Lifestyle Disorders
Overview
Changing living habits due to increasing job demands, sedentary lifestyles, and competitive living have significantly disrupted the principles of healthy living. As a result, many individuals develop health issues at a younger age. These conditions are commonly referred to as lifestyle disorders, as they arise from unhealthy and inappropriate lifestyle practices.
People consuming high-calorie diets without adequate physical activity are at a greater risk of developing lifestyle-related disorders.
Main Causes
Lifestyle disorders share common risk factors associated with prolonged exposure to modifiable lifestyle behaviors:
- Smoking
- Unhealthy and imbalanced diet
- Physical inactivity and sedentary living
- Overeating
- Overdependence on processed foods, fast foods, energy drinks, and artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleeping habits
Common Lifestyle Disorders
- Heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Hypertension
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Chronic liver disease
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Certain types of cancer
Diagnosis
Lifestyle disorders are often detected during routine health examinations or when individuals consult a physician for minor complaints. Detailed clinical evaluation and investigations help identify the underlying causative factors.
Ayurvedic Treatment Approach
Lifestyle disorders are largely reversible through appropriate lifestyle modifications. Ayurveda emphasizes early detection, prevention, and correction of imbalances through holistic measures.
- Dietary regulation and lifestyle correction
- Internal and external therapeutic procedures
- Rasayana therapy for rejuvenation
- Regular health monitoring and preventive care
Basic Lifestyle Modifications
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding alcohol
- Following a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Managing stress effectively
- Maintaining healthy sleep habits
Role of Ayurveda
- Dinacharya (daily regimen)
- Ritucharya (seasonal regimen)
- Rasayana therapy
- External therapeutic procedures
- Internal Ayurvedic treatments
