Are You At Risk? Let's Uncover the Hidden Causes and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases!

Readers, have you ever ignored fatigue, stress, or lingering aches as just part of everyday life? Even though these feelings are usual, they might actually be subtle signs of a deeper problem. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while not transmissible, have a higher global prevalence than infectious diseases. These kinds of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, develop after a long while, and they are affected by genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural elements.

As per WHO, NCDs cause about 71% of all deaths worldwide and affect nearly 41 million people every year. In India, these diseases are responsible for around 60% of total deaths, which is almost equal to 5.87 million people yearly. The most common types of NCDs in this country are cardiovascular diseases, with a death rate accounting for approximately 26%, chronic respiratory ailments causing roughly 13% and diabetes, which leads to about 2% deaths annually. Effective treatment and preventative methods are still lacking in many countries despite the considerable impact these diseases have on society.

Treatment options for NCDs are constantly evolving, but there's a critical need for preventative strategies. Here, in this blog, we will uncover non-communicable disease causes and prevention strategies to help you mitigate your risk. This isn’t just another health blog but a reminder that you must be vigilant about these indicators and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. To know more, keep reading. 

Table Of Contents 

1. What Are Non-Communicable Diseases? 

2. 5 Major Causes Of Non-Communicable Diseases 

3. Prevention Of Non-Communicable Diseases 

4. Expert’s Advice 

5. The Final Say 

6. FAQs 

7. References 

What Are Non-Communicable Diseases? 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant health concern globally. These diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory illness, and diabetes, do not spread via infection or person-to-person contact. They grow slowly and can last for life. For example, Nipah virus infection is a transmissible infectious disease that can spread from one source to another. On the other hand, fatty liver disease is an NCD that develops due to poor lifestyle habits and diet. 

Interestingly, lifestyle decisions play a big part in the growth of NCDs. Eating nutrition-deficient food, not doing exercise, smoking, and drinking too much are all factors that can increase someone's chances of developing these illnesses. But it is not only about lifestyle aspects when we talk of NCDs. Genetics, environmental factors, and the ageing process also influence these diseases.

It's disturbing to learn that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the top cause of deaths worldwide, causing approximately 71% of all fatalities each year. What's even more alarming is that people in low-income and middle-income countries are most affected by these illnesses (WHO). The following table elucidates major NCDs and their prevalence in India and worldwide. 

Table: Major Non-Communicable Diseases: Global Burden and Indian Prevalence (Source: WHO)

Also Read: Explore The Major Difference Between A Disease And A Disorder 

5 Major Causes Of Non-Communicable Diseases 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have intricate origins, often resulting from a complex interplay of various factors. Here's a closer look at the underlying causes:

1. Genetic Influences

Genetic make-up has a big role in how likely we are to get some NCDs. Inherited characteristics can make people more prone to conditions such as diabetes, certain types of cancers and heart diseases. Family history is a vital indicator of potential health risks due to shared genetic predispositions.

2. Lifestyle Habits

Lifestyle factors, such as bad eating habits, not being physically active, using tobacco and drinking too much alcohol, all play a big part in the creation of non-communicable diseases. Diets that are rich in ultra-processed foods, saturated fats and sugars while low on fruits, vegetables and fibre increase chances for obesity along with hypertension or cardiovascular issues. This risk is further magnified by sedentary lifestyles promoting metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental exposures, like air and water pollution, contact with harmful substances or chemicals, and dangers related to work greatly affect how health results turn out. The possibility of getting respiratory illnesses, cancers and other NCDs can be increased by continuous exposure to pollutants and carcinogens that cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body (Nathan. et al., 2017).

Also Read: 10 Diseases Caused By Air Pollution That Can Severely Impact Your Health 

4. Metabolic Dysregulation

NCDs are often caused by metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. These disruptions can be due to a mix of genetic factors, diet selections, and inactive ways of living (Kuruvilla et al., 2023). Disruptions in metabolism cause an imbalance of hormones and encourage ongoing inflammation, creating a conducive setting for developing NCDs.

5. Psychosocial and Socioeconomic Factors

Psychological stress, social isolation, and socioeconomic status affect behaviour and physiological responses that increase NCD risk. Differences in access to healthcare and socioeconomic resources can make NCD more common among marginalised people. This shows how important social causes are for health outcomes.

Prevention Of Non-Communicable Diseases 

After learning about the causes of non-communicable diseases, let’s explore some expert-guided tips on how to prevent non-communicable diseases: 

1. Have A Nutritious Diet

Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health. These nutrients help regulate metabolism, strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

Also Read: Weak Immune System Symptoms: Causes & Treatment | ToneOp 

2. Engage In Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise is good for your heart, improves your metabolism, and helps keep you at a healthy weight. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, natural neurotransmitters that lower stress levels and enhance mood. These positive effects on body functions greatly decrease the chances of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, conditions caused by obesity, and disorders related to mental health.

3. Tobacco Abstinence 

Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage cells and tissues, increasing the risk of NCDs such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. Avoiding tobacco use in any form prevents exposure to these toxins and significantly reduces the risk of developing associated health conditions.

4. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

If a person drinks too much alcohol, it can harm their important body organs, such as the liver. This habit also causes high blood pressure and weakens the immune system, which leads to NCDs like alcohol-related liver disease, hypertension and some types of cancers. To keep your health in good condition and prevent NCDs from developing, it's better to limit alcohol drinking or not drink at all.

5. Regular Health Screenings

Regular health check-ups help detect and control NCD risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol or sugar levels. Finding these risks early on allows for timely intervention with lifestyle changes or medical treatment, which can lower the chances of complications and the development of chronic diseases.

6. Stress Management

Chronic stress triggers physiological responses that contribute to the development of NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Implementing stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises lowers cortisol levels, promotes emotional well-being, and mitigates the detrimental effects of stress on health.

7. Get Adequate Sleep 

Quality sleep is essential for cellular repair, immune function, and hormone regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts these processes, increasing the risk of NCDs like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Prioritising sufficient sleep duration and quality supports optimal health and reduces susceptibility to NCD development.

8. Vaccination and Preventive Care

Stay informed about the latest vaccination programs, which are updated by the health authorities. Women, especially, should take the cervical cancer vaccine to prevent HPV infection that causes cervical cancer and results in about 123,907 cases annually in India and has a mortality rate of 22 and 12.4 per 100,000 women per year. 

Additionally, preventive measures like wearing sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and practising safety protocols to prevent injuries reduce the risk of NCDs associated with infections and accidents.

Also Read: Is 90% Of Heart Disease Preventable? Learn How To Prevent Heart Disease And Have A Happy Heart! 

Expert’s Advice 

Think of your body like a well-oiled machine. The key to avoiding these chronic conditions is preventive maintenance! Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, find activities you enjoy to stay active and prioritise quality sleep. Don't underestimate the power of stress management - meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can work wonders for your physical and mental well-being.

Health Expert
Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say 

By knowing the hidden reasons behind non-communicable diseases and taking preventative steps, you can manage your health better. Keep in mind that small changes like eating well, exercising regularly, and handling stress can greatly lower your risk. This way, you can live a longer and healthier life. Let's unlock the secrets to preventing NCDs and build a healthier future together!

FAQs 

1. Can stress affect NCDs, and if so, what can I do to manage it?

Chronic stress can make the chance of getting NCDs worse because it causes bad reactions in the body. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and enjoyable activities can help lower stress levels and reduce its effect on health.

2. If I am in my 30s, is it possible to detect NCDs early through screening?

Yes, it’s possible to detect NCDs early. In fact, it is advised to start screening for diseases and disorders in your 20s. Finding NCDs early is crucial to spot and quickly deal with risk factors. Regular health exams, like checking blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, and doing cancer screenings, help in detecting at the right time.

3. Apart from genetic reasons, what are the other causes of NCDs?

Apart from genetics, NCDs occur due to many reasons like bad lifestyle choices such as eating unhealthy food, sedentary lifestyle, smoking cigarettes, and drinking too much alcohol. Also important are environmental factors like pollution and contact with harmful chemicals. Social and economic issues also play a part in causing these diseases.

References 

• A. Kuruvilla, S. Mishra, K. Ghosh. 2023. Prevalence and risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases among employees in a university setting: A cross-sectional study, Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health,Volume 21.101282,ISSN 2213-3984, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101282.

• Nethan S, Sinha D, Mehrotra R. Non Communicable Disease Risk Factors and their Trends in India. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2017 Jul 27;18(7):2005-2010. doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.7.2005. PMID: 28749643; PMCID: PMC5648412.

• World Health Organization Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD). (2019). Available online at: https://www.who.int/gho/ncd/mortality_morbidity/en/ (accessed January 03, 2020). [Ref list]

• World Health Organization Global Action Plan: For the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. (2013–2020). Available online at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/94384/9789241506236_eng.pdf (accessed January 13,2020). [Ref list]

• Noncommunicable Diseases - PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization

• Prevalence and risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases among employees in a university setting: A cross-sectional study - ScienceDirect

• Non-communicable Diseases - Types and Prevention (byjus.com)

  
  

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