influenced by various factors including genetics, environment, and individual behaviors. Integrative medicine combines conventional medical approaches with evidence-based complementary therapies, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle modifications to optimize health and prevent disease.
Key Aspects of Integrative Treatment in Life style diseases:
- Holistic Approach: Integrative medicine focuses on treating the whole person, not just the disease. It recognizes that physical health is interconnected with mental, emotional, and social well-being.
- Complementary Therapies: Evidence-based complementary therapies play a significant role. These may include:
- Supplements: Certain vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can support overall health.
- Herbal Medicine: Some herbs have demonstrated benefits in managing lifestyle diseases.
- Stress Reduction Practices: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and acupuncture can help reduce stress.
- Physical Therapies: Exercise, massage, and other physical modalities contribute to well-being.
- Nutritional Medicine: Proper nutrition is crucial. Addressing dietary habits, micronutrient deficiencies, and personalized dietary plans can positively impact disease outcomes.
- Lifestyle Interventions:
- Physical Activity: Encouraging regular exercise helps manage weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance cardiovascular health.
- Sleep Optimization: Adequate sleep supports immune function, hormonal balance, and overall vitality.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress affects health; relaxation techniques mitigate its impact.
- Vitamin D Supplementation: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various diseases; optimizing levels is essential.
- Adjunct Technologies: Integrative medicine incorporates technologies for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. These assist clinicians in assessing disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Benefits of Integrative Approaches:
- Patient-Centered: Integrative care considers individual needs, preferences, and goals.
- Enhanced Outcomes: Combining conventional and complementary approaches may lead to better health outcomes.
- Symptom Management: Integrative therapies can alleviate symptoms associated with diseases and their treatments.