Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle medicine practitioner uses evidence-based, prescriptive lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances to address disease. The use of these modalities, known as the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, prevent, treat and reverse many of the global most devastating chronic disease.
Nutrition
Physical Activity
Type of nutrition that we choose in our daily life determines our health outcome. Poor lifestyle choice such as ultra processed food (UPF) and how we cook our food such as frying and broiling will influence the quality of the nutrient, furthermore, will also produce harmful agents for our body tissue.
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Globally, it is estimated that up to 11 million deaths per year may be associated with unhealthy dietary habits. Evidence supports the use of a whole food, plant-predominant diet to prevent, treat and reverse chronic illness.
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"You are what you eat", although it is likely to be true, it is highly important as a Lifestyle medicine practitioner to be committed to being non-judgmental in helping patients to improve their health. By acknowledging each person's unique conditions and circumstances, we will be able to address their individual needs in dietary and nutritional advices.
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Physical activity refers to bodily movement that requires energy expenditure above basal level. The World Health Organization has identified physical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. Inactive lifestyles are also a proven risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes and depression.
Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing a range of chronic health problems, as mentioned above. Regular, consistent physical activity is an important part of overall health and resiliency.
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It is highly important that a lifestyle medicine practitioner, to help patients chooses and incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Sometimes just helping people reduce the amount of time they spend sitting can make a big difference.
Restorative Sleep
Stress Management
Sleep has a important role with health and chronic disease pathophysiology. It is not only how much you sleep, but also when you sleep and how well our sleep is. Sleep is essential for restoring our energy levels and giving our bodies a much-needed rest.
We are becoming increasingly aware of its wider health benefits – as well as the harmful effects of poor sleep and sleep deprivation. Improving sleep quality can improve attention span, mood, insulin resistance and can reduce hunger, sluggishness and more.
Health is defined by the World Health Organisation as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease of infirmity.” Our lifestyle choices, as well as genetic, socio-economic and environmental factors, all have an impact on our mental health. Chronic stress may impact health outcomes, include weight gain, hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia.
Managing negative stress can lessen anxiety, depression and immune dysfunction and leads to improved well-being. It is important as a Lifestyle medicine practitioner to utilize non-pharmaceutical “lifestyle” as first line interventions in the prevention, treatment and management of many common mental health conditions.
Avoiding of Risky Substances
Avoiding risky substances is a fundamental pillar of lifestyle medicine. The use of tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and other harmful substances has been strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and liver disorders.
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Reducing and eliminating these substances can significantly improve overall health outcomes and quality of life. Even small changes, such as reducing cigarette consumption or limiting alcohol intake, can have meaningful long-term benefits.
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Lifestyle medicine practitioners play a key role in supporting individuals through education, behavioral strategies, and compassionate care. A non-judgmental approach is essential to help patients make sustainable changes and overcome dependency challenges.
Social Connection
Humans are inherently social beings, and meaningful social connections are essential for overall health and well-being. Strong relationships with family, friends, and communities can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and improve mental health.
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Research has shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, depression, and even premature mortality. On the other hand, positive social interactions can enhance resilience, promote healthier behaviors, and improve quality of life.
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Lifestyle medicine emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive relationships and encouraging individuals to build and maintain meaningful social connections. This can be achieved through community engagement, group activities, and strengthening personal relationships.
Supporting organizations :
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Indonesian Lifestyle Medicine Association