Ways modern lifestyle poses health risks projects a disparity in genes and lifestyle that encourages potential health risks linked to science. Some of these risks contribute to diseases of epidemic proportions today, though rare a few generations ago.
What does this mean? It means that while the world has changed due to modern technology, stress response has not. Take for instance the issue of stress reaction: Your heart beats faster and harder, and your blood pressure soars. Your breathing gets faster and deeper, and your pupils widen. Your muscles tense up and your hair may bristle a bit. Your skin becomes cool and clammy, your mouth gets dry, and your stomach may churn with tension. You feel alert and awake but tense and nervous. That’s a stress response on the outside.
But on the inside, stress activates your clotting mechanisms and turns up the immune system. Blood sugar levels rise; white blood cells pour into circulation, and urine production slows. These emotional and physical changes prepare humans to cope with danger.
This article on ways modern lifestyle poses health risks focuses on what you can do to mitigate contemporary diseases.
Modern diseases that can occur
Looking at the table below, what comes to mind is that the survival genes that were once adaptive are now the source of modern-day diseases, diabetes, stroke, depression, pain, etc.
| Threats to survival | Natural survival response | Modern diseases that can occur |
| Starvation | Energy conservation | Obesity and diabetes |
| Dehydration | Retention of salt and fluids | High blood pressure |
| Infection | Potent immune system | Autoimmune and allergic diseases; septic shock syndrome |
| Adversaries | Arousal and fear | Anxiety and insomnia |
| Dangerous situations | Withdrawal from danger, escape | Depression and social isolation |
| Tissue strain and injuries | Preservation of tissue integrity | Pain and fatigue syndrome |
| Bleeding | Promotion of clotting | Heart attack and stroke |
Source: American Journal of Medicine 2004; 117:205.
So how do you prevent these modern diseases? Before suggesting what to do, it’s important to discuss briefly the effect of modern science on ways modern lifestyle poses health risks.
Effect of modern science on lifestyle
The revolution of modern science and technology is a good thing, but progress has its price according to the following effects on the human body and mind:
Sedentary life: Although labor-saving devices made life much easier, replacing physical labor with mental work, was the start of a sedentary life.
Unhealthy eating habits and overfeeding: While it was also good news that new agricultural methods made food cheap and plentiful, technology and mass production made refined grains, sugar, and salt – to say nothing of tobacco and alcohol – plentiful. The bad news is the resultant overfeeding, unhealthy eating, and habit. The implication is that fresh foods are out, refined, processed foods in; hence less fiber and vitamins but more salt, sugar, fat, and calories.
Lack of exercise: So yes, life is much better (and much longer) today than ever before. Equally, some good things have been lost such as regular exercise. Shovels have been replaced with tractors, brooms with vacuums, and stairs with elevators.
Mental stress and environmental pollution: Mental stress is on the rise, and so is environmental pollution. As pollution changes the atmosphere, a high dose of toxins presents new challenges to human genes and human health. Also, sedentary living and processed foods extract a price both in health and in cash.
Solutions to prevent modern diseases
The solutions include getting used to exercise habits and dietary patterns that keep your genes happy and your life healthy and enjoyable. And for now, since it seems science cannot change your genes to handle modern-day challenges, the only way for you to restore nature’s balance is to adopt a more natural lifestyle. Here’s how:
Eat nutritious all-natural foods
Consume a variety of foods to restore nutritional diversity. Favor vegetable-based foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Eat whole-grain products that contain the fiber you need. Avoid animal fat; get your protein from fish, poultry, beans, and legumes. Reduce your dependence on processed foods, salt, and simple sugars. Eat smaller meals on a regular schedule, balancing your caloric intake with your energy release.
Keep moving; exercise consistently
Add physical activity to your daily life by climbing stairs, walking instead of driving when possible, and carrying your own parcels. Set aside 30–45 minutes nearly every day for moderate exercise: walking, jogging, biking, swimming, dancing, gardening, and tennis are good examples. For best results, add exercises for balance, stretching exercises, and safe resistance training.
Manage stress
In order to manage stress, it’s essential for you to balance work and play, stimulation and relaxation, companionship and solitude. Achieve all you can. Most importantly, take time to enjoy every day.
Bottom line
Lastly, keep in mind that you can get back to basics by including the best aspects of modern life to live naturally, enjoyably, and healthfully. After all, it is already there in your genes.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Abiola is the founder of Indulge™ group of companies, a healthy-living focused group. A passionate believer in a healthy lifestyle, living in the United Kingdom made it easy for her to pursue a health and fitness regime. She is the Managing Director/CEO of Indulge Nigeria Limited and Indulge Cares Nigeria Limited, both companies promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Abiola is available on https://www.indulgeinhealthyliving.com/
