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Healthy lifestyle healthy lifestyle - nutrition
In nutrition and fitness, much is made of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Certain foods and exercise routines are often recommended towards this goal, but in many occasions it is necessary to thoroughly understand what it really means to be healthy before making decisions based on it. For this reason, through this guide, we want to explore the basic concepts and fundamentals that allow us to define in a scientific way what we should consider as a healthy lifestyle.
Only by clearly understanding these aspects will we be able to set concrete goals and measure the results of our actions effectively.
Healthy is not an ambiguous term, as is sometimes believed. There are scientific studies that analyze measurable and quantifiable patterns, so it is logical to focus on those variables that bring us closer to the desired state. The World Health Organization [WHO] defines the concept of "healthy" as a state of general physical well-being that includes mental, psychological and social health, not limited to the absence of disease. Therefore, we do not consider a person "healthy" only because he or she does not have an obvious disease.
A healthy lifestyle, therefore, is one that promotes health in all these aspects through habits and choices that help us maintain physical, mental and social balance.
Nutrition and exercise are two fundamental pillars for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our physical well-being is directly influenced by what we eat and the level of physical activity we engage in. Although there are people with genetic or acquired diseases that are not due to their lifestyle, even in those cases, a change in diet and physical activity can significantly alleviate symptoms.
For example, if you have diabetes or a stomach disorder, making adjustments to your diet can improve your insulin sensitivity or reduce stomach inflammation, leading to a marked improvement in quality of life. Thus, diet and exercise become therapeutic tools, just like medications.
A balanced diet and a consistent exercise routine can prevent cardiovascular disease, control cholesterol, improve muscle and bone health, and reduce the risk of stroke. Exercise influences all aspects of the body, prolongs life and improves our physical and motor skills.
Emotional and psychological well-being, or mental health, is fundamental to fully enjoying life. It is associated with balanced emotions and healthy self-esteem. Exercise has proven to be a key ally in the fight against depression and anxiety. It helps control hyperactivity, improves mood and facilitates sleep.
We can affirm that exercise is one of the most effective natural methods to keep the mind healthy. It stimulates the neurological system by increasing blood flow, and several scientific studies have pointed out its benefits in the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
In summary, nutrition and exercise go hand in hand in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, influencing all aspects of health. With proper nutrition and a regular exercise routine, we approach our wellness goals more effectively.