Managing Chronic Diseases
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utrition is an essential part of good health, and can play a major role in preventing and managing chronic diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diet is one of the key factors in preventing chronic diseases such heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke, cancer, and high blood pressure. Although a healthy diet cannot prevent all chronic diseases, it can help reduce the risk of developing these diseases or reduce their severity if already diagnosed. Consuming a balanced diet and staying physically active are important factors in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. The following information describes the key role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Dietary Intake A balanced diet plays an important role in the prevention of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain types of cancers, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and many more. By following a healthy, well-balanced diet you can help prevent many of these diseases from happening in the first place. It is recommended that adults eat a variety of foods from a variety of food groups every day. The recommended daily intake of calories varies according to age, gender, and physical activity level. To calculate your calorie needs, you can use the "My Plate" food guide from the USDA. Examples of healthy foods that are part of the My Plate guidelines include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein sources like fish and poultry. Alcohol is not recommended as a component of any meal or snack.
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to excessive weight gain as well as increased risk for diseases such as cancer, liver disease, and pancreatitis. Therefore, it's important to keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum. If you are unable to drink in moderation, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether. For more information on healthy eating and meeting your daily calorie requirements, please visit the USDA's Food and Nutrition website at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/nutrition