Commentary

Lifestyle diseases exist in all populations (of varied cultures, geographies and/or races), but their frequency is much higher in industrialised/modernised/Western populations compared to those practising natural diets and active lifestyles. The incidence of lifestyle diseases increases markedly in individuals who migrate from countries with a less industrialised lifestyle to ones with high fat, high calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles.

In essence, 'lifestyle diseases' are thought of as potentially preventable conditions that insidiously arise and proliferate because of 'Westernised' eating, drinking, habits, stresses and inadequate physical activity. They cause slow, deleterious changes within our bodies that are nigh impossible to reverse.

Some of these disorders are obvious. They include non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyper-cholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, stroke, heart disease, renal failure, some upper airway cancers, lung cancer, bladder cancer, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity (which was formerly thought of as a condition that only predisposed someone to illnesses but is now being considered a 'dis-ease' because of the attendant physical, psychological and social problems). Other less obvious ones thought to have a possible association with high-fat diets include breast, colorectal and prostate cancers. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Alzheimer's disease are also listed by some authorities.

There is absolutely no doubt that a healthy diet and moderate, consistent physical activity reduce the risk of us developing dangerous lifestyle diseases but many also have a genetic component that plays a significant role. In other words, as someone once quipped, if we want good health, we have to choose the right parents ... lifestyle isn't everything.

Misleading

Whereas I understand and fully appreciate the belabouring of the effect of 'lifestyle diseases' on our health; I find that it misleads many patients into believing that, once afflicted with a lifestyle disease, they can always control, treat or even cure it by utilising lifestyle changes (natural means) only. This has proven to be a very dangerous belief and practice that has cost many patients their health and even their lives.

I wholeheartedly support and unreservedly advise people to exercise and start a diet high in fibre and complex carbohydrates and low in oils, concentrated sugars and animal protein. However, if and when that individual develops hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol problems or perhaps a cancer, their best chance for survival lies in medical intervention.

If the lifestyle disease (or the combination of lifestyle diseases), like hypertension, diabetes or hyper-cholesterolaemia, is borderline, then 'medical intervention' may only consist of lifestyle changes. However, if the disease or combination of diseases is well established or severe, then medication may be prescribed.

I don't know of any patient that enjoys taking medication, especially if they are needed for the very long term (like a lifetime). Some tolerate them but research has shown that most patients fall short of taking their medications far more often than we realise. The real problem arises when patients in need of medication(s) abandon their treatment altogether and embark on lifestyle changes or natural remedies only. Some will swallow many vitamins, minerals, extracts and other so-called 'natural', man-made products however, they try to avoid their medication out of fear of the possible side effects.

Lifestyle change

People need to realise that in order for a product (manufactured or natural) to do something for you, it must do something to you. Therefore, one must weigh the pros and the cons. Whereas medications may have side effects, hypertension, diabetes and so on WILL have 'side effects' that maim, incapacitate or kill.

The recommendation is for patients who need intervention to perform lifestyle changes and take their medication(s) if prescribed.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Feedback may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com