How doctors prescribe behavioral changes to cure illnesses –

When a doctor treats someone for health rather than illness, it is Lifestyle Medicinehas become a speciality in the medical field.

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) defines lifestyle medicine (LM) as “a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as the primary method for treating chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. ” Clinical providers of lifestyle medicine are trained and practice applying evidence-based lifestyle modifications to treat, cure, and often reverse disease.

Launched in 2004, this relatively new specialty is based on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, social connection, and avoidance of hazardous substances. Let’s take a closer look at these pillars.

1. Whole Food, Plant-Based Nutrition

There is a large body of scientific evidence supporting the use of a primarily plant-based diet as an important strategy for preventing chronic disease, treating chronic disease, and even reversing chronic disease. This type of diet is nutritious and high in fiber. To achieve this, choose a wide variety of minimally processed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

2. Physical activity

Consistent and regular physical activity counteracts the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. It is essential for adults to be physically active at least once a week, both through general activity and purposeful exercise, as part of their overall health.

3. Stress Management

Although stress can lead to improved health and productivity, it can also lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, impaired immune function, and other negative consequences. Recognizing negative responses to stress and identifying coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques can improve your health.

4. Avoiding Hazardous Substances

Consumption of tobacco or alcohol in any form increases the risk of chronic disease and death. Treatment takes time and requires different approaches and multiple attempts before it is finally successful. Patience and support are essential elements to quitting dangerous substance habits.

5. Restorative Sleep

Delayed or interrupted sleep can lead to lethargy, poor concentration, decreased sociability, less deep sleep, fewer calories burned during the day, increased hunger, decreased feeling of fullness, insulin resistance, and decreased performance. Strive to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

6. Social connections

Enriching social connections and relationships has a profound impact on our mental, physical and emotional health. Harnessing the power of relationships and social networks enhances healing behaviors. The most important predictor of human happiness and longevity is having strong social connections (which is why I will explain more below). Even brief, upbeat social interactions improve blood pressure and heart rate. The following tips may help you make and nurture the important connections in your life.