How Diet and Exercise Can Influence Chronic Illness

Chronic illnesses may affect all sorts of body systems. 

For example, diabetes can affect the cardiovascular system, the eyes, kidneys, nerves, skin, and teeth. Arthritis affects muscles, bones, joints, and—depending on the type of arthritis—the associated inflammation can affect other body systems, such as the heart or the skin. Chronic kidney disease affects the kidneys, of course, but also the immune system and the bone and mineral system.

No matter the type of chronic illness, diet and exercise can profoundly influence patients’ quality of life and illness progression: “Healthy diet choices and regular physical exercise can dramatically delay or prevent the incidence of chronic disease.”

A healthy diet is a healthy diet—but individualized plans are best

Let’s look at diabetes: Selecting nutritious items for meals and snacks could help manage diabetes and “keep blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in the ranges your health care professional recommends.” Examples of healthy meal choices include vegetables and fruits, proteins, and whole grains. People with diabetes should avoid foods high in sodium, sugar, or saturated fat.

The same is true for those suffering from heart disease: lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains should be consumed, and sodium and sugar should be avoided.

Generally, a healthy diet is a healthy diet. However, these recommendations are so broad that it can be difficult to put them into practice, particularly if they are at odds with one’s cultural background or if they conflict with engrained eating habits. Always consult with a doctor when making diet changes. And, a registered dietician can help construct a diet that suits both lifestyle and dietary requirements.

Working with a Community Health Worker (CHW), like those trained by Health Care Access Now (HCAN) can help people with chronic illness get a handle on their diet. They can help connect program participants to resources, as well as helping with navigation through the complex medical system.

Exercise guidelines

When you’re living with chronic illness, it can be difficult to stick to a consistent physical activity regimen. For example, if you have osteoarthritis, you likely have days where pain interferes with your ability or motivation to exercise.

However, the CDC recommends “150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes, 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity,” as well as “…at least [two] days a week of muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups.” And, though the results tend not to be immediate, exercise can help reduce pain.

Exercise benefits both the body and the mind, can decrease pain, and can even slow disease progression. In fact, lack of exercise has been found to be a cause of chronic disease.

If someone is accustomed to eating or can only access less nutrient-dense food, it’s tough to make a change—even if the health benefits are clear. The same is true of exercise. Finding the time or the motivation to work out—or even make an exercise plan—can seem overwhelming. Again, a CHW can help to connect those with chronic illness to resources that can aid them in their healthy lifestyle journey.