‘Health is wealth’ is a simple proverb that we all have read as a child or at least heard at some point in our life. But do we give enough importance to our health? A healthy lifestyle is essential as it results in a lower risk of developing many health problems, including mental and physical illnesses. Getting healthy helps you feel in control of your life.
Here are a few health tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
1. Eat a healthy diet:
Diet is the most crucial part of healthy living. A healthy diet includes various foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Including vegetables in your meal, eating multiple fruits and vegetables, and eating them in season can help maintain a healthy diet.
2. Reduce Sugar and Salt Intake:
Consuming sodium more than suggested puts you at risk of high blood pressure. The most natural source of sodium for people is salt. The recommended amount of salt for an average human being is 5g per day, equal to about a teaspoon.
On the other hand, excessive amounts of sugar intake increase the risk of tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain. In both adults and children, the input of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake, equivalent to 50g or about 12 teaspoons for an adult.
3. Cut out harmful fats:
Total fat consumption must be less than 30% of your total energy intake. Cutting out harmful fats will help prevent additional weight gain. Replace saturated fats and trans
fats with unsaturated fats. This helps in making sure that your body has a healthy amount of fat intake.
4. Avoid alcohol consumption:
Alcohol consumption results in various health issues, including mental and behavioural problems, significant NCDs such as liver cirrhosis, cancers and heart diseases, and injuries resulting from violence and road clashes and collisions. Consumption of alcohol can lead to alcohol dependence which can be challenging to cure and increases the risk of being affected by significant health problems.
5. Stay away from smoking:
Smoking tobacco causes lung diseases, heart diseases and strokes. Tobacco is harmful to direct smokers, but even non-smokers can be affected through second-hand exposure.
6. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise and physical activity promote strong muscles and bones. It improves respiratory, cardiovascular health, and overall health. Staying active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and reduce your risk for some types of cancer.
