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Chronic illnesses are long-term and typically have no cure. This is why prevention is the best cure. Click here to learn how to prevent chronic diseases.

A chronic disease is a long-term disease which may not be curable. Many chronic diseases have the same risk factors that put you at a higher risk of developing the disease. These risk factors are often lifestyle choices.

Common chronic diseases include diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, mood disorders (bipolar, depression), and more.

By changing your lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease and prolong your life expectancy.

Continue reading to find out how to prevent chronic diseases and live a full and happy life. 

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for many chronic diseases including cancer, COPD, heart disease, lung disease, and asthma.

Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting now. Not smoking in the first place can help you to stay healthy and lower your risk of the mentioned chronic diseases. 

2. Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is a great way to manage weight and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and some cancers. Following a clean diet full of good, natural foods are important for mood stabilization and can help with the management of mood disorders.

Try to cut out processed foods, artificial sugars, and foods containing high levels of saturated fats. Fill your plate with lean meats and fish, vegetables, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Avoid consuming too much alcohol. Alcohol is full of calories and has no health benefits. It can also induce low moods and contribute to depression.

3. Exercise 

Regular exercise helps to prevent many chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Exercise releases endorphins which act as a natural mood booster for those who suffer from low moods. 

Regular exercise can help to control asthma attacks as you have to regulate your breathing when you exercise.

Even if you have developed diabetes or arthritis, you can still benefit from a regular exercise program tailored to your specific needs and abilities. Always check with your health care provider before starting a new exercise regime to ensure it is suitable for you.

4. Sleep 

In order to be healthy, you need to get enough sleep. You should aim for 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

Sleep deprivation can cause unnecessary stress on the body, raising your blood pressure and putting you at greater risk of a heart attack or stroke.

5. Family History

The biggest tell-tail sign for chronic disease development is your family history. Do your parents, parents' siblings or direct grandparents suffer from any chronic diseases?

If so, it's worth keeping an eye out for early symptoms of those diseases and get regular checkups from your doctor.

6. Functional Medicine

Functional medicine looks at how and why diseases and medical conditions occur and uses a holistic alternative approach to treating chronic diseases. Read here for more about functional medicine.

How to Prevent Chronic Diseases and Stay Healthy

Some people still develop chronic diseases while following a healthy lifestyle. Staying healthy takes commitment to a combination of the factors above list of 'how to prevent chronic diseases'. Following the list will give your body the correct tools to help manage the disease.

For more information on healthy living, take a look at the other articles on our blog.