~ Zainab Aderounmu
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a class of illnesses that are chronic in nature, cannot be transmitted, but which nonetheless lowers the quality of life for those who are afflicted and may even be fatal. In low, middle, and high-income nations, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have risen to become the main factor responsible for human illness and death. NCDs are not just seen as a societal burden, their economic expenses are also rising at an increasingly rapid rate.
According to Global Health Observatory data from 2018, there would be around 52 million more deaths worldwide from NCDs in 2030, when the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should have achieved their targets, surpassing mortality from HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal & child undernutrition combined (1). The major NCDs include Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), chronic respiratory disease, cancer, and mental health conditions
In Nigeria, NCDs account for about 24% of total deaths (2). Stunting, which directly contributes to low stature and subpar cognitive and physical function, is now acknowledged as a risk factor for gaining weight in later life and acquiring NCDs. According to reports, about 151 million children are stunted worldwide (3). A large number of these kids live in low- and middle-income nations, the fastest increase in NCDs prevalence is also occurring in these nations.
Due to its connections to diet-related NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, obesity is a well-recognized NCD risk factor. It achieves this by raising hormone levels as well as blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Individual differences in feeding behavior, genetic makeup, and environmental influences, also predispose one to NCDs.
FEEDING BEHAVIOUR
The NCDs load is specifically linked to diets that are poor in fruits and vegetables, high in sodium, low in nuts and seeds, low in whole grains, and low in omega-3 fatty acids from seafood (4). One of the most effective method of combating NCDs has been found to be the consumption of healthy diet (4).
ROLE OF FIBRE-RICH FOODS
In recent decades, calories from foods high in fiber, such as whole grains (millet, brown rice, corn, oats), pulses (beans, lentils and peas), and roots (sweet potatoes, carrot), have decreased while calories from diets high in meat, sugar, and oils and fats have increased globally. Foods rich in fibre are associated with various physiological actions in the small and large intestine. Some of these are absorption, fermentability and binding of harmful compounds like cholesterol, sugars and fat. They thereby help to reduce cholesterol and minimize raised blood glucose level in diabetes patients, maintain gastrointestinal health and also influence immune functions positively.
ROLE OF PROCESSED AND CONVENIENT FOODS
In Low, Middle and High Income Countries, the consumption of processed and convenient foods (such as canned foods, soft drinks, savoury snacks) is still rising quickly. Dietary habits and nutrient intake are impacted by this nutrition shift, which raises the risk of NCDs (3). These foods contribute to over-weight and obesity, has high sodium content, elevate low density lipo-proteins in the body, all these are risk factors that predispose one to non-communicable disease, a leading cause of death globally.
ROLE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Diets based primarily on plants lower the risk of acquiring diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. Vegetarian diets are high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and they contain only trace amounts of dairy and meat. These diets lower blood pressure, assist with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and are abundant in dietary fiber (3).
Fruits and vegetables help to prevent cardiovascular disease. The development of malignancies of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus may also be prevented by specific fruits and vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables like spinach and broccoli and numerous fruits and vegetables that are high in folate. Consuming processed and red meat raises the risk of getting cancer.
Additionally, high-meat and dairy diets raise blood pressure. Blood cholesterol and cardiovascular risk are both raised by trans and saturated fats, they increase the risks of heart attacks, stroke and type 2 Diabetes. Coronary heart disease risk can be lowered by replacing trans and saturated fats with poly-unsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids from vegetable sources.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Nigerians must realize that adopting good health practice is a confirmed strategy for lowering the incidence of NCDs. They must concur with their medical professionals, and intentionally cultivate the self-motivation and cues for adopting healthy lifestyle practices. In general, people should lead active lifestyles, get immunized, schedule frequent medical checkups, and refrain from using herbal therapies for which there is no scientific evidence of their efficacy.
The creation of recreation parks is also a means of promoting an active lifestyle in citizens, When these structures are in place, engaging in physical activity becomes more simpler and a second nature to citizens (2). Implementation of policies such as smoking bans, restrictions on access to alcohol for those under 18, and prohibitions on cigarette advertising and promotion will help promote healthy lifestyle practices in citizens.
REFERENCES
1. Henry Greenberg and Richard J Deckelbaum. Diet and Non-Communicable Diseases: An urgent need for new paradigms.
2. Adesina MA, Oladele RI, Olufadewa II, Onothoja OF, Oladipo DR, Iyiola OP, et al. Addressing the high burden of noncommunicable diseases in Nigeria: a commentary. J Health Res. 2021 Aug 5;35(5):457–62.
3. The link between food, nutrition, diet and non-communicable diseases. World Cancer Research Fund International and The NCD Alliance.
www.wcrf.org www.ncdalliance.org.
4. NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, DIETS AND NUTRITION
United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition. www.unscn.org.
5. Chuwa C, Dhiman AK, Kathuria D, Mwita MA, Gautam S (2020) Food Fibres: A Solution to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases. Nutr Metab Open Acc: NMOA-105. DOI: 10.29011/NMOA-105.100005.
6. Preventing and control of Non-communicable Disease Program. https://ncd.punjab.gov.pk/risk_factors