Chronic diseases have surpassed acute care and more people are living with a chronic disease that affects their quality of life. 

According to the CDC, 6 out of 10 Americans live with a chronic disease (i.e.: arthritis, lupus, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, reflux).  Our state of “healthcare” is mostly a process of intervention in an established state of disease versus heading a warning from the body when it is out of balance. Drive past any pharmacy in the afternoon, and there is typically a line of cars to pick up prescriptions.  More money is spent on technology in treating disease than investing in prevention of disease, which would be much less expensive.  

Diet and lifestyle, intersected with genetic variations are the most influential factors related to good health.  Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, stress, lack of exercise, and processed food are all contributing factors to the increase in chronic disease.   Food processing, toxins, and pesticides have worsened the health status over the last 20-30 years and influenced some genetic variations that increase the risk for disease.  

Part of preventing disease is being able to anticipate possible risk and being proactive to integrate strategies to prevent disease.  Knowing your family history, if possible, can give you great insight into your possible risks.  Obtaining genetic information to better understand how your body communicates and how you can support your genetics is also a factor in minimizing disease.  

Genetics does not mean you are destined to disease.  Genes are influenced by the factors mentioned above and some genes can be “turned on” by negative behaviors and influence disease.  Supporting good health means listening to your body and not dismissing a chronic cough, fatigue, or insomnia.  Promoting good health means being willing to evaluate your lifestyle and decide if there is anything you could change. 

We are quick to take a medication to fix a problem versus seeking answers to why your body is out of balance.  One of the most prescribed medications are proton pump inhibitors (block stomach acid), and while they have a place in medicine, too often these medications are taken long term without evaluating dietary habits or genetic variations that influence digestion.  Chronic acid reducing drugs can cause the gut bacteria to become out of balance and increase the vulnerability of disease.

There are more chronic diseases, such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol, autoimmune illnesses, bowel dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, brain dysfunction, and obesity, today than ever before.   The goal is to prevent chronic illnesses so addressing symptoms as soon as dysfunction is noted is important.