We are seeing in our current era, sharp rises in antibiotic-resistance, and we are regularly urged by the medics to save these important drugs for times of critical illness.
NOW is the time to consider what we can do as individuals - to support our immune systems, and improve our resilience, health and wellness.
Lifestyle Medicine is not applicable to all diseases, but focuses on individuals or small groups, with the aims of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. It is an independent field of medicine, which considers lifestyle practices to either lower the risk of chronic disease or, to serve as an adjunct in the management of chronic disease.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
The term ‘Lifestyle Medicine’ was initially used in 1989, although its roots can be seen historically in the writings of Hippocrates, the Greeks, and the Chinese. These diverse cultures embraced a holistic approach to the mind and body, and promoted ‘all things in moderation’.
Many cultures have embraced the concept of ‘Wellness’ over the centuries, with activities involving regular use of thermal waters or spas; the tradition of sauna; retreats to areas such as the Alps, known for their clean air and nature; physical therapies; specific exercises and stretching; and dietary changes or periods of fasting.
These have been practiced in the era before antibiotics, antivirals and anti-inflammatories – when it was considered important to support the functioning of the immune system.
Changes in lifestyle, especially in Developed countries, have resulted in significant increases in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Lifestyle Medicine considers the clinical prevention and treatment of dysfunction caused by lifestyle-related diseases through nutritional, exercise, psychological, social, environmental and pharmaceutical interventions.
Diagram from: Minich DM, Bland JS. (2013). “Personalized Lifestyle Medicine: Relevance for Nutrition and Lifestyle Recommendations.” The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2013, Article ID 129841. doi:10.1155/2013/129841
Lifestyle is practiced outside the medical clinic
This means it must be an outpatient activity, involving active participation from the patient. Barriers to success include motivation, education, and a need for structured interaction.
We already have over 50 years of knowledge and evidence for the important effects of exercise, diet, smoking, and our psychological welfare on our overall health. From this information, we can make some simple recommendations:
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Take part in regular exercise
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Make free-time lifestyle choices which promote activity, rather than settle for inactivity
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Apply the basic principles of nutrition – especially that of matching energy intake (from food and drink), with energy expenditure
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Be aware of your daily ergonomics – much musculoskeletal pain can arise from prolonged periods of postural strain or exertions.
Following these simple recommendations can contribute greatly to a person’s quality of life and to the management of some chronic diseases.
Lifestyle Medicine can start with these basic principles but can then be personalised to individuals.
Personalised Lifestyle Medicine also considers factors such as age, or where one is within their lifecycle, past medical history, medication and/or supplement use, nutritional status, and individual lifestyle habits including sleep patterns and stress management practices.
