If we look at the most commonly reported diseases in the country in the last one to two decades, we find that the risk of many types of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer has increased rapidly. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has expressed serious concern over the increasing burden of these diseases in the country. Expressing concern, ICMR said that disturbances in diet could be the main reason for 56 percent of diseases in the country. Experts said poor diet can lead to the risk of both short-term and long-term health problems.
ICMR experts have also issued 17 dietary guidelines to reduce the risk of an unhealthy diet and the resulting health problems. Health experts said that improving the diet can be beneficial in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like rapidly increasing obesity and diabetes. NCDs are those diseases that do not pose a risk of transmission from one person to another.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) said measures such as a healthy diet and physical activity help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and high blood pressure. This can provide up to 80 percent protection from the risks of type-2 diabetes.
Health experts said the risks of premature death can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle. Excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods with added sugars and fats can increase the risk of serious health risks, so their intake should be reduced.
Dietary guidelines
NIN guidelines for better health recommend limiting salt intake, avoiding excess intake of oils and fats, exercising regularly, and reducing sugar and ultra-processed foods. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent obesity.
Since obesity is considered the main cause of chronic diseases, if efforts are made to reduce weight, many types of improvements can be made in health.
What does the Director General of ICMR say?
ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl said, there have been significant changes in the dietary habits of Indians in the last few decades, as a result of which the cases of NCD diseases have also increased significantly in the country.
Dr Bahl said, given the changing food scenario in India, efforts to improve diet are very important. Increase the amount of whole grains as part of a balanced diet. The diet should not contain more than 45 percent calories. According to the guidelines, making nuts, vegetables, fruits, and milk a part of the diet is important for good health.
Protein supplements can be harmful
ICMR has expressed concern over the increasing consumption of protein supplements in the country and advised to avoid it. Health experts said that increasing consumption of protein powder for muscle building can have long-term disadvantages. Apart from this, before buying any packed food item from the market, check the amount of sodium and sugar in it. Processed and ultra-processed foods can have many serious side effects, so it is important to avoid them.
(PC: ISTOCK)
