Environment-Related Chronic Diseases – Causes and Prevention

Civilization-related diseases, also known as social diseases or lifestyle diseases, are non-communicable conditions that spread rapidly. They are global in nature and occur in both highly developed and developing countries. They pose a significant challenge to medicine as their occurrence in most cases is associated with long-term treatment and can lead to disability and even death. It is estimated that civilization-related diseases are responsible for over 80% of premature deaths (A. Lipińska-Ojrzanowska et al., 2019).

The etiology of societal diseases is closely linked to the rapid progress of civilization. The development of multiple industries creates conditions that favor the occurrence of social diseases. Chronic stress, unhealthy diet, low physical activity - these are just some of the factors associated with the fast pace of life. The main causes of societal diseases can be divided into direct and indirect causes. Direct causes include those that we have an influence on, such as: low level of physical activity, inadequate dietary plan (consumption of processed goods containing high amounts of salt, sugar, and saturated fats), smoking, excessive alcohol intake, chronic stress. Indirect causes encompass those that we have little influence on, such as: environmental pollution, excessive noise, food contaminations, water and soil pollution, ionizing radiation.

Among the most frequently occurring diseases of civilization are conditions of the circulatory system such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Data collected from 2015 to 2018 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that the incidence of these diseases in adults over 20 years old was roughly 49.2% (S. S. Wirani et al. 2021). In 2019, there were 6.6 million fatalities worldwide from cardiovascular illnesses. In addition, metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, gout, and osteoporosis are also common.

Four types of preventive measures can be distinguished: – – those aimed at establishing certain beliefs and attitudes related to a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to eliminate undesirable behaviors such as excessive salt intake; – – those that affect individuals already exposed to a particular factor and aim to control it in order to prevent the onset of diseases, e.g. weight loss can prevent the occurrence of many diseases. This type of preventive measure is particularly effective in the case of cancer and can significantly reduce the number of cancer cases, thus contributing to a reduction in mortality; – – those aimed at preventing the consequences of specific diseases through early diagnosis and initiation of treatment, e.g. diagnosis of hypertension and initiation of treatment to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease; – – those aimed at slowing the progression of diseases and their complications.

A cursory examination reveals that health education is a very important component of preventive actions for diseases of civilization. It can contribute to improving health, decreasing the number of fatal cases, and increasing health awareness within society. Any measures supporting health should be taken in early childhood, as that is when attitudes and beliefs are most dynamically shaped. To lessen the risk of developing diseases of civilization, it is worth focusing on one's lifestyle.

A crucial aspect is adhering to the principles of a healthy diet. A significant number of nutrients, supplied along with diet, affect the functioning of the entire body. Their deficiency or excess can disrupt the body's functioning. Special attention should be paid to providing various vegetables and fruits (at least 400 g), which are a source of many vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that affect the function of the digestive system. Dietary fiber is also present in cereal products. It is recommended to include whole grain products such as oat flakes, brown rice, groats, and rye bread in the diet. These products contain more nutrients than their processed counterparts such as wheat bread or baguette. Dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk should also be part of the diet, as they are a source of calcium, which is crucial for the health of bones and teeth. Its deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Fish, especially fatty sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, should also be part of the diet, as they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antiarrhythmic effects and also positively affect the visual organ. In order to obtain polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is advisable to choose plant oils such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, and linseed oil, which are a much better choice than lard or bacon. Products containing animal fat are rich in saturated fatty acids, which contribute to disorders of lipid metabolism and can increase the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of red meat to 500 g per week and choose lean meat such as chicken and turkey. It is also important to limit the consumption of sugar and sweets, as they are a source of saturated fatty acids and those with trans configuration. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of salt to 5 g per day and not to add salt on the plate. It is also important to read labels and choose foods without added salt or with a small amount.

Cigarette smoking or excessive alcohol consumption are among the causes of civilization diseases. In order to reduce the risk of their development, it is recommended to completely eliminate these habitual addictions. Smoking is considered the main cause of lung cancer. According to a study conducted in Poland in 2019, a quarter of adult Poles smoke cigarettes. The problem of excessive alcohol consumption affected over 2.5 million Poles in 2018.

Integrating bodily exertion into daily life aids in preventing the onset of numerous ailments, including obesity, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes. Any type of movement, such as walking, running, or swimming, will have a beneficial effect on your health. In cases of diseases or disorders that limit movement, it is crucial to select forms of activity that do not exacerbate your health condition.

Conducting regular medical assessments can contribute to avoiding many diseases. Early detection of anomalies, initiation of treatment, and lifestyle adjustments can extend a patient's lifespan. Frequent checks of blood pressure, laboratory tests of blood and urine, monitoring body weight, and ultrasound examinations should be carried out regularly.

In a concise manner, human beings are capable of taking a stand against civilization's diseases. Modifications in lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of these ailments. Preventive education for society plays a primary role. Society should be taught about the outcomes and methods of combating these diseases from an early age.