Global Health Asia-Pacific Issue 1 | 2024 | Page 61

There are no miracle food supplements to make our diet healthy .
is built . Despite the allure of “ miracle ” supplements on the market , the most effective strategy is simple : a diet rich in fruits and vegetables , minimal consumption of animal products , adequate rest , and regular exercise , topped off with a big smile . We do not need to chase after some mysterious , exotic , or expensive formula . It is as easy as going to the supermarket and picking up some greens .
Q : You wrote that good nutrition can help prevent autoimmune diseases , ward off allergies , and reduce the risk of cancer while protecting against infectious diseases . Can you explain how healthy diets can help prevent or reduce the risk for these conditions ? Is this mostly due to the strengthening of the immune system ? A : Understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and disease prevention is pivotal . Heart disease and cancer , the two leading causes of death worldwide , can often be prevented with a good diet . While a robust immune system is a significant benefit of a healthy diet , the scope of a healthy diet ’ s impact is far-reaching . Cancer is a complicated multifactorial disease , but we know it is undeniably linked to obesity . Obesity is a condition heavily influenced by our dietary choices . A poor diet can be a fast track to obesity , increasing the risk of cancer .
The link between diet and autoimmune diseases or allergies is also complex . Both autoimmune diseases and allergies are marked by immune dysregulation , where a poor diet may exacerbate inflammation and aggravate the symptoms of the diseases . An unhealthy diet can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body — often a silent harbinger of chronic disease . This type of inflammation does not cause any symptoms but , over time , puts increased
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