What the heck is Lifestyle Medicine?

 Imagine you're at the doctor's office, and instead of being handed a prescription, you're given an evidence based recipe for a healthy life. That's essentially what lifestyle medicine is all about. It's not just about popping pills or undergoing surgery; it's about making conscious choices in how you live your life to prevent, treat, or even reverse chronic diseases. The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) breaks it down into six core pillars that are easier to grasp than you might think:

1. Healthy Eating: Ditch the processed foods and focus on whole, unprocessed goodies to fuel your body. Think of it like putting the right petrol in your car—except the car is you, and the petrol is kale (just kidding, it doesn't have to be kale, but it can be if you like it). Lifestyle medicine supports people in reducing their consumption of ultra-processed foods by teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to follow healthier eating patterns of their own choosing.

2. Physical Activity: You don't have to be a marathon runner to benefit from exercise. Regular physical activity is for anyone who wants to stay healthy and feel like they can still dance at weddings without needing an oxygen tank. Lifestyle medicine encourages people to incorporate more physical activity into their lives and reduce time spent sitting down.

3. Sleep and Relaxation: Adequate rest and stress management are crucial. Think of sleep as your body's way of saying, "Time to recharge, mate!" And stress management? Well, that's just learning to breathe again when life gets crazy. Lifestyle medicine supports achieving good quality sleep and avoiding behaviors that impair sleep quality.

4. Avoidance of Harmful Substances: Limit or avoid substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol. It's not about becoming a saint, but about being kind to your body. Lifestyle medicine helps people stop smoking, reduce excessive alcohol consumption, and avoid addictive substances.

5. Social Connections: Building strong relationships can boost your mental health. So, go ahead and call that friend you've been meaning to catch up with. Your brain (and they) will thank you. Lifestyle medicine supports developing and sustaining healthy and meaningful relationships to increase social connection and reduce stress.

6. Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness can help you cope with life's challenges. Lifestyle medicine teaches proven techniques to reduce stress and help people with relaxation, supporting them to find purpose in life and improve health through connection with nature.

Why is Lifestyle Medicine Becoming the Forefront of Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is gaining popularity because it tackles the root causes of many chronic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, rather than just treating symptoms. It empowers individuals to take control of their health, reducing the need for medication and surgery. With healthcare costs rising and an aging population, lifestyle medicine offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution. Plus, who doesn't want to feel like they're in charge of their own health?

An added bonus beyond people taking charge of their own health and wellbeing is that he economic benefits of lifestyle medicine are significant. Chronic diseases are responsible for a substantial portion of healthcare expenditures, and by addressing lifestyle factors, we can reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems. Lifestyle medicine requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare providers, patients, and communities working together to create supportive environments that foster healthy lifestyles.

How to Change Your Life with Lifestyle Medicine

Changing your lifestyle can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Have a look at my previous posts on decades of life to help you think about where you are, where you'd like to be. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Assess Your Current Lifestyle

Take a hard look at your daily habits. Are you eating too much processed food? Are you getting enough sleep? Start by identifying areas for improvement, based around the six pillars of lifestyle medicine.  It's like doing a spring clean, but instead of dusting, you're dusting off old habits.

Step 2: Set Realistic Goals

Don't try to change everything at once. Start with small, achievable goals. For example, aim to walk for 30 minutes each day or replace one unhealthy meal with a healthier option. It's all about baby steps—unless you're a marathon runner, in which case, go for it!

Step 3: Seek Support

Join a community or find a buddy who shares your health goals. Having support can make a big difference in sticking to your new habits. It's like having a workout buddy, but instead of just working out, you're working on your whole life.

Step 4: Educate Yourself

Learn about the latest research and tips from experts. There are numerous online resources and communities dedicated to providing valuable insights into nutrition and lifestyle changes. For instance, the British Nutrition Foundation offers evidence-based advice on healthy eating, while NHS Choices provides comprehensive health information and lifestyle tips. These platforms empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about your health.

Step 5: Be Patient and Persistent

Changing your lifestyle isn't easy, but it's worth it. Celebrate small victories and don't give up when faced with setbacks. Remember, every step forward is a step in the right direction, even if it feels like a tiny step sometimes.

The Power of Lifestyle Medicine in Chronic Disease Prevention

Lifestyle medicine is not just about personal health; it has a broader impact on public health. By addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, lifestyle medicine can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates, as well as the financial burden associated with chronic disease management. Studies have shown that lifestyle interventions can be effective in preventing and treating a wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer.

Implementing Lifestyle Medicine in Daily Life

Implementing lifestyle medicine requires more than just individual effort; it demands a supportive environment. This includes changes in public health policy and community engagement to foster healthy lifestyles. Healthcare professionals, individuals, governments, and policymakers must work together to promote lifestyle medicine principles.

A final thought

Lifestyle medicine is more than just a healthcare approach; it's a way of living. By focusing on the six core pillars and making conscious lifestyle choices, you can take control of your health and wellbeing. Whether you're looking to prevent chronic diseases or simply feel better, lifestyle medicine offers a powerful and sustainable solution. So, start your journey today—your body (and mind) will thank you.

Additional Resources for Lifestyle Medicine

If you're interested in learning more about lifestyle medicine or finding resources to support your health journey, here are a few places to start:

· British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM): Offers comprehensive information on lifestyle medicine principles and practices.

· Stanford Centre on Longevity: Provides insights into lifestyle pillars that support long-term health.

· NHS Choices: A trusted source for health advice and lifestyle tips.

These resources can help you navigate the world of lifestyle medicine and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.