What is it?
The definition of prevention is the set of activities and measures that, done in advance, seek to avoid harm or evil. In the case of health, we talk mainly about disease and injury prevention.
What’s prevention for?
Prevention is always done before the evil occurs in itself. So, it is important to emphasize that one should not expect to have signs and symptoms to start acting. Some important measures for the prevention of diseases in general are to seek a healthy diet, quality sleep, practice physical exercises, take regular exams, take vaccines properly, stay hydrated, take care of hygiene and cultivate a positive attitude towards life.
Prevention from food
There are several diseases that can be prevented with a healthy diet, among them: cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, childhood obesity, overweight and obesity in adults, metabolic syndrome, among many others. Some very interesting diets that help in the prevention of these diseases are the Mediterranean diet, DASH diet and plant-based diet, all of them based on a large consumption of fruits, vegetables and vegetables, low in saturated and trans fats, salt and sugar.
When do you need to supplement?
Prophylactic supplementation should always be done after a good nutritional anamnesis, biochemical tests indicating deficiencies and specific signs and symptoms. Each disease has specific supplements and nutrients that will be of great help, but should not be supplemented without having scientific basis. It is up to the trained professional to guide the patient what is the best conduct at that moment.
References
Article: Castro-Barquero S, Ruiz-León AM, Sierra-Pérez M, Estruch R, Casas R. Dietary Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2020 Sep 29;12(10):2983. doi: 10.3390/nu12102983. PMID: 33003472; PMCID: PMC7600579.
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