A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the genetic risk of early death

 

A new study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine suggests that a healthy lifestyle can significantly mitigate the genetic risk of early death. The research, which analyzed data from over 350,000 people, found that a healthy lifestyle could reduce the risk of early death by 62% in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

The study defined a healthy lifestyle as one that included four key factors: no current smoking, regular physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and a healthy diet. The researchers found that individuals who adhered to these factors had a significantly lower risk of early death, regardless of their genetic risk.

The study's lead author, Dr. Xue Li, noted that the findings suggest that a healthy lifestyle can "substantially attenuate the lifespan reduction for individuals with genetic susceptibility to a shorter lifespan." In other words, even if an individual has a genetic predisposition to a shorter lifespan, a healthy lifestyle can help to counteract that risk.

The study also found that individuals with both a genetic risk for a short lifespan and an unhealthy lifestyle were twice as likely to die early as those without genetic risk and healthier lifestyles. This suggests that a healthy lifestyle is particularly important for individuals who are at higher genetic risk.

The researchers identified four key lifestyle factors that were associated with the biggest impact on risk of early death. These were:

• No current smoking
• Regular physical activity (defined as at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and two days of strength training per week)
• Adequate sleep duration (defined as seven to eight hours per night)
• A healthy diet (defined as a Mediterranean-style diet that focuses on plant-based cooking, whole grains, and healthy fats)

The study's findings suggest that making healthy lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on an individual's risk of early death. While genetics can play a role in lifespan, a healthy lifestyle can help to counteract that risk.

So, what can individuals do to build a healthier lifestyle? Here are a few tips:

• Quit smoking: There are many resources available to help individuals quit smoking, including phone helplines, apps, and support groups.
• Get moving: Regular physical activity can be as simple as taking a daily walk or jog, or incorporating strength training into your routine.
• Get enough sleep: Establish a sleep routine, avoid electronics before bedtime, and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on plant-based cooking, whole grains, and healthy fats, and limit your intake of red meat and processed foods.

By making these healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of early death, regardless of their genetic risk.