It’s always important to make your overall health a priority in your life, but as you age and your risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer begins to rise, it becomes especially crucial to take good care of your body and practice healthy habits every day. And while you may be aware of some of the most important habits to follow, such as fitting heart-healthy foods into your diet and exercising regularly, it’s also important to be conscious of the bad habits that could be taking a toll on your body.
To shed some light on a few of the worst habits that may be contributing to your risk of age-related diseases over 40, we checked in with nutritionist and personal trainer Mary Sabat. She told us that smoking, a poor diet, and a lack of sleep are all common offenders. Read on to learn more about the risks of each.
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1. Smoking
You've probably heard it time and time again, but seriously: it's important to get clear on just how bad smoking is for you. As Sabat puts it, "Smoking is one of the most destructive habits in terms of health." It should especially be avoided by anyone looking to lower their risk of disease.
"It is strongly linked to various age-related diseases, including heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)," she lists. "Smoking damages the blood vessels, reduces lung function, and increases oxidative stress, leading to a higher risk of cancer and cardiovascular issues." Yikes! If you're looking for a sign to quit, this is it.
2. Poor diet
You know what they say: You are what you eat. Sabat warns that failing to maintain a healthy diet can do some serious damage to your health and even set you up for a number of diseases.
"A diet high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and low in fruits and vegetables can contribute to numerous age-related diseases. It can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers," she says.
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious, healthy recipes out there that can help you kick your processed food habit.
3. Lack of sleep
Don't forget to get your 8 hours each night! A poor night's rest can do worse than just leave you feeling groggy in the morning. According to Sabat, "consistently getting inadequate sleep can impair immune function, increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and negatively affect cognitive function."
If you struggle to sleep at night, you're not alone. Insomnia is a common issue that many people face. However, there are solutions, including supplements and good bedtime habits.
The bottom line
There are many factors to consider when it comes to your overall health and your risk of disease. Ultimately, the best thing to do in order to take care of your body is speak to a healthcare professional about your personal needs. However, by ensuring you're not falling victim to any of these bad habits, you'll definitely be taking one major step in the right direction.
"By breaking these unhealthy habits and adopting healthier alternatives, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of age-related diseases and improve overall well-being," Sabat concludes.
READ MORE: Experts Warn That This Diet Mistake Could Raise Your Risk Of Age-Related Diseases
