I am a firm believer that prevention is better than a cure! In terms of diet, eating a nutritious, balanced diet plays a key role in determining chronic disease onset later in life. This is due to habits having a cumulative impact on health, so the earlier healthy habits are implemented, the lower the risk of chronic disease onset later in life1.
In terms of food-related factors, the evidence consistently demonstrates that having a diet high in salt, meat and processed meats increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease2. Similarly, sugar sweetened beverages are strongly associated with Type 2 Diabetes, as well as dental issues, stroke and coronary heart disease2. On the other hand, we know that consuming adequate wholegrains is cardioprotective (will reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases). Additionally, the health benefits of fruits and vegetables cannot be disputed, linked consistently to a reduced risk of developing heart diseases, stroke, and cancer2.
However, no food or habit (usually) exists in isolation. We know that people who have poor dietary habits are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles and engage in other unhealthy habits, such as tobacco smoking3,4. Therefore, taking a look at overall habits is a key aspect of chronic disease management and prevention. This is where a dietitian can help! Eating the occasional treat, having some wine with friends, and eating foods that spark joy (that may not be overly nutritious) are not likely to lead to chronic disease. However, leading a sedentary lifestyle in combination with consuming a diet that is low in nutrients, and engaging in habits that are harmful to health (e.g. tobacco smoking and binge drinking) increase chronic disease risk collectively3,4.
Therefore, the role of a dietitian in chronic disease prevention and management is to provide education and tailored advice around developing health supporting behaviours.
As a dietitian, my passion is to help people to change their habits, preventing the onset of chronic disease later in life, or to implement changes to help clients to manage the symptoms of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Empowering clients with the food knowledge to make informed decisions about what they eat is truly rewarding and the best part of my job!
If you’d like to find out more about how your diet can potentially be influencing your chronic disease negatively; or for ways to improve your diet to assist in managing your chronic disease, please contact Carly on 9439 6776 to book a 1:1 consultation.
References:
- Diet, nutrition and chronic diseases in context [Internet]. Fao.org. [cited 6 August 2020]. Available from: http://www.fao.org/3/ac911e/ac911e06.htm
- Schulze M, Martínez-González M, Fung T, Lichtenstein A, Forouhi N. Food based dietary patterns and chronic disease prevention. BMJ. 2018;:k2396.
- How You Can Prevent Chronic Diseases | CDC [Internet]. Cdc.gov. 2020 [cited 6 August 2020]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/prevent/index.htm
- Chronic Diseases and Their Common Risk Factors [Internet]. Who.int. 2020 [cited 6 August 2020]. Available from: https://www.who.int/chp/chronic_disease_report/media/Factsheet1.pdf