44. Prevention of Chronic Disease by Means of Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Table 44.1: Convincing and Probable Relationships between Dietary and Lifestyle Factors and Chronic Diseases

Convincing and Probable Relationships between Dietary and Lifestyle Factors and Chronic Diseases
Dietary and lifestyle factors	CVD	Type 2 diabetes	Cancer	Dental disease	Fracture	Cataract	Birth defects	Obesity	Metabolic syndrome	Depression	Sexual dysfunction
Avoid smoking
Pursue physical activity
Avoid overweight
Diet
Consume healthy types of fats^a
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Limit sugar intake^b
Limit excessive calories
Limit sodium intake

Source: Authors' summary of a review by the WHO and FAO 2003; Bacon and others 2003; Fox 1999; IARC 2002.

Note: Bold = convincing; Standard = probable relation; = increase in risk; = decrease in risk.

a. Replace trans and saturated fats with mono- and polyunsaturated fats, including a regular source of N-3 fatty acids.

b. Includes limiting sugar-based beverages.