Chronic illness is a term used to describe diseases that persist over time and require constant care and management. These long-term health conditions can't be prevented or cured with a simple treatment like an antibiotic or surgery. Instead, chronic illnesses need to be managed through lifestyle changes, medications or therapies. The key hallmark of chronic illness is that it lasts a year or more, impacts your day-to-day life, and requires ongoing medical attention.
Some of the most common chronic diseases include:
- Diabetes - Your body can't properly use insulin to convert sugar and carbs into energy.
- Arthritis - Inflammation and damage to your joints that causes pain and stiffness.
- Asthma - Your airways become swollen and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Lung damage that obstructs airflow and makes breathing laborious.
- Heart disease - Conditions that affect your heart's structure and function.
- Cancer - Abnormal cell growth that can invade tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
- Mental health disorders - Conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD and addiction.
The big question is - what causes someone to develop a chronic condition in the first place? There are many complex factors involved:
- Genetics - Some gene mutations or variants raise your risk.
- Environment - Exposure to toxins, pollutants, mold, etc.
- Diet and lifestyle - Poor nutrition, inactivity, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol use.
- Infections - Viruses, bacteria and parasites that trigger lasting inflammation.
So in a nutshell, chronic illnesses are long-lasting health problems that persist over time, restrict your normal activities, and require ongoing medical care. Examples include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, COPD and cancer. The causes are complicated, but involve a mix of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and lifestyle behaviors.
Managing chronic illness holistically is so important. In addition to following your doctor's treatment plan, you may want to explore lifestyle medicine like eating anti-inflammatory foods, exercising regularly, reducing stress through yoga/meditation, and taking targeted nutritional supplements. Our integrative care providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic can help create a personalized plan to improve your energy, resilience and quality of life. We believe vibrant health is possible, even in the face of chronic illness. Reach out today to start your journey toward healing.