Chronic Diseases
Every day, the world faces a growing number of medical issues caused by chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and chronic kidney disease. Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that cannot be completely cured, but their progression can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices and effective medical treatment. Failing to maintain a balanced lifestyle may lead to serious health consequences. As unhealthy diet is a common contributor to these health complications, ONAHN MICHELLE® helps people to improve their quality of life by providing healthy nutrition advice. It delivers personalized insights, health monitoring, and nutrition guidance through an intuitive, voice-enabled interface.
Heart Disease and high blood pressure
The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood to the whole body. It delivers nutrients and oxygen to all organs and tissues through blood vessels. As the central organ of the circulatory system, the heart is essential to the function of all other organs. When the heart is compromised, it can result in widespread complications throughout the body. Patients with chronic heart disease are particularly sensitive to harmful nutritional components that can disturb the blood circulation and heart health.
To maintain a heart-healthy diet, individuals with chronic heart disease should avoid:
- Saturated fats (found in high-fat meats, full-fat dairy products, and coconut oil)
- Trans fats (found in cakes and cookies made with hydrogenated oil, fried foods, and margarine)
- High-salt foods
- Products with added sugars
- Refined carbohydrates (found in white bread, white rice, and pastries).
On the other hand, patients should consume foods that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, potassium and low in calories to help maintain lower blood pressure. For example, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and arugula, along with broccoli, carrots, and bananas, are high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Patients can also include lean protein sources like skinless chicken, tofu, and fish. Additionally, they should replace saturated fats with healthier unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and seeds.
Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease that can invade nearly any organ in the human body. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and begin to replace normal, healthy cells. Many factors can accelerate the spread of cancer cells within the body, including poor nutrition and a weakened immune system, which may contribute to the progression to more advanced stages of the disease.
To support treatment and improve overall outcomes, cancer patients are often advised to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Certain dietary components are known to promote cancer cell growth and should be limited or avoided. These include:
- High blood sugar
- Refined carbohydrates
- Processed meat
- Trans fats (found in cakes and cookies made with hydrogenated oil, fried foods, and margarine)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Indeed, patients need to maintain their strength and support their immune system. To do so, they should consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants — including berries, leafy greens, carrots, and tomatoes. In addition, whole grains such as oats and brown rice, along with lean protein sources like eggs and beans, can help boost immunity and sustain energy levels.
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs)
The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system; they are essential for breathing and gas exchange. The lungs supply oxygen to organs and tissues, helping them function properly. They also remove carbon dioxide from the blood and expel it from the body, a process that eliminates waste from the system. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are long-term conditions that affect the airways and lung health, causing breathing difficulties and low oxygen levels as they progress. Common types of CRDs include: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, and Pulmonary Fibrosis.
A major contributor to disease progression is increased inflammation and mucus secretion in the airways. To prevent further health complications, patients should avoid smoking and exposure to air pollution. Additionally, certain foods can increase inflammation and trigger excess mucus production, which may worsen respiratory symptoms.
Nutrients and foods that should be avoided include:
- Meats high in nitrates (such as Bacon, Ham, hot dogs, and deli meats)
- Fried foods
- Fast food
- Cream soups (high salt content)
- Carbonated beverages (Soda)
- Dairy products (Milk, cheese, etc.)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
In contrast, proper nutrition helps maintain lung function, improve breathing, and reduce inflammation. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and antioxidants—such as leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, and apples—are excellent choices. Healthy fats like avocados and olive oil also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Finally, patients should drink plenty of fluids and stay well-hydrated to prevent thick mucus buildup and support respiratory health.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
The kidneys are essential organs of the urinary system; they play a key role in filtering blood and removing waste from the body through urine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys gradually lose function over time, often because of other chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
To slow the progression of kidney dysfunction, patients should limit certain nutrients that healthy kidneys normally filter out. These include:
- Salt (sodium)
- Potassium (found in bananas, oranges, tomatoes, etc.)
- Phosphorus (found in processed meats, dairy products, and nuts)
- Excessive quantity of proteins
- Excessive fluid intake
Alternatively, patients with CKD can intake anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium and phosphorus, such as cabbage, cauliflower, apples, and grapes. In addition, a moderate intake of lean proteins (found in eggs, tofu, and white fish) and healthy fats (such as olive oil) can help control inflammation and reduce stress on the kidneys.
