Lifestyle Changes may Prevent Disease
Reported November 14, 2005

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Preventing some of the most common causes of death and disability in America may be easier than we think. According to Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, simple dietary and lifestyle changes could do the trick.

In a talk at the Closing Plenary Session of the American Society of Nephrology's 38th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition held in Philadelphia, Dr. Willett told attendees more than 80 percent of coronary heart disease and more than 90 percent of type 2 diabetes might be prevented if people would exercise more and eat better. He particularly emphasized the importance of avoiding trans fats in the diet. Trans fats are known to adversely affect inflammatory factors and blood lipids.

The best diets, he continued, focus on good carbohydrates and good fats.

Other simple changes could have a big impact on death and disability as well, according to the physician. Increasing the intake of vitamin D, for example, could significantly reduce the risk for both osteoporosis and cancer.

SOURCE: American Society of Nephrology's 38th Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia, Nov. 9 - Nov. 13, 2005